Please address the issue of young adults with Aspergers and independent living. My son is in his early twenties - how does one work towards it?

It can be difficult to let go and allow your son with Asperger's independent living and complete freedom.  People with Asperger's Syndrome sometimes struggle in many areas that are necessary for independence.  Your son may have difficulty with social skills, organizational skills, and basic daily living skills, which all affect a person's well-being when living on his or her own.  It is understandable that you are concerned about your son's future.  You need a plan to help your son gain his independence. 

Planning for your Asperger's independent living should start at a young age where the necessary skills can be practiced in stages.  Planning early means, you can start with small steps that become more complex with time.  Even though your son is already a young adult, it is not too late to prepare him for his freedom.  Most likely, you have been practicing some of these skills unknowingly over the years.  Let's make a list of the areas that are most important for independence.

• Basic living skills include household chores, grocery shopping, paying bills and managing money.  He needs to know how to do these things, as well as how often.
• Personal hygiene is often unimportant to those with Asperger's Syndrome.  He should know the significance of cleanliness.
• Organizational skills affect every aspect of life.  These skills are not just lists and calendar skills, but also time management.
• Social skills are extremely important.  He will need the ability to interact with other people, professionally and personally.

Personal independence is possible for your adult son with Asperger's.  Independent livings skills can be achieved.  Form a daily schedule that covers an area in each skill topic.  For example, begin with organization since every part of independence is grounded in organization.  Attempt a new area of organization each day, finding tricks and tips to help.  Using written schedules and visual timers are good examples of organizational tools.  Continue on, adding new skills, showing him how to incorporate his newly learned skills in all areas. 

Teaching your son with Asperger's independent living skills will greatly enhance his life.  He will need to make a serious commitment, but with your encouragement, he can accomplish this goal.  Help your son practice these new skills often.  Before you know it, your son will have the basic skills he needs to be a successful and independent member of society.