Autistic Adults Deserve Support Too: Real Resources That Actually Help

 

You or your child just got a diagnosis of autism––now what?!  Unlike ADHD, finding the right amount of help for individuals with autism is next to impossible ESPECIALLY for adults.  Most autism services cut off for people who are around 18-years or older.  Just because someone turns 18, doesn't mean there shouldn't be any resources at all for them.  

I'm 27 years old right now, diagnosed officially with autism at 18 years old, and discovered my autism at about 24/25 years old.  By the time I needed services, I ended up being "too old" for most services.  I live about 45-minutes south of Salt Lake City, Utah.  I got my bachelors degree at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah.  I've used Vocational Rehabilitation Services (aka Department of Workforce Services) for about 7-8 years now.  They provide employment services for individuals with any kind of disability.  This is a great resource to keep in mind as they will help with getting you or your adult child job-ready.  They can be a hit or miss depending on your counselor, but once you're in, they CAN help you as much as they can.  (You shouldn't rely on them fully, but they can connect you with some services that they see fit and can sometimes pay for those services.) With the help of Vocational Rehab, I was able to find a service for adults on the spectrum at UVU.  If you live in the Utah Valley area, I HIGHLY recommend looking into UVU Autism Center's Personal Empowerment Passages Program.  I started taking classes February 2023 and have seen so much growth over the past 2.5 years while being in the program.  One of my good friends is a teacher there and will hit his year mark of being a teacher pretty soon.  One of my friends has shown a lot of growth with doing the program.  She was SUPER shy when I first met her and struggled to advocate for herself.  Now, she's a whole different person and I'm so proud of her.  

Click the link to head to UVU's Autism Center main page.

Click the following link to head to Melisa Nellessen Center for Autism: Passages Program.  

The following video is also another resource for adults with autism in Utah Valley area.  When I am looking to recommend services to adults who are on the spectrum who've: never lived independently on their own and/or are struggling with that transition from high school to adulthood, I recommend ScenicView Academy which is a transitional non-profit school program for adults with autism and other intellectual disabilities.  

Scenic View also hosts a once a year event called AutCon.  It is an autism convention held for autistic adults.  It usually takes place in the month of May and goes on for 2 days.  In October 2025, Salt Lake Valley| Columbus/NextWork Autism Academy will be holding a one-day AutCon.  This'll be the first AutCon in Salt Lake City.  (I will talk AutCon more later on)

If this is your first time being in the autism community and you're looking for resources, I would ask around.  I would also say, if you or your child CAN hold a job, advocate for some optional accommodations just in case you or them cannot function one day.

There should be more services for autistic adults. It sucks!

I've provided some trustworthy resources and recommendations for adults with autism.

Let's continue advocating for autism so we can get more resources and services out there!!







I will say this, my advice, if you are low/mid-support needs (can somewhat communicate), FORM A COMMUNITY OR BE A PART OF ONE!!  Sometimes all we need with our autism is to find people who are autistic or neurodiverse who can support us.  By doing this, we can learn how to socialize and communicate our needs to the best of our abilities.  Surrounding yourself with people who can compliment your autism and even teach you some social skills can naturally teach you what some services teach too.  Also, if it gets hard, I would recommend a neurodiverse-friendly therapist.  This person can provide a level of support and can help you or your child to navigate some social hurdles and mazes.  

(IN SUMMARY) If You’re Just Starting, Here is My Advice:

  • Ask around your local autism community knows what works.

  • If you/your child can hold a job, advocate for some flexibility before you burn out.

  • You don’t have to do this alone. Find a community of autistic or neurodivergent peers.

  • A neurodiverse-friendly therapist can help with social stuff and mental health.



📘 FREE RESOURCE: Organization for Autism Research| FREE HANDBOOK FOR ADULTS is a GREAT resource! 10/10 would recommend. It’s totally free to download and packed with useful info!

It can be hard to find the right services for adults with autism, but if you find the right kind for you or your child, it will do wonders!! But when you do find the right one—it can make all the difference. Let's keep fighting for the support, respect, and space autistic adults deserve.

If you liked this blog post, comment, share, etc. Have any comments, questions, etc.? Reach out to me by messaging me on instagram @agirllivingwithaudhd or email me alyssa.onthespectrum@gmail.com.  

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