What I already know

As I begin to research my topic of how high-functioning autistic (HFA) children can successfully transition into adulthood, I find there are some things I do know. Of course, my main concern is for my grandson. He is 9 years old and approaching the teen years where peer pressure can be tough. Many of the abilities that will help him entering adolescence may be the same skills that will help him as an adult. My grandson's last school evaluator rated him two points over the normal/spectrum scale. It gives me hope that with proper intervention, he will be able to live and function independently in society. I know that Eric is a smart boy, he is good at math and on the lower end of the reading scale; but is working on that. Some things that I know about HFA is that they are very focused on certain interests; sometimes to the exclusion of all else. Eric, for example, became very interested in butterflies when he was younger, maybe 6 or 7. He explained to me about the pulpa and chrysallis and I was amazed at his knowledge of the life cycle of the butterfly. Because of his interest, I bought him a butterfly lab or farm, or whatever it was called so he could raise butterflies from larva to butterfly. This seemed to give him focus and encourage an interest. I know that by encouraging an interest, it could help Eric as he gets older and begins to look at different life occupations that may fulfill him. I have read that some HFA have difficulties in interpersonal relationships, but are more focused on their vocations and are quite successful because of this concentration. So I know that some of the perceived weaknesses in interpersonal relationships can be strength in the job market. I also know that attention to detail, which is another trait of HFA could also help Eric in the job market by emphasizing quality of work he may be engaged in . I hope in doing research for this paper, I will be able to help Eric navigate the confusing, perplexing jumble that he will face in the adult world.