EP213: Life After 18: Unique Paths for Neurodivergent Young Adults

Listen to this episode from Parenting with Impact on Spotify. Not every young adult follows a path from point A to point B after high school, and that might be the key to growth. In this episode, we will explore how parents can support complex kids during one of life’s most uncertain transitions. From building trust to stepping back at the right time, this conversation challenges traditional ideas of success and opens the door to something more meaningful. What to expect in this episode:Why traditional post-high school paths don’t work for everyoneThe power of strengths-based reflection and active listeningReasons failure is a key part of development and how to reframe itWhat structured and unstructured gap years can actually teach your childThe parents’ role in shifting ownership while staying supportiveAbout Caitlin GarmanCaitlin is the director of admissions and outreach at BroadFutures, where she leads recruitment efforts and manages the admissions process for young neurodivergent interns. With a rich background in education and mental health, Caitlin has worked as a teacher, school social worker, clinical manager, and transition coordinator, including time with KIPP Charter Schools. She is deeply committed to helping young people with diverse learning needs access meaningful opportunities and build choice-filled lives. Caitlin holds a bachelor’s in Communications and Psychology from George Washington University and a master’s in Social Work from the University of Pennsylvania. Originally from Baltimore, she now lives in Northern Virginia with her husband and two children.Connect with Caitlin:Website: BroadFuturesLinkedIn: Caitlin GarmanRelated Links:Parenting Emerging Adultshttps://tinyurl.com/bdeswuc7Anxiety 101: Letting Go Of Expectationshttps://tinyurl.com/37tb6eheIf They Would Just ... Guiding Kids to Take Ownership of Their Own Agendahttps://tinyurl.com/4p3raazkHelping Young Adults Get Back on Trackhttps://tinyurl.com/447ek9fxMy Teen Is So Smart, but Is Not YET Ready For College interview with Judith Bass, CEPhttps://tinyurl.com/6uzhs48wGet your FREE copy of 12 Key Coaching Tools for Parents at https://impactparents.com/gift.Connect with Impact Parents:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/impactparentsFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/ImpactParentsLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/impactparentsSponsors "Cognitive Ergonomics from the Inside Out" – A New ADHD InterventionDo you recognize current ADHD interventions fall short? At DIG Coaching, we've developed a groundbreaking field of engineering called Cognitive Ergonomics from the Inside Out. Discover a fresh approach to ADHD care that looks beyond traditional methods.Learn more at www.cognitive-ergonomics.com