~127~"Parenting Autistic Teens: Bridge the High‑School‑to‑Adult Gap – Insights with Susan Tatum"

www.cherylpankhurst.com #autism #autismteens #highschooltransition In this power‑packed conversation, host Cheryl sits down with Susan Tatem, CEO of Bright Path for Autism, best‑selling author, TV host, and autism advocate. Susan shares her hard‑won wisdom on the most daunting transition of all—high school graduation → adulthood for teens on the spectrum. Together they unpack: Why the “abyss” exists – the hidden developmental, social, and systemic hurdles that hit at age 17. Three must‑do actions for parents of 8th‑grade kids – a simple roadmap to start planning now. Real‑world strategies to build social connections, functional life‑skills, and employment pathways. The “Swiss‑cheese” model – customizing support plans that fit each child’s unique holes. How to locate & lock‑in scarce resources (special‑needs housing vouchers, community programs, volunteer hubs). Power of parent networking – why your next conversation could change your child’s future. Whether you’re a single parent, a caregiver, or a support‑worker, this episode gives you actionable steps you can put into motion today.