When families begin thinking about life after high school, the conversation often centers on what comes next—college, work, or adult programs.

In this presentation, we’ll talk about what really helps neurodivergent young adults build fulfilling, self-directed adult lives. Together, we’ll explore how employment, independent-living skills, and social competencies all work together to support long-term well-being, confidence, mental health, and a sense of belonging in the community. We’ll break these components down in family-friendly language and discuss practical ways you can help your teen start building these skills now—at home, at school, and in everyday life.

Families will leave with a clearer picture of what matters most during the transition years, what skills truly open doors, and how you can partner with your young adult to create a future that feels meaningful, realistic, and truly fulfilling.

Presenter: Stefanie Mitchell
Stefanie Mitchell has over 20 years of experience supporting autistic individuals and their families across educational, clinical, and community settings. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Massachusetts Amherst and a master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis from Northeastern University, and is a licensed behavior analyst. Stefanie has taught at the graduate level, presented nationally and internationally, and contributed to research through the National Autism Center’s National Standards Project. As the co-founder and Executive Director of Run the Gamut, a Boston-based nonprofit transition program, she brings a deep understanding of the transition to adulthood and works closely with young adults and families to build meaningful paths toward independence, employment, and community belonging.