Susan W. White
Abstract This chapter explores how young autistic adults (YAAs) actively balance independence and support through a process called gap analysis, which identifies the distance between their current abilities and future independence goals. It defines objectives for developing age-appropriate skills, emphasizes incremental progress, and outlines strategies for mastering essential behaviors while recognizing that everyone needs support at times. The chapter guides YAAs to revisit their goals, identify specific skills or behaviors to strengthen, and celebrate progress along the way. It instructs supporters to reinforce steady effort, review Handout 11.3: Resources for Autistic Adults, and use visual tools such as “bridging a skills gap” to make growth tangible while sharing personal experiences of skill-building to inspire persistence. Finally, the chapter underscores that independence arises not from working alone but from learning to seek and use support effectively in the pursuit of self-sufficiency.