Adulthood Begins in Preschool: Adaptive Skills for Autism with Peter Gerhardt and Shanna Bahry
Free Workshop
Increase Talking &
Decrease Tantrums
in Young Children with
Autism &/or Speech Delays
As a professional and parent advocate in the autism community, I’ve spent years working to empower families and practitioners. In this blog, I’m thrilled to share insights from my conversation with two extraordinary experts, Dr. Peter Gerhardt and Dr. Shanna Bahry on the importance of planning for life as an adult by focusing on adaptive skills even in the preschool years.
Together, we explore how to set meaningful goals, and teach adaptive skills for individuals with autism, starting as early as preschool, and how to prepare for a fulfilling adulthood.
Adaptive Skills
Adulthood Begins in Preschool: What Does This Mean?
Dr. Gerhardt introduced the idea that “adulthood starts in preschool.” For many parents, especially those managing the daily challenges of young children with autism, thinking about the future can feel overwhelming. But Peter emphasizes the importance of setting short-term, actionable goals that build the foundation for lifelong independence.
Whether it’s teaching a toddler to request their favorite snack using an AAC device or working toward toilet training, each skill contributes to long-term success. “We need to think ahead—even six months at a time,” Peter shared. “Teaching independence starts early.”
Even if a child is on par academically, they often lag behind in their adaptive skills and it is important to not just work towards furthering academic and language skills, but also adaptive skills to have a meaningful adulthood and if we wait until much later in a child’s life, it will impact which skills they will be able to learn successfully.
Double Digits: Time to Pivot
Dr. Bahry introduced a crucial turning point in a child’s development: age 10. At this stage, she encourages families and professionals to evaluate whether a child is on track academically or if it’s time to pivot toward adaptive skills.
These adaptive skills—like dressing, using the bathroom, or managing money—are critical for independence. Dr. Gerhardt reminded us that “adaptive skills will get you through times of no academic skills better than academic skills will get you through times of no adaptive skills.”
The Roll of Adaptive Skills in Independence
Adaptive skills aren’t just about self-care; they encompass communication, social interaction, and community engagement. For instance, Peter emphasized teaching individuals how to say “no” as a safety skill.
“We often teach compliance, but we need to ensure our learners can advocate for themselves,” he explained.
Shanna highlighted how these skills also reduce caregiver burden: “When a child learns to shower or brush their teeth independently, it improves not only their quality of life but the well-being of the whole family.
Balancing Academic and Adaptive Goals
Some parents may worry about balancing academic progress with life skills. Both experts stressed the importance of integrating these areas. Dr. Bahry said, “Even if a child is excelling academically, we must ensure they’re learning adaptive skills that are essential for adulthood.”
For children with intermediate learning needs, Shanna and I both recognize the complexity of programming. Teaching abstract language, for example, requires systematic approaches to avoid confusion and frustration. This is why individualized, evidence-based strategies are so important.
You can see the differences between a developmental and adaptive path here. Dr. Bahry recommended evaluating which path was most appropriate at age 10.
Developmental Path
- Focuses on achieving milestones that align with same-age peers.
- Aims to develop academic, social, and language skills to “catch up” with typically developing children.
- Prioritizes early intervention strategies and structured programs to accelerate progress.
- Best suited for younger children whose potential to meet developmental norms is still uncertain.
- Example: Teaching early language development, fine motor skills, and academic readiness.
Adaptive Path
- Focuses on teaching practical life skills necessary for independence and daily functioning.
- Emphasizes self-care, communication, and social skills for long-term independence.
- Often chosen for older children or when it becomes clear that catching up developmentally is unlikely.
- Prepares individuals for real-world tasks and adulthood, such as cooking, toileting, or managing money.
- Example: Teaching how to use public transportation, grocery shopping, or dressing independently.
Both paths are vital and can overlap, but the choice depends on the individual’s age, needs, and potential to integrate with peers versus their need for functional independence.
Practical Tools for Parents and Professionals
Shanna and Peter’s new book, Make It Meaningful, offers actionable tools for practitioners to create impactful programs for individuals with autism. From designing goals to engaging families, their approach emphasizes collaboration and forward-thinking.
On the parent side, Shanna’s course at Meaningful Hope provides families with resources to become empowered advocates. Similarly, my online courses help families and professionals teach skills like potty training, grooming, and abstract language.
Conclusion: Creating a Meaningful Future Together
My conversation with Peter and Shana reaffirmed my belief that empowering parents and professionals is the key to creating meaningful lives for individuals with autism. By focusing on safety, independence, and happiness, we can all contribute to better outcomes. Whether you’re a parent or practitioner, start small, think ahead, and remember: adulthood begins today.
To learn more, check out the resources below:
- Make It Meaningful by Dr. Peter Gerhardt and Dr. Shana Berry
- Meaningful Hope for parent and professional tools
- My online courses for comprehensive autism strategies
Let’s work together to create a brighter future for individuals with autism!
Top 5 FAQ on Adaptive Skills and Goals
Adulthood starts in preschool because foundational skills taught early, like communication, self-care, and independence, build the groundwork for a meaningful and functional life. Setting short-term goals with long-term vision ensures continuous progress toward independence.
This phrase, introduced by Dr. Shana Berry, emphasizes the importance of reevaluating a child’s developmental and adaptive needs around age 10. If the child is not on track to catch up with same-age peers academically, the focus should pivot toward teaching adaptive skills for future independence.
Adaptive skills are practical, daily life skills that enable independence, such as dressing, grooming, cooking, and communication. These skills are vital because they directly impact quality of life, reduce caregiver burden, and ensure individuals can function effectively in various settings.
Both academic and adaptive skills are essential and can be taught simultaneously. However, adaptive skills often require direct and systematic teaching as individuals with autism may not acquire them through observation. The balance depends on the child’s developmental stage and unique needs.
Resources like the book Make It Meaningful by Dr. Peter Gerhardt and Dr. Shanna Bahry, the Meaningful Hope website, and online courses offered by Dr. Mary Barbera provide practical tools and strategies for teaching both academic and adaptive skills across the lifespan.
Dr. Peter Gerhardt and Dr. Shanna Bahry on the Turn Autism Around Podcast
Dr. Peter Gerhardt and Dr. Shanna Bahry are behavior analysts with expertise in working with learners with autism spectrum and related disorders, specifically with preparing for the transition to adulthood. They have been working together for several years, starting first as doctoral advisor and advisee. They share a passion for helping practitioners Make it Meaningful when it comes to instruction that has long- term impact for the learners they serve.
Resources
- Workshops – Learn more about our online courses and resources with a free workshop
- Free autism digital assessment
- 5 Days to More Talking
- Meaningful Hope ABA
- Make it Meaningful Book
- Autism and IQ
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Free Workshop
Increase Talking &
Decrease Tantrums
in Young Children with
Autism &/or Speech Delays
