Transitional Living for Young Adults with ASD

Young Adults with ASD

Tools for Autism Spectrum Disorder

Neurodivergence-Affirming Support for Independent Living

The journey to independence looks different for every young adult—and especially those with neurodivergence. At Cornerstones of Maine, we recognize and celebrate these differences through our Rubedo program: a specialized track within our community that provides neurodivergence-affirming support and transitional living for young adults on the autism spectrum.

For many autistic young adults, traditional treatment approaches have focused more on "fixing" differences than building on unique strengths. Rubedo takes a different approach, recognizing that autism isn't something to be cured, but rather a different way of experiencing and interacting with the world—one with distinct advantages as well as challenges.

Autism in Young Adulthood

Autism spectrum differences often present unique obstacles during the transition to adulthood. Many young adults with ASD are skilled in specific areas, but experience difficulties with navigating social norms, managing sensory sensitivities, handling transitions, and executive functioning. These challenges aren't due to a lack of intelligence or motivation. In fact, many of our Rubedo clients are highly intelligent and deeply desire to have independent lives. They just need support to get there.

For many, finding a supportive community and meaningful relationships can be particularly difficult. Self-advocacy at school, work, or with medical providers often requires specific coaching and practice.Common tasks that might seem straightforward to neurotypical young adults can be challenging when paired with executive functioning differences or sensory sensitivities.

The Rubedo Program: A Specialized Path to Independence

Rubedo is a specialized transitional living track of the Cornerstones of Maine continuum of care. Young adults in Rubedo live in our dedicated neurodivergence-affirming transitional living residence while participating in the greater Portland community. They receive specialized support, but are integrated into the larger Cornertones family.

What Makes Rubedo Different

Rubedo is one of one—a program with distinctive differences from traditional autism support programs.

Neurodivergence-Affirming Philosophy

Rather than focusing on "normalizing" autistic traits, we celebrate them. We create spaces that seamlessly accommodate sensory needs, like the sensory room in our residence. We help clients develop authentic social skills so they can stop masking. Our approach finds adaptations that work with rather than against natural tendencies, celebrating neurodivergence for the gift that it can be. This affirming approach helps young adults develop genuine self-esteem and confidence.

Specialized Residence for ASD

Our Rubedo residence is specifically designed to support neurodivergent young adults. We've created sensory-friendly environments with attention to lighting, acoustics, and textures. Bedrooms can be personalized to individual needs, while structured common areas balance community and space for self-care. The residence features reduced social density compared to our standard residences and includes a dedicated Sensory Room for regulation and exploration. Visual supports and organizational systems throughout the space reduce cognitive load and create predictability.

Specialized Clinical Support for ASD

Rubedo clients work with clinicians who have specific expertise in supporting neurodivergent young adults. Our team includes therapists specializing in autism-specific approaches and on-site occupational therapists with sensory integration expertise. Executive function coaches understand neurodivergent processing patterns, while our social skills facilitators value authentic connection over performance. Our psychiatric providers have experience with ASD-specific medication considerations, if needed. This team of experts deeply understands how autism and young adult development overlap, providing support that's developmentally appropriate and neurodivergence-affirming.

The Neurodivergence-Affirming Experience

Sensory Integration and Self-Regulation

Many young adults with autism have significant sensory differences that can make daily life difficult. Our Rubedo program includes comprehensive sensory assessments to identify individual patterns and discover personalized regulation strategies. We make environmental modifications as needed while providing supported exposure to new sensory experiences.

Connecting with Autism

We focus on building meaningful connections through understanding the "why" behind social norms. Our approach identifies and builds on existing social strengths while creating opportunities for authentic connection around shared interests. Young adults develop self-advocacy skills for social situations and build relationships with both neurodivergent and neurotypical peers. We've found that when autistic young adults understand the purpose behind social expectations and can engage from a place of authenticity, they form more sustainable and meaningful relationships.

Executive Functioning Support for ASD

Many young adults with ASD struggle with planning, organization, time management, and other executive skills. Our Rubedo program provides individualized assessment of executive strengths and challenges to develop personalized systems. We use visual supports, organizational tools, and technology solutions tailored to each person's cognitive style. Regular coaching helps develop these skills in practical, real-world contexts.

Such coaching works best when it's integrated into daily life rather than taught abstractly. Our coaches work alongside young adults within the milieu as they manage their living spaces, academic responsibilities, and personal needs, providing in-the-moment support and strategy development.

Special Interest Development

Rather than viewing focused interests as restrictions, we recognize them as potential pathways to connection, purpose, and even career development. We work with clients to learn how to communicate about their interests in various contexts and use these interests as motivation for developing other skills. Finding balance while still honoring these important parts of their identity is a key component of our approach. Many of our most successful Rubedo graduates have found career paths that connect directly to their special interests, turning what was once seen as a limitation into a professional strength.

Educational and Vocational Support

Many young adults in our Rubedo program are working toward educational or vocational goals. As relevant, we provide assistance with college accommodations and disability services, executive functioning support for academic demands, and help clients develop appropriate course loads. We provide coaching for professor and peer interactions, along with strategies for managing sensory aspects of educational environments.

Vocationally, we assess interests and strengths to identify possible career paths. Job coaching and workplace accommodations help bridge the gap between abilities and expectations. We guide young adults through interview preparation, workplace communication, and decisions about disclosure and self-advocacy. Developing strategies for managing workplace sensory and social demands is essential for long-term success.

Family Collaboration

Parents and families are essential partners in supporting young adults with autism. Our program includes family education about neurodivergence-affirming approaches and guidance on shifting from management to supportive roles. Regular family therapy sessions with ASD-specialized clinicians help adjust relationship dynamics to support growing independence. We provide consultation on home environment and family interaction patterns, along with planning for appropriate levels of family support during and after the program.

This collaborative approach helps families develop new ways of supporting their young adults while fostering appropriate independence. We've found that family work is often crucial to successful transitions, as it helps create a consistent, supportive environment beyond our program.

A Stepping Stone to Genuine Independence

The goal of our Rubedo program isn't to change who our young adults are; it's to help them develop the skills, confidence, and community they need to live authentically independent lives that honor their neurodivergent identities. Success looks different for each Rubedo client. Some move on to independent apartments with minimal support. Others transition to college with appropriate accommodations. Some find meaningful work in fields related to their special interests. What these diverse outcomes share is increased self-knowledge, practical skills development, and the ability to self-advocate within a society that isn't always designed for neurodivergent minds. If your young adult is on the autism spectrum and struggling with the transition to independence, our Rubedo program might provide the specialized, affirming support they need to move forward. Contact our team today to learn more.