My guest for this conversation is Dr. Gwen Palafox, a psychologist who has been supporting disabled and neurodivergent young adults in the transition to adulthood for more than twenty years. I brought Gwen on the show to talk about helping our teens and young adults “launch” into adulthood, specifically how to prepare for and help them acquire the skills and support that would help them move into the version of independent living that’s right for them. In our conversation, we looked at some of the common challenges neurodivergent teens face in the transition to adulthood, how we can navigate systems and conversations with our kids to help them feel empowered and capable and have agency, and how to respond to our own concerns and fears about what comes next.
Dr. Gwen Palafox is a licensed psychologist who has been actively (and obsessively) supporting disabled and neurodivergent individuals for over two decades. She’s known to be laser-focused on taking the guesswork out of adult preparedness, helping teens and young adults find their most fulfilled and joyful lives. She is honored to be a part of the lives of her wonderfully complex, unique, and awesome clients and their families.
Things you’ll learn from this episode
The underlying philosophy for the way Gwen supports young adults
The critical skills neurodivergent young adults need in order to launch successfully
Examples of replacing automated support aids with self-management systems as a way to gain independence
The power in engaging teens in small, daily chores as a way to shift responsibility and build skills
How parents can support teens who are feeling scared and anxious about leaving home, especially in times of Covid
The common challenges neurodivergent teens face when transitioning into adulthood
How Gwen’s Bright Life System helps pinpoint the skills teens need to work on before leaving the school system
Resources mentioned for a Neurodivergent Transition to Adulthood
Dr. Gwen’s Meaningful Growth website
Dr. Gwen’s YouTube Channel
Dr. Gwen on Instagram
Devon Price on Instagram
The Bright Life System (use code TILT15 to get a 15 percent discount off this course)
The Help Group (Sherman Oaks)
Adulting Made Easy: Things Someone Should Have Told You About Getting Your Grown-Up Act Together by Amanda Morin
SEL Framework
For more info, visit: https://www.tiltparenting.com/session295
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TPP 295: Dr. Gwen Palafox on Supporting and Empowering Neurodivergent Young Adults in the Transitions to Adulthood | TILT Parenting: Strategies, Insights, and Connection for Parents Raising Neurodivergent Children podcast - Listen or read transcript on Metacast
