After high school, the goal is not simply to “go somewhere.” The goal is to choose a next step that is planned, accessible, and connected to a real future. This presentation will help parents think through college, work, supported adult programs, community college, trade pathways, and other options with a focus on independence, fit, and long-term employment.

We will talk about how neurodivergent young adults can build the skills, experience, confidence, and support systems they need to be successful after high school. The goal is not to make students become someone else, but to help them enter the next stage with a plan, a purpose, and a better chance of being understood.

In this presentation, we will cover:

• How to choose a next step that is planned, accessible, and connected to a goal
• The difference between college as a pathway and college as “somewhere to be”
• Community college as a flexible entry point into trades, certificates, transfer, or work
• When supported adult programs may be a better fit than traditional college
• Why preparation, experience, references, and support systems matter so much for neurodivergent young adults entering college or work

Presenter: Benjamin Kaupp is an instructor and program director at Foothill College, where he leads Tools for Transition & Work, a one-year transition program for neurodivergent young adults. His work focuses on disability, belonging, communication, self-advocacy, and helping students build practical pathways to independent adulthood. In addition to master’s degrees in pedagogy and curriculum development and in special education with a focus on autism spectrum disorder, he is a doctoral candidate at Johns Hopkins University, where his research explores neurodivergence, education, and how schools can better recognize different forms of communication and competence.

Please note: If you need Spanish interpretation to participate, we require you to indicate this on your registration at least 7 days prior to the training.

Please register in advance to receive the Zoom meeting link. To help protect the privacy and safety of participating families, registrations may be reviewed and approved manually before access is provided.

Zoom may also require you to sign in with a Zoom account, and some sessions may include a visible watermark. These added safety features help us maintain a more secure and confidential space for everyone.

Privacy Notice: To help maintain a safe and confidential space, recording, screenshots, photography, and the use of AI tools for recording or note-taking are not permitted. By registering, you agree to respect the privacy of all participants.

For any questions, concerns, or accommodation requests, please contact us at info@smcfrc.org or 650-259-0189.