From education to employment and independence - Advocacy for Young Autistic Adults in Transition - with Carol Waldman

Dr. Inyang Takon and Carol Waldman discuss the critical gaps in support for autistic young adults transitioning from education to employment and independence, and how parent advocacy and legislation can help close them. Every parent of a neurodivergent child knows the dread of what's coming: the moment at eighteen when the services, the support structures, and the familiar systems suddenly fall away.  What happens next is often left to parents to figure out alone. In this episode, Dr. Inyang Takon speaks with Carol Waldman, founder of The Waldman Way and neurodiversity advocate, whose son Andrew was diagnosed with autism aged five. Carol takes us through 24 years of navigating IEPs, schools, therapies, setbacks, and ultimately, Andrew's graduation with honours from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.  Now she's turning that hard-won experience into legislation and resources for families who come after her. **KEY TAKEAWAYS:** - **The 'transition cliff' is real**: when young people with autism turn 18, many support services disappear almost overnight, leaving families to navigate adulthood largely alone. - **Early and consistent advocacy** through IEPs, meetings, and pushing for the right environment makes a measurable difference to long-term outcomes. - **Inclusion matters.** Keeping neurodivergent children involved in everyday social experiences - camps, travel, community life builds resilience and social capability over time. - **The employment gap** for autistic adults is a systemic failure, not a personal one. Legislation and employer education are essential levers for change. - Parents do not have to wait for systems to catch up. Carol's experience shows that community-building, resource creation, and advocacy can all happen at the same time. - **It is not as lonely as it once was.** Social media, podcasts like this one, and online communities have transformed what support is available to parents - but many still don't know where to look. - **Lived experience,** combined with professional or civic skills, is a powerful tool for advocacy. Carol's background in politics amplified what she could achieve for her son and others. **ABOUT CAROL WALDMAN:** Carol Waldman is a mother of three and the Founder of The Waldman Way, a platform supporting neurodivergent young adults as they navigate the transition from education to employment and independence. She helped pass neurodiversity hiring legislation through the San Diego County Board of Supervisors in 2022 and is an elected Executive Board Member and State Delegate to the California Democratic Party.  She is also writing her memoir about raising Andrew. **CONNECT WITH CAROL:** Website: https://www.thewaldmanway.org/ LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/carol-waldman-5b390618 Instagram: @thewaldmanway Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61583431180112 **ABOUT EARLY INTERVENTION MATTERS:** Hosted by Dr. Inyang Takon, Consultant Neurodevelopmental Paediatrician, UK. New episodes weekly. Support the show **Resources** Website: www.drtakon.com General Information for Parents www.school-doctor.com Questions? Email Us at [eim@drtakon.com](mailto:eim@drtakon.com) Connect on LinkedIn Subscribe to Ask a Developmental Paediatrician  Read our SUBSTACK Articles for Short Simple Smart tips for parents, health professionals  Guest enquiries: podcast@drtakon.com