[RainbowSadness]

I'm a 17-year-old autistic kid. I'm scared to turn 18 next year because I don't feel ready. I can't even tie my shoes and my skills in concepts like cooking are very limited. I have trouble going into stores by myself because I'm kind of dependent and get too anxious.

My family isn't supportive of my social disability so I don't expect them to be emphatic when the time comes. Is there any places I can reach out to when I turn 18? I just don't think I'm going to be able to adjust that well I'm my own. I still have slightly over 10 months left before I'm 18 and I'm already stressing it to the max. I live in California if it matters. I would really appreciate any help on figuring this out. I'm worried.

[Skeezyks]

I'm sorry I don't really have a lot to offer with regard to your concern. However I noticed you had yet to receive replies to this post. So I thought I would write one.

I myself am an "adult" too many times over. No one really ever taught me how to do it either. I learned as I went along. (I'm still learning.) I think a lot of us do it that way... sink-or-swim... trial-&-error. Admittedly it's not the best way to do it. But it's the way it was (is) for many of us.

Here are links to 2 articles, from PC's archives, on the subject of "adulting". The first article is targeted at parents. However it may still be of some interest to you; plus both the first & the second articles provide links to & / or information on additional resources. The third link is to a Psych Central podcast on the subject of adulting:

Preparing Youth for a Smooth Transition into Adulthood

Are You Ready to 'Adult'?

Podcast: How to Make the Transition to Adulthood Easier

Im sorry you’re scared. I remember feeling the same way. I hope this helps...in my opinion life gets better the older I get. As I got older, I began to feel more sure of myself, more confident, more accepting. I am almost 50 now and life keeps getting better and better