Your teen is moving toward adulthood, but how do you support independence when readiness develops unevenly?
For parents of autistic and twice-exceptional (2e) adolescents, the transition from high school to young adulthood can feel overwhelming. The Breakaway: A Parent’s Guide to Transitioning the Autistic and Twice-Exceptional Adolescent Into Young Adulthood provides a clear, compassionate roadmap to help your family move from uncertainty to confidence.
Drawing on decades of experience working with neurodivergent teens and their families, Thomas W. Welch offers practical strategies for guiding your young adult toward greater independence, purpose, and self-advocacy.
Inside you’ll discover how to:
- Support level 1–2 autism and 2e teens through the crucial transition to adulthood.
- Build essential executive-function and daily living skills.
- Create individualized college, career, and employment plans that fit your teen’s strengths.
- Foster self-confidence, resilience, and meaningful independence.
- Match support, challenge, and responsibility to your young adult’s developmental readiness.
With relatable stories, planning tools, and actionable advice, The Breakaway bridges the gap between adolescence and adulthood for neurodivergent families. Whether your young adult is preparing for college, entering the workforce, or still building the consistency and self-management skills needed for greater independence, this guide equips you with insight and structure to support growth at a pace that can be sustained.
If you’re ready to help your autistic or twice-exceptional teen move toward adulthood with greater confidence, resilience, and direction, this is your guide to supporting a more successful transition into independent life.
A neurodivergent individual himself (Dyslexia, ADHD, 2e), Dr. Welch is a child and family clinical psychologist and leading expert in work with neurodiverse young people and their families. He specializes in work with those on the autism spectrum, and those identified as Twice Exceptional (2e). He is an owner of Humanex Academy, in Englewood, CO, a middle and high school dedicated to the growth and development of this population, and co-founder of College Coaching Advantage, an executive functioning coaching service for college age students. Through his additional roles as field instructor at the University of Denver's Graduate School of Professional Psychology, and psychologist in private practice, Dr. Welch is passionate about the training of young professionals who have a specific interest in neurological and behavioral issues.
Dr. Welch began his education at Texas A&M University with an undergraduate degree in psychology, and a minor in business management. Later, he completed a research focused Masters in Psychology at Mississippi State University, and both a clinically focused Masters of Arts and Doctorate of Psychology, at California School of Professional Psychology at Alliant International University. He completed his internship and post-doctoral fellowship training at Children's Medical Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
He currently lives with his family in the foothills of Denver Colorado where he enjoys skiing, hiking/camping, sailing, and long distance running.
