Q&A with Dr. Temple Grandin

This month, Dr. Temple Grandin answers questions about life skills and transitioning to adulthood.

Q Jane from Michigan asks, “How do you get a person to move to their own residence when they’re stuck in a routine and hate change? My 28-year-old son is capable but highly controlling. He has OCD with words and is nonsocial, along with his autism.

“As older parents, we want him settled. We would be happy to see him adjust to his new home with daily check-ins.

“County mental health has been working with us, as he can get aggressive. He would not be happy at a group home, and I foresee problems in that environment. We purchased a small home with very little upkeep for him and have gradually tried to get him comfortable there, but he keeps returning home afterward. Any suggestions would be appreciated.”

A This is a big problem, not transitioning to adulthood. I want to start with the chores for the kids “coming up the pipeline” right now. It’s what I call paper route substitutes.