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Puberty & Life Transitions

*Puberty Resources for Developmental Disabilities

Children with autism or other developmental disabilities may require extra time to learn and prepare for the physical, social, and emotional changes that occur during puberty. Being proactive in these discussions can decrease the likelihood of inappropriate sexual expression, increase safety, and help children foster a healthy relationship with their bodies. Use the free, downloadable toolkits below to get started.

Alpha Group

Provides vocational and supportive services for individuals with disabilities. Services are available in Ashland, Crawford, Delaware, Franklin, Huron, Knox, Licking, Marion, Morrow, Richland, Union, Wayne, and Wyandot counties. Workforce development services include vocational habilitation, job coaching, and additional employment supports. Employment supports for high schoolers include Project SEARCH, summer youth employment, and pre-employment transition services. They also offer integrate adult day services, supportive living, and community living. Transportation services are available for non-medical trips originating in Delaware county for a fee.

  • Delaware: 1000 Alpha Drive, Delaware, Ohio 43015
  • Dublin: 5043 Tuttle Crossing Boulevard, Dublin Ohio 43017
  • Westerville: 200 Hoff Road, Westerville, Ohio 43082

(740) 368-5810
alphagroup.net

Aspirations Ohio

Serves: Adolescents and adults 15-30 years with Level 1 autism spectrum disorder and their families
A group-based social skills and support program for teens and young adults with autism. The facilitated group engages in discussion and activities focused on understanding autism, building social skills, employment goals, and problem solving. The Parent and Caregiver group covers autism, financial benefits, local and state resources, educational supports, and more. Groups run for 12 weeks. After completing the 12-week program, participants and their families are invited to continue their involvement through a variety of community events. They also offer enrichment groups for DBT therapy skills, relational and sexual health, and self-advocacy. Groups are Fee for Service programs. Board of Developmental Disabilities reimbursement may be available. Financial aid is available on an as-needed basis. Visit the website for program schedules and application details.
The Ohio State University Nisonger Center: 1581 Dodd Drive, Columbus, Ohio 43210
(614) 366-3276
nisonger.osu.edu/adolescent/adolescent-clinics-services/aspirations-ohio-2

Disability Rights Ohio

Advocates for people with disabilities in Ohio. Their website has helpful resources on education, employment, abuse, neglect and exploitation, benefits, voting, and more. Rise Up is a youth advocacy guide with resources for transitioning into adulthood. Most of their resources are available in multiple languages, including Spanish and Somali. Complete the online intake form to request legal help.
200 Civic Center Drive, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 466-7264 or (800) 282-9181
Rise Up guides: DisabilityRightsOhio.org/RiseUp
Intake Form: DisabilityRightsOhio.org/Intake-Form
DisabilityRightsOhio.org

Finding an Adult Doctor in Columbus

Most pediatricians, including Nationwide Children’s Primary Care, see patients from birth to age 21. Once you turn 21, it will be time to transition to seeing a doctor who treats adults. Below are major Primary Care offices in the Columbus area. Their websites have tools for you to browse providers accepting new patients, find locations near you, and request an appointment online. You can also call a clinic location or central scheduling line for help.

Find additional transition resources on our website here:

Mettle Services

Program: Specialized education and comprehensive support services for students with autism spectrum disorder, emotional and behavioral disorders, and other academic challenges. Services include school day education, case management, speech therapy, occupational therapy, individual and group counseling, anger management, life skills, and transition to adult support.
Eligibility: Ages 6-22 with Autism diagnosis.
Cost: Accepts and assists with applications for Autism and Jon Peterson Scholarship funds. Accepts all commercial insurance and Medicaid for therapeutic services.
Referral: Families may contact the organization directly.
4661 Sawmill Road, Columbus, Ohio 43220
(614) 270-3110
mettleservices.com

Monarch Center for Autism

Serves: Ages 3+with Autism in Cleveland, Ohio.
Provides an array of residential, early childhood, educational, transition, pre-vocational, adult, and community programs for individuals with Autism. Education programs include preschool, day school, and high school for ages 5-21 years. They also offer transition education for ages 14-21 to make the transition from adolescence to adulthood. Therapeutic services include speech therapy, occupational therapy, ABA/behavior intervention, and art, music, and recreational therapy. The Monarch Boarding Academy is a residential treatment program providing 24-hour structured care and treatment to enhance social, behavioral and academic growth for residents ages 8-20. The Wuliger Wellness Center offers well child visits, dental care, and patient navigation services in a setting designed to accommodate sensory needs. The Monarch website also has helpful resources such as printable visual schedules and social stories, educational webinars, and helpful articles.
22001 Fairmount Boulevard, Cleveland, Ohio 44118
(216) 320-8945 or (216) 320-8502
monarchcenterforautism.org

Nationwide Children’s Hospital (NCH) Transitional Care

Teenagers face many confusing life transitions, including transitioning from pediatric care to adult healthcare. This transition is especially important for individuals with chronic health conditions. NCH has several programs to support families with transitional care:

 

Nemours KidsHealth and TeensHealth

These websites offer important health information for kids, teens, and their parents from health experts. Kids can find fun videos on how the body works and approachable answers to questions like, how do casts work? The teen website covers topics like depression, sexual health, smoking, coping with cliques, binge drinking, body image and much more. Parents can find medically-reviewed articles on how vaccines work, how to choose a car seat, developmental milestones, supporting kids’ emotional wellbeing, healthy eating, and more. Educators can also find free health-related lesson plans for PreK-12.
Kids: kidshealth.org/en/kids
Teens: kidshealth.org/en/teens
Parents: kidshealth.org/en/parents
Educators: kidshealth.org/classroom

Nisonger Center at The Ohio State University (OSU)

Serves: Infants, school-aged children, teens, and adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities. 
The Nisonger Center has a variety of programs for individuals with developmental disabilities, including Down syndrome and autism spectrum disorders. Services include developmental/diagnostic evaluations, clinical support services, specialized dental programs, inclusive childcare and early childhood education, social programs for teens, TOPS post-secondary education and transitional skills program for adult students at OSU, psychiatric services, and more. They also host Next Chapter Book Club. They accept all major insurances, Medicaid, Board of DD Waivers, and offer a sliding scale for payment. Scholarships and fee arrangements are available for some programs. Contact the center for program details and eligibility.
1581 Dodd Drive, Columbus, Ohio 43210
Administration: (614) 685-3192
nisonger.osu.edu

Ohio Center for Autism & Low Incidence (OCALI)

Operates through the Educational Service Center of Central Ohio to promote access for people with disabilities. They connect individuals with disabilities to community resources, advocate for inclusive public policy, and provide training opportunities for professionals. Resources are organized into centers designed for specific needs, including the Autism Center, Outreach Center for Deafness and Blindness, Lifespan Transitions, Assistive Technology, Teaching Diverse Learners, Family and Community Outreach, and Young Child Center. The Autism Parent Guide includes topics such as screening and diagnosis, accessing educational services, and future planning. Their website has many helpful resources for families and professionals.
470 Glenmont Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43214
(614) 410-0321
OCALI Contact Directory: ocali.org/project/learn_about_OCALI/page/contact_OCALI
ocali.org

The Ohio State University (OSU) Center for Autism Services & Transition (CAST)

Serves: Transition-age-youth and Adults with autism ages 18-35.
Offers clinical services for patients with autism to access comprehensive care for complex health care needs. Services include primary care with experienced physicians, medical assistants, nurses and social workers, clinical pharmacy consultation for medication questions and medication monitoring, in-office lab, procedural care, and help transitioning to adult services. The CAST program is offered at the locations listed below. Call the referral line and ask to establish with CAST to get started.

  • OSU Internal Medicine & Pediatrics Hilliard: 3691 Ridge Mill Drive, Hilliard, Ohio 43026
  • Primary Care New Albany: 6100 North Hamilton Road, Westerville, Ohio 43081
  • Outpatient Care Lewis Center: 6515 Pullman Drive, Lewis Center, Ohio 43035
  • Grandview Internal Medicine & Pediatrics: 895 Yard Street, Grandview Heights, Ohio 43212

Referral line: (614) 688-9220
wexnermedical.osu.edu/primary-care/adult-autism-center

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