A Better Way Is Possible
If your autistic emerging adult is stuck-avoiding demands, disconnected from goals, and refusing your help-you're not alone. Parent and founder of Thrive Autism Coaching Patty Laushman has helped hundreds of families-and her own son-move from shutdown and burnout to a thriving, self-directed life.
Progress is possible, and Parenting for Independence is designed for parents of autistic emerging adults who appear stuck, unmotivated, or unwilling to launch into adult life, including those with the PDA profile. With practical strategies, neuroscience-informed insights, and a clear roadmap, Laushman equips parents to move from frustration and disempowerment to clarity and confidence.
In this accessible guide, Laushman introduces her evidence-informed, compassion-centered SBN(TM) parenting framework, a structured approach to activating intrinsic motivation, supporting autonomy, and building momentum toward your individual child's optimal level of independence and positive interdependence. With it, you'll acquire a toolbox of skills to help your autistic emerging adult gain momentum, even if they struggle with demand avoidance.
This book isn't just about parenting techniques-it's about restoring hope. Strengthening your relationship with your emerging adult, protecting your own energy and well-being, and helping your child live their best life is possible, and that work starts now.
Laushman, Patty: - Patty Laushman is an author, speaker, educator, and coach who specializes in supporting neurodivergent individuals and the families who love them. With both personal and professional experience, she deeply understands the challenges of being neurodivergent in a world designed for those who are more neurotypical-and the transformative power of the right kind of support.She is the founder and head coach at Thrive Autism Coaching, where she and her team help neurodivergent teens and adults, as well as their parents, build the skills and confidence needed to thrive.Patty developed the SBN(TM) parenting framework, a step-by-step system that teaches parents how to use support, boundaries, and nudges to help their autistic emerging adults reclaim motivation, build momentum, and move toward more meaningful lives on their own terms.Through her Parenting for Independence group coaching program, Patty has guided hundreds of families through this unexpected stage of parenting, helping them rebuild trust, strengthen relationships, and finally start seeing progress. Her compassionate, neurodiversity-affirming approach has been described by clients as "the only thing that has ever worked for us."She lives with her husband, son, and golden retriever in the Denver/Boulder metro area. When she's not coaching or writing, you'll find her hiking, camping, headbanging to heavy metal, or devouring medical or crime dramas.
