Building your child’s independence one step at a time

Skills for life, strengthened by getting an early start and emphasizing consistent practice.

For parents of neurodiverse children, milestones that many families take for granted — like graduating from high school or college, getting a job, and eventually leaving the nest — may be fraught with uncertainty.

How can kids who need loads of support to get through the day ever learn to take care of themselves? This motivating, practical book gives worried parents concrete strategies for maximizing the independence of their child or teen with autism, intellectual disability, or other forms of neurodiversity. Exercises and downloadable worksheets are rooted in scientifically based behavioral principles and illustrated with vivid, relatable examples. By breaking down tasks like getting dressed, brushing teeth, and making a sandwich into manageable “micro steps,” parents learn to phase out assistance gradually and systematically as kids take ownership of their routines. Daily life skills truly can be improved with the right tools—and they are vital stepping stones for the challenges of adulthood.

Highlights

"The truth is that many students with disabilities graduate or age out of services and their only option is to continue living with their parents for the rest of their lives because they lack the skills to live independently. Many are completely disconnected from services, have no employment or place to go during the day, and very few if any social connections, community involvement, or hobbies. They graduate to their parents’ couch."
Excerpt from Chapter 1
“The ability to function independently is one of the most important skills a person can have.”
Excerpt from Chapter 2
“Planning for your child’s independence now is an excellent first step toward giving them the broadest range of choices in education, employment, living situation, relationships, and anything else you can think of.”
Excerpt from Chapter 1

Testimonials

“As a parent of three amazing children with autism spectrum disorder, I found this book very relatable, realistic, easy to follow, and an eye opener. Unlike other books on the same topic, it didn't leave me overwhelmed or confused! The authors write with a deep sense of empathy that truly shows their understanding of parents and kids. They masterfully explain how to guide children and organize their environment in a manner that sets them up for success and puts them on a path to becoming independent adults. The future seems a little less stressful and more achievable—for me, that is priceless.”
Rachel O.
Parent
Massapequa, NY
“I've often tried to teach my son an everyday routine and given up because I didn’t have the tools needed to succeed. This book has been tremendously useful to break down skills that may seem like second nature to typically developing children. So many of the scenarios made me stop and say, 'this is exactly what I needed!' I feel like I can breathe a little easier now. Sometimes it feels as though all the schooling, home therapy, and other therapy takes up a lot of our life, and we forget to stop and enjoy our child. That has changed after reading this book—it has lifted my spirits and given me hope.”
Erica K.
Parent
Levittown, NY
“As a parent of three amazing children with autism spectrum disorder, I found this book very relatable, realistic, easy to follow, and an eye opener. Unlike other books on the same topic, it didn't leave me overwhelmed or confused! The authors write with a deep sense of empathy that truly shows their understanding of parents and kids. They masterfully explain how to guide children and organize their environment in a manner that sets them up for success and puts them on a path to becoming independent adults. The future seems a little less stressful and more achievable—for me, that is priceless.”.
Jing Zhou, MS, BCBA
Founder, Alpine Academy
Oviedo, FL
“I love how straightforward and detailed this book is! It feels like the authors are having a conversation with you. The authors acknowledge that it will take work to teach your child daily life skills, but they also provide you with the exact steps needed to achieve your goals. This book has shifted my thinking and given me confidence. My daughter can now buckle her own seatbelt—a major accomplishment for us!”
Kathryn S.
Parent
Wantagh, NY
“I have worked with learners of all ages. What makes this book so special is its heart. It goes beyond just teaching basic tasks. It is a roadmap for creating lifelong learning experiences rooted in empathy, empowerment, and support. Whether you are just starting your journey or are looking for a fresh approach, this book needs to be part of your toolbox for helping your child build a joyful and independent life.”
Tara Karen, MSEd, BCBA, LBA
Director of Service Provision, Achieve Beyond Pediatric Therapy and Autism Services
Melville, NY
“This is a great resource for any parent, like myself, who sees a future for their neurodiverse child that includes independent living, but isn’t quite sure how to navigate the steps needed to prepare, support, and empower their child to thrive. I particularly enjoy the vignettes. They have the right level of detail and are varied enough to encompass different families' experiences. The suggested activities are well thought out and well presented.”
Bryan S.
Parent
Massapequa Park, NY
“The authors provide calm, pragmatic advice and give you a framework for proactively building your child's skills. I will recommend this book to all of the parents I work with.”
Sarah Hansen, PhD
Associate Professor of Special Education, Georgia State University
Atlanta, GA
“As a parent of three amazing children with autism spectrum disorder, I found this book very relatable, realistic, easy to follow, and an eye opener. Unlike other books on the same topic, it didn't leave me overwhelmed or confused! The authors write with a deep sense of empathy that truly shows their understanding of parents and kids. They masterfully explain how to guide children and organize their environment in a manner that sets them up for success and puts them on a path to becoming independent adults. The future seems a little less stressful and more achievable—for me, that is priceless.”
Rachel O.
Parent
Massapequa, NY
“I've often tried to teach my son an everyday routine and given up because I didn’t have the tools needed to succeed. This book has been tremendously useful to break down skills that may seem like second nature to typically developing children. So many of the scenarios made me stop and say, 'this is exactly what I needed!' I feel like I can breathe a little easier now. Sometimes it feels as though all the schooling, home therapy, and other therapy takes up a lot of our life, and we forget to stop and enjoy our child. That has changed after reading this book—it has lifted my spirits and given me hope.”
Erica K.
Parent
Levittown, NY
“As a parent of three amazing children with autism spectrum disorder, I found this book very relatable, realistic, easy to follow, and an eye opener. Unlike other books on the same topic, it didn't leave me overwhelmed or confused! The authors write with a deep sense of empathy that truly shows their understanding of parents and kids. They masterfully explain how to guide children and organize their environment in a manner that sets them up for success and puts them on a path to becoming independent adults. The future seems a little less stressful and more achievable—for me, that is priceless.”.
Jing Zhou, MS, BCBA
Founder, Alpine Academy
Oviedo, FL
“I love how straightforward and detailed this book is! It feels like the authors are having a conversation with you. The authors acknowledge that it will take work to teach your child daily life skills, but they also provide you with the exact steps needed to achieve your goals. This book has shifted my thinking and given me confidence. My daughter can now buckle her own seatbelt—a major accomplishment for us!”
Kathryn S.
Parent
Wantagh, NY
“I have worked with learners of all ages. What makes this book so special is its heart. It goes beyond just teaching basic tasks. It is a roadmap for creating lifelong learning experiences rooted in empathy, empowerment, and support. Whether you are just starting your journey or are looking for a fresh approach, this book needs to be part of your toolbox for helping your child build a joyful and independent life.”
Tara Karen, MSEd, BCBA, LBA
Director of Service Provision, Achieve Beyond Pediatric Therapy and Autism Services
Melville, NY
“This is a great resource for any parent, like myself, who sees a future for their neurodiverse child that includes independent living, but isn’t quite sure how to navigate the steps needed to prepare, support, and empower their child to thrive. I particularly enjoy the vignettes. They have the right level of detail and are varied enough to encompass different families' experiences. The suggested activities are well thought out and well presented.”
Bryan S.
Parent
Massapequa Park, NY
“The authors provide calm, pragmatic advice and give you a framework for proactively building your child's skills. I will recommend this book to all of the parents I work with.”
Sarah Hansen, PhD
Associate Professor of Special Education, Georgia State University
Atlanta, GA
“I've often tried to teach my son an everyday routine and given up because I didn’t have the tools needed to succeed. This book has been tremendously useful to break down skills that may seem like second nature to typically developing children. So many of the scenarios made me stop and say, 'this is exactly what I needed!' I feel like I can breathe a little easier now. Sometimes it feels as though all the schooling, home therapy, and other therapy takes up a lot of our life, and we forget to stop and enjoy our child. That has changed after reading this book—it has lifted my spirits and given me hope.”
Erica K.
Parent
Levittown, NY
“As a parent of three amazing children with autism spectrum disorder, I found this book very relatable, realistic, easy to follow, and an eye opener. Unlike other books on the same topic, it didn't leave me overwhelmed or confused! The authors write with a deep sense of empathy that truly shows their understanding of parents and kids. They masterfully explain how to guide children and organize their environment in a manner that sets them up for success and puts them on a path to becoming independent adults. The future seems a little less stressful and more achievable—for me, that is priceless.”.
Jing Zhou, MS, BCBA
Founder, Alpine Academy
Oviedo, FL
“I love how straightforward and detailed this book is! It feels like the authors are having a conversation with you. The authors acknowledge that it will take work to teach your child daily life skills, but they also provide you with the exact steps needed to achieve your goals. This book has shifted my thinking and given me confidence. My daughter can now buckle her own seatbelt—a major accomplishment for us!”
Kathryn S.
Parent
Wantagh, NY
“I love how straightforward and detailed this book is! It feels like the authors are having a conversation with you. The authors acknowledge that it will take work to teach your child daily life skills, but they also provide you with the exact steps needed to achieve your goals. This book has shifted my thinking and given me confidence. My daughter can now buckle her own seatbelt—a major accomplishment for us!”
Kathryn S.
Parent
Wantagh, NY
“I have worked with learners of all ages. What makes this book so special is its heart. It goes beyond just teaching basic tasks. It is a roadmap for creating lifelong learning experiences rooted in empathy, empowerment, and support. Whether you are just starting your journey or are looking for a fresh approach, this book needs to be part of your toolbox for helping your child build a joyful and independent life.”
Tara Karen, MSEd, BCBA, LBA
Director of Service Provision, Achieve Beyond Pediatric Therapy and Autism Services
Melville, NY
“This is a great resource for any parent, like myself, who sees a future for their neurodiverse child that includes independent living, but isn’t quite sure how to navigate the steps needed to prepare, support, and empower their child to thrive. I particularly enjoy the vignettes. They have the right level of detail and are varied enough to encompass different families' experiences. The suggested activities are well thought out and well presented.”
Bryan S.
Parent
Massapequa Park, NY
“The authors provide calm, pragmatic advice and give you a framework for proactively building your child's skills. I will recommend this book to all of the parents I work with.”
Sarah Hansen, PhD
Associate Professor of Special Education, Georgia State University
Atlanta, GA
“I've often tried to teach my son an everyday routine and given up because I didn’t have the tools needed to succeed. This book has been tremendously useful to break down skills that may seem like second nature to typically developing children. So many of the scenarios made me stop and say, 'this is exactly what I needed!' I feel like I can breathe a little easier now. Sometimes it feels as though all the schooling, home therapy, and other therapy takes up a lot of our life, and we forget to stop and enjoy our child. That has changed after reading this book—it has lifted my spirits and given me hope.”
Erica K.
Parent
Levittown, NY
“As a parent of three amazing children with autism spectrum disorder, I found this book very relatable, realistic, easy to follow, and an eye opener. Unlike other books on the same topic, it didn't leave me overwhelmed or confused! The authors write with a deep sense of empathy that truly shows their understanding of parents and kids. They masterfully explain how to guide children and organize their environment in a manner that sets them up for success and puts them on a path to becoming independent adults. The future seems a little less stressful and more achievable—for me, that is priceless.”.
Jing Zhou, MS, BCBA
Founder, Alpine Academy
Oviedo, FL
“I love how straightforward and detailed this book is! It feels like the authors are having a conversation with you. The authors acknowledge that it will take work to teach your child daily life skills, but they also provide you with the exact steps needed to achieve your goals. This book has shifted my thinking and given me confidence. My daughter can now buckle her own seatbelt—a major accomplishment for us!”
Kathryn S.
Parent
Wantagh, NY
“I love how straightforward and detailed this book is! It feels like the authors are having a conversation with you. The authors acknowledge that it will take work to teach your child daily life skills, but they also provide you with the exact steps needed to achieve your goals. This book has shifted my thinking and given me confidence. My daughter can now buckle her own seatbelt—a major accomplishment for us!”
Kathryn S.
Parent
Wantagh, NY
“I have worked with learners of all ages. What makes this book so special is its heart. It goes beyond just teaching basic tasks. It is a roadmap for creating lifelong learning experiences rooted in empathy, empowerment, and support. Whether you are just starting your journey or are looking for a fresh approach, this book needs to be part of your toolbox for helping your child build a joyful and independent life.”
Tara Karen, MSEd, BCBA, LBA
Director of Service Provision, Achieve Beyond Pediatric Therapy and Autism Services
Melville, NY
“This is a great resource for any parent, like myself, who sees a future for their neurodiverse child that includes independent living, but isn’t quite sure how to navigate the steps needed to prepare, support, and empower their child to thrive. I particularly enjoy the vignettes. They have the right level of detail and are varied enough to encompass different families' experiences. The suggested activities are well thought out and well presented.”
Bryan S.
Parent
Massapequa Park, NY
“The authors provide calm, pragmatic advice and give you a framework for proactively building your child's skills. I will recommend this book to all of the parents I work with.”
Sarah Hansen, PhD
Associate Professor of Special Education, Georgia State University
Atlanta, GA
“I've often tried to teach my son an everyday routine and given up because I didn’t have the tools needed to succeed. This book has been tremendously useful to break down skills that may seem like second nature to typically developing children. So many of the scenarios made me stop and say, 'this is exactly what I needed!' I feel like I can breathe a little easier now. Sometimes it feels as though all the schooling, home therapy, and other therapy takes up a lot of our life, and we forget to stop and enjoy our child. That has changed after reading this book—it has lifted my spirits and given me hope.”
Erica K.
Parent
Levittown, NY
“As a parent of three amazing children with autism spectrum disorder, I found this book very relatable, realistic, easy to follow, and an eye opener. Unlike other books on the same topic, it didn't leave me overwhelmed or confused! The authors write with a deep sense of empathy that truly shows their understanding of parents and kids. They masterfully explain how to guide children and organize their environment in a manner that sets them up for success and puts them on a path to becoming independent adults. The future seems a little less stressful and more achievable—for me, that is priceless.”.
Jing Zhou, MS, BCBA
Founder, Alpine Academy
Oviedo, FL
“I love how straightforward and detailed this book is! It feels like the authors are having a conversation with you. The authors acknowledge that it will take work to teach your child daily life skills, but they also provide you with the exact steps needed to achieve your goals. This book has shifted my thinking and given me confidence. My daughter can now buckle her own seatbelt—a major accomplishment for us!”
Kathryn S.
Parent
Wantagh, NY
“I love how straightforward and detailed this book is! It feels like the authors are having a conversation with you. The authors acknowledge that it will take work to teach your child daily life skills, but they also provide you with the exact steps needed to achieve your goals. This book has shifted my thinking and given me confidence. My daughter can now buckle her own seatbelt—a major accomplishment for us!”
Kathryn S.
Parent
Wantagh, NY
“I have worked with learners of all ages. What makes this book so special is its heart. It goes beyond just teaching basic tasks. It is a roadmap for creating lifelong learning experiences rooted in empathy, empowerment, and support. Whether you are just starting your journey or are looking for a fresh approach, this book needs to be part of your toolbox for helping your child build a joyful and independent life.”
Tara Karen, MSEd, BCBA, LBA
Director of Service Provision, Achieve Beyond Pediatric Therapy and Autism Services
Melville, NY
“This is a great resource for any parent, like myself, who sees a future for their neurodiverse child that includes independent living, but isn’t quite sure how to navigate the steps needed to prepare, support, and empower their child to thrive. I particularly enjoy the vignettes. They have the right level of detail and are varied enough to encompass different families' experiences. The suggested activities are well thought out and well presented.”
Bryan S.
Parent
Massapequa Park, NY
“The authors provide calm, pragmatic advice and give you a framework for proactively building your child's skills. I will recommend this book to all of the parents I work with.”
Sarah Hansen, PhD
Associate Professor of Special Education, Georgia State University
Atlanta, GA
“I've often tried to teach my son an everyday routine and given up because I didn’t have the tools needed to succeed. This book has been tremendously useful to break down skills that may seem like second nature to typically developing children. So many of the scenarios made me stop and say, 'this is exactly what I needed!' I feel like I can breathe a little easier now. Sometimes it feels as though all the schooling, home therapy, and other therapy takes up a lot of our life, and we forget to stop and enjoy our child. That has changed after reading this book—it has lifted my spirits and given me hope.”
Erica K.
Parent
Levittown, NY

Kristin Lombardi
MA, BCBA

Kristin Lombardi helps children and families prepare for independent living in her private practice in Locust Valley, New York. With a background in special education, psychology, and behavior analysis, she works with preschoolers through young adults with varying support needs.

Christine Drew
PhD, BCBA-D

Dr. Christine Drew is Assistant Professor of Special Education at Auburn University, where she teaches graduate and undergraduate courses and works with Auburn's inclusive higher education program for students with intellectual disability. Prior to becoming a professor, she ran a middle school behavior program.

Pre-order and start your child’s independence journey now!

Parents who want to support their neurodiverse child, we see you. We wrote this book for you. Support your child's self-help skills with the activities in this book. Spectrum of Independence is available for purchase in both hardcover and paperback.