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In this episode, Michelle sits down with young-adult consultant Joanna Lilley to talk about the moment so many parents fear: the 18th birthday. Joanna breaks down why turning 18 doesn’t magically make a child ready for adult life—and how families of complex and neurodivergent kids can create a calmer, more supported transition.

Joanna shares:

Why 18 feels so scary.
Parents worry they’ll suddenly lose all control and access. Joanna reframes the transition as a process—not a deadline.

A realistic “launch plan.”
Some 18-year-olds function like 15-year-olds, and that’s okay. Joanna helps families map out individualized paths: living at home longer, supportive housing, or step-by-step independence.

The power of the right team.
Conflicting providers can derail progress. Joanna explains how to build a collaborative team before 18—and ensure they’ll keep communicating after your child becomes a legal adult.

Her signature process.
From gathering IEPs, evaluations, and histories to creating a personalized “Who You Are / What You Need” roadmap, Joanna vets every provider before bringing them to the young adult.

A skill-building approach to adulthood.
Even when parents still hold most decisions, Joanna treats the young adult as the lead—using releases, interviews, and choices to build real adulting skills.

Quote to remember:

“Eighteen is a date—not a finish line. Adulthood gets to fit your child, not a checklist.”

If your child is close to adulthood—or nowhere near ready—Joanna’s message is grounding: there are many valid paths forward, and you don’t have to build that path alone.

Connect with Joanna

🔗Connect with Joanna

🌐Website: https://lilleyconsulting.com
📧Email: joanna@lilleyconsulting.com
💼LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joanna-lilley-ma-ncc-12546566/
📘Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LilleyConsultingLLC/
▶️YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LilleyConsulting/featured

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