THINGS YOU MAY NOT HAVE CONSIDERED
Sometimes the missing option isn’t another treatment.
Start with what is hard right now. Explore medical questions, practical supports, purpose, connection and independence—then save useful possibilities to your plan.
Ideas, not recommendations. These are prompts for discovery. Medical questions belong with qualified clinicians, and a person’s own goals and preferences should lead the plan.
START HERE
They spend most days at home
The next step may be purpose, access or connection—not another treatment.
Supported employment
A job coach can help identify work that fits, prepare for interviews and support the person after hiring.
ExploreCommunity/day programs
A few structured days can add routine, outings, skills and peers.
ExploreVolunteering
Lower-pressure contribution can build routine, confidence and references.
ExploreRecreation & shared interests
Sports, art, gaming and clubs can create repeated contact around something enjoyable.
ExploreTransportation
Sometimes the real barrier is simply not being able to get places independently.
ExploreExecutive-function support
Starting, planning and transitions can block participation even when motivation is there.
ExploreSTART HERE
They want friends but don’t have a social circle
Social connection can be built through repeated, interest-based contact rather than generic social-skills practice alone.
Interest-based groups
Look for gaming, art, sports, volunteering, faith or hobby groups where conversation has a natural subject.
ExplorePeer programs
Best Buddies, autism adult groups and community programs can create regular opportunities to know the same people over time.
ExploreRecreation
Doing something together can be easier than being told to socialize.
ExploreDating & relationships
Adults may want support around relationships, boundaries and dating—not just friendship.
ExploreSTART HERE
Symptoms or functioning suddenly seem worse
A change in behavior or functioning can have more than one cause. This is a prompt for assessment, not diagnosis.
Sleep assessment
Poor sleep can worsen mood, attention, tics, irritability and executive function.
ExploreMedication review
Review benefits, side effects, interactions and recent changes across all medicines and supplements.
ExplorePhysical-health check
Pain, thyroid problems, anemia, infection, vision/hearing issues and other health problems can affect behavior and functioning.
ExploreCo-occurring conditions
Anxiety, depression, OCD, ADHD and other conditions may deserve their own assessment and care.
ExploreEnvironment & sensory load
Look for new demands, conflict, noise, schedule changes or overload.
ExploreSTART HERE
The caregiver is running out of capacity
Caregiver sustainability is part of the care plan—not an afterthought.
Companion / personal supports
Another trusted person can support outings, routines or daily living and reduce dependence on one caregiver.
ExploreBenefits and waiver navigation
Funding may exist for authorized supports, employment, transportation or day services.
ExploreBackup plan
Document routines, providers, medications, preferences and emergency contacts so care does not depend on one person’s memory.
ExploreCaregiver counseling / peer support
The caregiver may need their own clinical or peer support.
ExploreSTART HERE
Treatment feels stuck
Before assuming nothing works, check whether the treatment matches the actual problem and whether important basics are being missed.
Condition-specific therapy
ERP for OCD, CBIT for tics, CBT-I for insomnia and trauma-focused therapies are different from generic talk therapy.
ExploreSpecialist second opinion
Complex or co-occurring conditions can benefit from a clinician with specific expertise.
ExploreOutcome tracking
Define what improvement would actually look like and track it over time.
ExploreClinical trials / emerging options
When established care has been explored, research participation may be worth discussing with a specialist.
ExploreResearch advances
See what is changing while keeping preliminary findings separate from established care.
ExploreWant a more complete review?
The Opportunity Check walks through health, care, daily functioning, independence, purpose, connection, caregiver sustainability and research.
Take the Opportunity Check