On the Menninger Clinic’s Mind Dive podcast, we addressed the critical issue of neurodiverse children transitioning to adulthood without essential life skills, as explored in our book Spectrum of Independence, where we draw on our decades of experience to introduce task analysis—breaking down routines like toothbrushing into manageable steps—emphasizing early intervention to build independence starting at ages like seven, and offering practical, compassionate strategies to ensure progress is always possible, expanding opportunities for housing, employment, and community involvement for children with autism and intellectual disabilities.