The PASSAGE (Partnership with Autistics for Successfully Supporting Adult Goals and Experiences) Program at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) supports 16–25-year-old autistic individuals as they transition to adulthood. Younger teens (ages 14-15) may be eligible for PASSAGE in special cases.
PASSAGE brings together clinical care, research and education to help autistic teens and young adults build the skills they need to reach their goals. Our services include:
- Transition-focused assessments and goal setting
- First-time evaluations for older teens and young adults
- Short-term therapy focused on transition goals
- Psychiatry consultation
- Educational resources and workshops to support a successful transition to adulthood
How we serve you
The PASSAGE Program is uniquely designed to meet the needs of autistic teens and young adults, as well as individuals seeking a first-time autism evaluation. PASSAGE combines expert clinical care backed by rigorous research, as well as educational resources, to help autistic individuals advance toward their future goals.
Conditions we treat
The PASSAGE Program provides support for autistic teens and young adults, ages 16-25, with or without intellectual disability.
- Autism Spectrum Disorder
Why choose us
Our team specializes in helping autistic teens and young adults with all levels of need. We combine expert clinical care, robust research and hands-on family support all in one place.
Meet our team
Our multidisciplinary team includes experts in psychology, social work, psychiatry and occupational therapy. We're dedicated to helping autistic teens and young adults achieve a personally meaningful and higher-quality life.
PASSAGE Locations
Access the experts in PASSAGE at three locations.
Our research
Our research is quickly translatable into actionable steps that improve quality of life, including mental and physical well-being, support executive functioning, and increase independence for autistic teens and young adults.
Resources for families
It can be challenging to navigate the transition to adulthood and to identify community and government supports. Our resources can help.
What to expect
If you or your loved one already has an autism diagnosis:
You’ll begin with a social worker to identify goals for adulthood and determine next steps. This may include a transition assessment with a psychologist, a psychiatry consultation for medication guidance, or both. If recommended, these services typically take place over 1–3 visits and help guide ongoing care. After the initial social work session and any assessments by other providers, most individuals will meet with a social worker another 3–5 times over the course of a year to their transition plan.
If you or your loved one does not yet have a diagnosis:
You’ll meet with a psychologist for 1–3 visits to complete a comprehensive evaluation. This process helps determine whether autism or another neurodevelopmental or mental health condition is present and informs recommendations for next steps.
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