Autism is a disorder we often associate with children. But what happens when those young people grow up? Thousands of California children with autism are aging out of school-based services. Once they turn 22, they will no longer be eligible for these services. Each of them enters adulthood with a unique combination of social, behavioral and communication needs that promises an unusually challenging life. TVFH presents first-person stories of four adults with autism who are aiming for a life of choice and opportunity, just like everyone else.
* Jackie Armstrong is 27. She lives in her own apartment and juggles college classes while working on an electronic assembly line. She and her boyfriend Danny want to live in the same apartment complex, but not together. Yet.
* At 20 years old, Freddie Topete can’t speak, dress himself or brush his teeth. His family counts on Special Education programs to expand Freddie’s horizons and help him socialize with others. His sister Monica will care for him when his parents are no longer able to do so.
* Roland Ricketts, 28, was diagnosed with Autism as a toddler. He lives with his parents, whose behavioral modification approach to Roland’s Autism was once controversial. They taught Roland to control his self-stimulating behaviors to help him become “a functioning member of society”. He works a paid job at the California Automobile Museum.
* Steve Baxter wasn’t diagnosed with Autism until his early 40s. Unable to hold a job, he’s reliant on government assistance. He volunteers at mental health facilities as a stand up comic. Steve finds acceptance and companionship at church.
The mission of The View From Here is to “explore the stories of people responding to the challenges in their lives and the challenges of our times.” Autism Grows Up tells first-person stories of young adults in the midst of a major life transition. But, it is also the story of thousands of American children, diagnosed with Autism twenty years ago, who are now aging out of special education. The responsibility for making sure these young adults have the resources to thrive now shifts from the schools to the individuals and their families. There’s been news about recent gains in Autism research. There is coverage of family hardships and social costs of supporting people with Autism who may be unemployable and who cannot communicate or care for themselves. Autism Grows Up deserves consideration because it presents the untold, first-person stories of people living through momentous life transitions. Their voices are presented with respect and their stories are told with dignity, authenticity, humor and hope.
As one listener commented on capradio.org/view: “My daily hope and prayer is that my (almost) 3 year old can be as self sufficient as Roland is. And that I can finally let go and allow him to make some choices on his own. We are just starting out so I’m usually afraid to think of how things will unravel. But, after reading this, I feel an ease that is inexplicable. Thank you.”