Most research on
autism is performed on children. The key areas where intervention occurs
with children are in behavioral and educational functioning. In
these focused therapies, with children, there is undoubtedly marked improvement
over time. During adolescence or adulthood, mental health
issues, such as anxiety and depression can worsen, even while the other issues
of autism can become much more improved. Their needs will continue even if
their other needs lessen. In some cases, those needs from childhood continue,
dependent on their level of functioning. Many autistic adults will need assistance regardless of the progress they make.
It is so apparent that
there is not much focus on the aging population of autism in our communities,
support legally and legislatively for autistic adults, as there is for
children. Frequently, especially with those in
the under-served low-income families, there is no support system in
place. Even in the middle to upper class families, parents may die without
having concrete plans in place because society doesn't have much to offer. The
autistic adult can't function as well, if at all, in our world. They are now dependent
on others for aid that will not care to the extent their parents did.
Consequently, they are at the mercy of a society that seems to not care as there is no real system in place. In a country
where everyone's rights are supposed to be protected, their needs will not be
met. Don't we still have a moral obligation to see that this occurs?
Making services
available is ethically our responsibility as a civilized society for
individuals that can’t provide for themselves. Everyone in our country is
entitled to quality of life and this class of people should not be excluded. If
you talk to parents and families of children with autism, this is by far one of
their greatest worries, what happens to my child when they grow up, when we are
gone?
Some individuals with
autism are unable to communicate well and many can’t communicate at all,
especially when under stress and anxiety. Assessment of their needs be it
health, mental, financial, living arrangements, basic care and feeding,
should be assessed and addressed routinely. If
employment can be provided for high functioning adults, this should be
coordinated or assistance should be offered so they are contributing to their own
well-being, as self-sufficient as possible.
One viable solution is
to form Autism planning groups known as APG. Having read about this concept, it
seems to be one of the best proactive ideas to date. These would be
committees comprised of concerned individuals from all areas of the community, including
healthcare providers, business representatives, religious leaders,general population people, educators, etc, to formulate solutions, concrete development
schedules, sites and financial backing.
The purpose of the
APGs again, would be to address the growing population of autistic adults’
future health and social needs. By starting the process of beginning training
programs for care workers including volunteers for diagnosed,
autistic adults of varying functioning levels to thrive at their level, the
plan would be in place. Facilities could be built for living arrangements, job training programs could be established with connections to businesses willing to help, and all the various factors and variables addressed. The cost of a program in place would actually be far less than the current cost of having no system in place, especially when taken into account the huge growing number of autistic individuals in our country.
Programs in place to address our growing population of autistic adults within
communities would mainstream their needs and make it more
of a seamless transition. This will decrease stress to both the
individuals, the families and the care providers. Furthermore, solutions will lessen the financial and
emotional burden to communities. It may also provide jobs, not just for the high-functioning autistic adults but those working in these types of programs. Ultimately the end goal will be met, to provide and give this segment of the population the quality of life they deserve.
Consider that 3.5
Million Americans live with some degree of the autism spectrum currently
according to the Autism Society Organization. According to Advancing Future of Adults with Autism, the anticipation of an incredibly large population of autistic adults is increasingly being called the "autism Tsunami" . The
economic cost of not having a working system in place is staggering dollar figures. In
2002, it was estimated to be $126 Billion annually - it tripled by
2006. And we live in a nation with an increasing debt
continually facing cutbacks. This issue has to be addressed and quickly.
If
you are kidding yourself thinking you do not have a personal stake in this
issue, caring for autistic adults in the future, because you do not have an
autistic child, grandchild, niece, nephew, neighbor, you are wrong. We will all
pay for these needs. And every challenge has a fix.
Delivery
of training, assessment, specialists to provide services, housing, drop-in
advice, job placement assistance, is possible. It needs focus groups devoted to
creating solutions. Consider lending your hand and pushing for your leaders to
put this topic on their agenda this year. Quit eluding the autism
Tsunami.” Solutions are needed and we must be proactive and not
retroactive. Funding and focus is needed. The time is now or your conscious may
be at stake. Yes all lives do matter! Speak loudly, even louder, for those that cannot.
