As of 2014, one in every sixty-eight births have resulted in a child with some form of autism. My brother is among them. Carter is 14 and he is very high functioning. Although he’s a wonderful part of our family, it can be very challenging for my parents to handle expenses and schooling. People with autism grow up and eventually become adults but how do we help them when they are older? Some may not be able to function well enough to live on their own or do things for themselves. Some may be able to live on their own but may not have the abilities to be in a work environment. What can we do? Awareness should be raised to help people with autism funding and housing, opportunities for work, getting the care they deserve and treating them with respect.
Autism, short for Autism Spectrum Disorder, is a developmental disability that affects communication and interaction abilities. It’s common for 1 in every 42 boys and 1 in every 189 girls to be born with some form of autism (Falco). Within the Autism spectrum, each individual is affected differently and varies in degree from very severe to Asperger Syndrome. Carter would be considered in a higher functioning group, that are able to attend school and do things for themselves. However, there is also the other end of the spectrum where others struggle immensely with everyday things like eating or making their beds.
With the population of autistic individuals increasing, it would be assumed that these kids would grow up and be taken care of by their parents. Some argue against having these individuals in the workplace or having them live on their own. They aren’t able to stop the prejudice and harsh comments autistic people may receive from other workers who don’t agree with the idea. Also the worry with safety in the work environment keeps companies from letting the adults have jobs but it is very possible for them to do efficient work and be safe. Some believe that people with autism should be kept under their parents’ wings because living on their own will be too challenging. However, it can be a good thing to have them live away from home. The presence of resident assistants is always an option that would be beneficial for the individual.
Raising a child with autism can be and is a difficult task. It’s no secret that the expenses can be very large and ongoing. The costs can get very overwhelming to a family with autistic children with attending therapy, doctor’s appointment and other methods of help. My brother has been going and still attends doctor’s visits every couple of months. Families have the ability to receive funds to help them care for their children through the help of Autism Speaks, an organization founded to be advocates and help autistic individuals. Carter has not received any funds from Autism Speaks but it can be a great help to other families who do not have the money to pay for such things.
A number of government financial resources are available such as Social Security Disability Insurance, Medicaid Home and Community Based Waivers, and Social Security Income (Financial Assistance). Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is part of the Social Security Administration. SSDI will provide assistance for financially for adults if they are diagnosed with disabilities before they are twenty-one. The benefits for the individual are decided by the Disability Determination Agency considering their conditions and capabilities.
Waivers for Medicaid are hard to receive because only some states provide autism-specific ones. However, Community Based Waivers are most often available that will help give funding and services to adults with disabilities. Social Security Income will give assistance to individuals that meet certain criteria that have little income and resources. Some of the criteria includes that the individual is not earning a specific pay continuously per month, they have a physical or mental condition that is severely functional and will last over a year, etc. There are many other ways to help receive funds if families are willing to search the internet or make a few phone calls.
Autism Society is the largest organization existing to help the lives of those with autism. They are dedicated to raising public awareness and advocating for services that benefit the individuals. Since the Autism Society was founded in 1965, over 12,00 members have joined in support of it. They encourage people to get involved because not only are you educating yourself but also you could educate others on issues in your communities.
One thing that always worries parents is what will the future look like for their children. When people with autism get older, they will become adults and if they are able, will learn to live on their own. Some may never be able to live on their own because their autism may inhibit them to. Carter will not be able to live on his own when he becomes an adult so he will stay with me when I have the ability to take care of him. However, for those who can learn how to, there are multiple opportunities for them.
One thing that is a possibility is to do group living where there are several people living in one facility. They are usually located in a normal residential areas and staff assist them with daily task, activities and social aspects. Supported living is also an option where they typically live alone but also have a support worker to help them with things. Another available option is adult foster care is when autistic adults live with a family permanently or almost permanently. Those families will usually have financial assistance from the government to help support the individuals.
Progressing in life is what parents want for their autistic children and getting them jobs that they can do if very helpful for development. National Disability Employment Awareness Month is during October. An article was published this past year specifically about employment for individuals with autism written by Dr. Paul Wehman, Director of Virginia Commonwealth University Rehabilitation Research and Training Center. Dr. Wehman has two children with autism and he has been a part of large group that works with individuals with disabilities in employment. He has dedicated over 27 years and is still doing work in his field. In this article Wehman directly says, “Fortunately, today there is a growing body of research that indicates that with the right type, level, and intensity of support individuals with autism can work in a variety of jobs in their communities.”
There are multiple training centers that can help with finding out skills these individuals excel at. Most of the time, people with autism have a narrow interest field. According to Melinda L. Secor, a writer, parent of a daughter with down syndrome and a worker in the developmental disabilities fields, there are some certain kinds of jobs autistic individuals seem to do well in. Secor explains how science, technology, journalism, manufacturing, and working with animals are the best so far. No career can be singled out to be better than all the others but people with high functioning autism or Asperger syndrome will have more options then people with more severe autism.
Caring for individuals with autism can be a lot of work but what they all have in common is the need to feel included with their peers. Carter is currently in junior high and participates in special needs classes. Their class participates in activities with the other students in the school and it makes a large difference with his behavior there and also at home. Making individuals with autism feel accepted into a community can take time but it will truly help them function better in their lives.
People with autism have generally been treated nicely and respectfully but there is still bullying. It occurs more often when people with autism are in elementary school or junior high because children are more unaware that they are being bullied. Carter has been a victim of bullying before and it’s not something to be taken lightly Many stories are heard in communities of young children attacking kids with autism or calling them names. However, kids with autism have no idea that they are being treated horribly and sometimes agree with what’s being done. This is some of the reason why when children with autism turn into adults, they will be more susceptible to doing those same types of things to others. It’s very important to educate children of school age the harmful effects of bullying in general, not just to children with autism. Teach respect, love, compassion for these wonderful people that can give so much to our communities and lives.
If someone you know or have in your family is diagnosed with autism, offer them your help or the help of others. My brother Carter receives lots of love and support through my family, neighbors and teachers in school. It really does make a difference to those in need. April is known as National Autism Awareness Month and should be taken to think about those that need funding, housing, work opportunities, care and respect. What will you do to raise awareness in your communities?