When you survey programs for people with autism, you could be pardoned for assuming that the disability magically disappears as soon as autistic people turn 18. However, recent years have seen the launch of programs to support autistic adults for the other six or seven decades of their lives.
For example, in 2010 Pennsylvania launched its Bureau of Autism Services (tinyurl.com/N5l326G), which brings one-on-one services to autistic adults – instead of forcing individuals to negotiate multiple services, offices and applications. Through the BAS, a single case manager/behavioral therapist is the point person for bringing tailored services to the person – from housing to adaptive technology to intensive behavioral therapy – all with the goal of making it possible for autistic adults to live productive lives in the community.
The Autism Society of the San Francisco Bay Area is holding a series of programs to discuss strategies for overcoming the shortfall in options for housing, day programs, and support for autistic people locally. Visit sfautismsociety.org/events for a list of events.
Coming up in the next few months:
- February 22: Building Dream Communities for ASD Adults, at Morgan Center, San Jose
- February 25: Autism Parents Well-Being Roundtable, Support for Families in San Francisco
- March 19: Protecting Our Adult Children from Abuse, at Palo Alto Jewish Community Center (JCC)
- April 23: Support Services for Adults with High-Functioning Autism, at Parents Helping Parents in San Jose
- May 28: Post-Parental Adult Autism Care, at Palo Alto JCC