Connecticut must strengthen the bridge between the teen and adult worlds for young people with autism so more of the nearly 12,000 students on the autism spectrum can live and work independently as they reach their early 20s, a state study concludes.
HARTFORD Connecticut must strengthen the bridge between the teen and adult worlds for the nearly 12,000 young people with autism, so that more can live and work independently as they reach their early 20s, a state study concludes.
A recent study by the legislature's program review and investigations committee found that "transitional services" programs that try to prepare teenagers with autism for an independent life generally start now at age 16 in schools, but need to begin years earlier.
The study also said that the state should increase housing and job-placement assistance to young people with autism, and that services in general for 18- to 21-year-olds need to be expanded in the face of a dramatic rise in the number of people diagnosed with autism. The full report is at http://www.cga.ct.gov/pri/2014_ASD.asp.
Fifteen years ago, the federal government estimated that 1 in 166 children had autism. Now, whether it is environmental, genetic, or the result of better reporting, more awareness, or a broader definition of autism-spectrum disorder, the number is at least 1 in 68.
"New and creative ways of developing housing solutions must be examined to address the oncoming wave of individuals with autism-spectrum disorder," the study says.
"The numbers are screaming for us to expand transitional services," said Rep. Mary Mushinsky, D-Wallingford, ranking member of the program review and investigations committee, and a past co-chairwoman.
The study recommends creating two jobs housing and employment coordinators at the Department of Developmental Services. The DDS provides an array of counseling and other support for people with autism through a federally funded program, but there are less than 135 slots, and more than 400 families are on the waiting list.
The panel will probably propose bills based on the recommendations and hold a public hearing in February.
Carol Marcantonio, the mother of an 11-year-old boy with autism whose journey to find adequate treatment for her son, Evan, was documented in a Jan. 4 story in The Courant, has often said that autism "treatment" should focus more on vocational skills, following directions, hygiene everything that will set up the children for a better shot at independence as young adults.
Read more:
Report: State Must Strengthen Bridge to Adulthood For Young People With Autism