The awareness, resources, and time dedicated to autism have increased 10-fold over the past few years. And while we couldn’t be happier about the awareness that has come to autism as of late, we think there’s a lot more that can be done, especially when it comes to adults.

All too often, conversations about autism revolve around diagnosing and helping children with autism. But what about once they turn 18? With resources for adults with autism minimal, they’re often forgotten about once they leave school.

And what’s one of the reasons for this? According to Julia Bascom, the executive director of Autistic Self Advocacy Network, it’s because our priorities are misaligned. “Autistic life can be a good life. It’s a life worth living. But, we spend a shockingly disproportionate amount of money on cure and prevention, as opposed to on services and support,” said Bascom in a recent interview.

There are three main issues facing adults with autism today:

• Housing. More than 80,000 adults with autism are on waiting lists for residential placement.
• Employment. The majority of people with autism are unemployed or underemployed, despite the fact that they’re hard-working, wonderful at problem-solving, and boost company morale.
• Community involvement. People with autism are more isolated from the community than their non-autistic peers. This can be because they don’t have their own mode of transportation or because there are simply not enough activities or groups for them to partake in.

As our knowledge of autism grows, the more adults are being diagnosed with it, some while in their 40s and 50s. It’s even more difficult for adults with autism to find the help and resources they need.

With 500,000 children with autism becoming adults within the next 10 years and thousands more being diagnosed as adults, it’s clear that the time for realistic, proactive care and assistance is now.

At Spectrum Strategies, we’re dedicated to improving the social and professional lives of adults on the autism spectrum. We believe that through hard work, dedication, and persistence every adult is capable of achieving their dreams! Call (516) 822-3150 for your first one-on-one with Debra Solomon!