Discover what’s possible when success is measured in belonging.
What happens to autism services after an autistic person turns 22? The transition into adulthood can be very complex for autistic individuals. In the US, aging out of the school system means losing access to most social, educational, and vocational resources. And, unfortunately, only 15% of adults with disabilities find paid employment.
If you’re the parent of an autistic child, you’ll want to listen to this throwback episode with mother and author Cammie McGovern, where she talks about redefining success for autistic adults. This episode was originally released on September 16, 2021.
At the time of recording, Cammie had just published a book titled Hard Landings: Looking into the Future of a Child with Autism. She has also authored three novels for adults, including Eye Contact; two books for young adults, Say What You Will and A Step Toward Falling; and two books for middle-grade readers, Just My Luck and Chester and Gus. All of them feature young characters with a variety of disabilities. Cammie is also one of the founders of Whole Children and Milestones, a resource center for children and young adults with disabilities, and their families, in Hadley, Massachusetts.
In today’s conversation, we discuss:
The “Disability Cliff” for autistic adults who turn 22
Varying types of autism services available for adults in the US
The shift away from institutional settings and sheltered workshops towards community-based services
The overlooked value of congregate settings
To learn more about Cammie McGovern, please visit cammiemcgovern.com.
In this episode
Discover what’s possible when success is measured in belonging. What happens to autism services after an autistic person turns 22? The transition into adulthood can be very complex for autistic individuals.
Key questions
Key takeaways
- When autistic individuals turn 22 in the US, they often lose access to important social, educational, and vocational resources.
- Only 15% of adults with disabilities obtain paid employment, highlighting the challenges in transitioning to adulthood.
- There is a movement away from institutional settings towards community-based services for autistic adults.
- Congregate settings can play an important role in providing value for autistic individuals.
What is the disability cliff?
The disability cliff refers to the loss of access to social, educational, and vocational resources faced by autistic individuals in the US once they age out of the school system at 22.
What challenges do autistic adults face after turning 22?
After turning 22, autistic adults often lose access to critical services and resources they previously received through the school system, making it difficult to find paid employment and other opportunities.
What types of autism services are available for adults in the US?
In the US, services for autistic adults are shifting from institutional settings and sheltered workshops to more community-based services.
How is success redefined for autistic adults?
Success for autistic adults is redefined in terms of belonging and integration within the community, rather than traditional measures of achievement.
