The IACC has been around for 2 decades, so I think it’s fair to ask, “Are we better off today than we were 20 years ago?” The answer is unfortunately no, we are most definitely not better off today. While some minor battles have been won, we are losing the war, and losing it big.
Read more"A dystopian future where our loved ones have no refuge": Public comment to the IACC
“True advocates … must awaken to the coming tide, if the most needy on the autism spectrum are to thrive and survive.”
Read moreA sister's sacrifice: Public comment to the IACC
“I still dread answering my phone. Afraid it means the police are there again. That there is another hole in his wall that another broken window has sliced his hands and feet.”
Read moreNew Paper Makes Case that Autism Tsunami May Threaten American Economy
The study, Autism Tsunami: the Impact of Rising Prevalence on the Societal Cost of Autism in the United States, by Mark Blaxill, Toby Rogers and Cynthia Nevison, concludes that future costs of autism could be $589 billion/year in 2030, $1.36 trillion/year in 2040, and $5.54 (4.29–6.78) trillion/year by 2060.
Read moreSad but true: "Disability" usually excludes us
SEVERE AUTISM = When you are too over-the-top disabled to qualify for almost all disability programs or housing.
Autism Service Dog Brings Comfort to a Grateful Family
Timon is now invaluable. He helps not only our sons but also helps us as parents better manage the struggles our children face on a daily basis.
Read moreGrowing Older, with Fewer Services
As autistic kids grow up, their needs can increase while services decline. A dad asks, is the system upside-down?
Read moreI am his whole world
Autism parents put a million details into the care of their beloved children. But what will happen when those parents are gone?
Read moreHow a simple vest made everything better
“I hear so many words of appreciation from those using the Vests, but also from those wanting a better understanding of autism. It is heartening.”
Read moreHow Many Broken Bones Is Enough?
By Duane Sloane
The worst is the passive aggressive guilt placed on parents when they become so overwhelmed they can no longer handle their child at home.
To those who may be among those who judge let me ask you: How many broken bones is ok? How many times should it be ok to be punched, pinched, purposefully vomited on?
How long should the siblings not be ever able to have friends over or sleep through the night? What’s the cutoff number for punching your six year-old brother?
Is there any PTSD involved for the rest of the family? How about the 11 year-old sister who is just used to the idea that her 16 year-old brother randomly strips naked and walks around naked, sometimes with an erection before we see him?
I contend that there are more selfish things than residential care. Like a lifetime of scars for everyone else to deal with as well. A fully staffed, well run residential facility is not a punishment to our children. It’s a decision filled with guilt and self-doubt.
But for those truly severe and beyond the cute toddler stage it is a heart wrenching sometimes necessary decision. Unless you have dealt day-to-day with violent severe autism in an adolescent, maybe reserve judgment. In fact just reserve judgment regardless.
There’s enough guilt already.