There is an article about adult autism in Time magazine recently (around 2 - 3 weeks ago). It was a bit pitiful to see what this man ended up into his adult life. I can only express pity for as the author (Karl Taro Greenfeld) said there are less studies or focus into adult autism. I cannot make judgment to the family. Each child with autism and his/her family are different from another family with similar situation even though they pursue the same goal to put or make the child with autism a functioning person in the society. I have watched the two 60 Minutes episodes about this family before and after they took him to the institution. Noah Greenfeld carried on the "autism" throughout his life. He was subjected to medications and this makes me feel so villified. The man also endured the USIs. And this reminds me of what happens to AX whenever he is at school. Sad to say, he still cannot relate what happens to him nor if someone does something to him. This is the reason why I am pushing him to talk or communicate. He needs to defend himself. On a side note, I have also read and watched a 7-year old boy who committed suicide mainly due to the medications given to him. Imagine, you will subject a 7-year old kid to medications suited for adults just because you want them to stop certain behaviors? I just cannot remember though if this kid who died also has autism. He was raped constantly as well when he was under the care of his biological mother.
I do not know but I am striving hard for AX to be as normal as possible since he needs that once he grows up. He needs to be independent hence to be as normal as possible is very important. Anything can happen to us and who will take care of him? I do not have an ounce of trust in the state to take care of him. I have a constant worry everyday and this will not change until AX can be a meaningful part of the society.
In the TIME magazine's article, the author relates that his younger brother has low-functioning autism and he is not getting enough of the state's services that should be provided to him. This is also true for kids with high-functioning autism. We (as parents) struggle with the school system to provide him a good education, to let him mainstream and keep focusing on the positive side. There is a dearth of people providing services who can truly understand what is autism and how it should be handled. AX still has not gotten into Medwaiver program so he can go to speech therapy that the state will pay for. AX has been in the waiting list for more than 2 years now.
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