Thank you Mr. Shore for your interview, and all the other great work you are doing to foster greater understanding of ASD. It is true that it is hard, listening to your insights, to think of the word "disorder" as applicable. As you know though, there are those for whom things are difficult. I was glad to read your emphasis on the need to address the needs of autism in adults. I too think there is a tendency to forget the older population with autism, and I think accomodations may be even more important to these people.
And thank you for your comment!
Yes this is one of the best points that Stephen had brought up was about the fact that kids on the autism spectrum do grow up. My son is now a teenager and he still has many challenges to face. It isn't like learning ends when they turn five. And it isn't like I will stop being a parent and helping him. We need services for our older children.
I am glad you have stopped by to share.
"There is a very heavy emphasis on young children who have autism but there is very little focus upon adults. These kids will grow up and we need to provide for them when they become adults."
My son is now an adult with Aspergers Syndrome, so he and I are living examples of what was said above.
It is a new ballgame for him and for me as he transitions from being a child to being an adult. As mentioned in the interview he has a unique view of the world. That seems to be translating positively in how he lives in the adult world.
There is entirely no support system in place except for that of our own making, so he and I are working our way through his transition, together and one step at a time. We are trying to be creative, trying new things and immediately discarding things that do not work.
It seems hard enough for a young person to begin to make his or her way in the world these days. It is even harder for a young person who is different. But my son is doing it.
He has entered the work force. He is still at "the poverty level" but he is working and that is no small thing these days. I take pride as his bank account increases each week showing that he can be a productive member of society and also reap the rewards for doing so.
I am called upon for advice and to point him in the right direction. Wouldn't it be nice if there were also other places he could turn for advice and support!!! All support mechanisms that were in place as he made it through the educational system are now gone.
Just like when he was a child he moves at his own unique pace. Certain things take much longer for him to accomplish than most people. But he always seems to get there eventually.
I am proud of the progress he makes and see his potential for continued progress in the adult world as he progresses forward.
Hi there!
You are so right. There really aren't many services for these kids when they reach a certain age. Parents have to then pick up the slack.
You should be very proud of your son and I know that you are. I do wonder about the young adults who do not have such wonderful parental support. It is frightening to think about. Your son is lucky to have you.
I do thank you so very much for sharing your experience here with us. I wish you and your son the best.
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I agree with Mr. Shore completely. I hope he reads some of your work too.
You have often expressed much the same sentiments; your previous articles here show the depth of your own knowledge and an extraordinary way of telling your own son's story, not only in your book, but elsewhere online.
We, those not so intimately involved in the care of an autistic child, need to help the parents and see that a support system is in place and funded, to raise their child to his or her full potential as an adult.
We need to enjoy the child who see things a bit different, who sings loudly in a checkout line, they can grow up and do wondrous things.
Hi Paul!
I am very grateful that Stephen had agreed to do this interview. He fully illustrates the potential of people on the autism spectrum.
I do wish everyone had your attitude about singing in the check out line. I had one lady yell that my son needed to be institutionalized as my son sang "I'm a little teapot" in a supermarket line. So it is apparent that our work in increasing awareness and acceptance is very much needed.
Thank you for your comment. It is much appreciated.