Autism Society of America
Position Paper
on
The National Crisis in Adult Services
for
Individuals with Autism
A CALL TO ACTION
Dr. Ruth Christ Sullivan Ph. D.
Adopted July 17, 2001 by ASA Board of Directors
(Updated May 2007)
Summary
The critical shortage of services for adults with autism is a daily hardship
for tens of thousands of families in the U.S. who struggle to provide
a meaningful and productive life for their loved one who has aged-out
of school. Since 1975 when the Education for All Handicapped Act (now
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, I.D.E.A.) mandated a free
and appropriate education for children with disabilities, parents took
for granted their child had a firm and Congressionally mandated right
to services. Many are stunned to learn that when their child leaves school,
the mandate for services ceases. There is now a national crisis in services
to adults with developmental disabilities, especially residential services,
and especially to those with autism. The most critical issue is woefully
inadequate funding. We cannot allow another generation of our adult children
to go without the vital services that any humane society knows is necessary
for a life of dignity and worth. This paper presents some strong recommendations
and a call to action.