Services for Autism Patients Lacking After High School - in Pediatrics, Autism from MedPage Today

Medical News: Services for Autism Patients Lacking After High School - in Pediatrics, Autism from MedPage Today

This study shows how in the United States, and Canada as well, services to support those with Asperger's and autism are lacking. It's seems like an odd thing, because for the most part it honestly is not too difficult to become qualified in one way or another for some sort of services for those with handicapping conditions. Now some people may not like that words, "handicapped," or "disability" but each state or province has some form on which we as professionals must sign that the individual seeking services is not functioning in their day to day life. Usually there is some specific test or self report form that we have to use, by mandate, to qualify someone for services. Daily life functioning is always a major issue in qualifying for these services.

But as the above report shows (and I invite everyone who is dealing with Asperger's, autism, ASD or any other similar condition to read the report) you may qualify, but the question is, qualify for what? 1) There are simply too few services available for adults. One of the problems is that here in BC is that adults with autism / ASD / Asperger's may have a medical service card, but professionals who actually have expertise in these issues aren't covered by this health coverage. Usually these experts are psychologists, sometimes social workers, speech therapists and occasionally an occupational therapist or physical therapist might be useful. 2) Individuals are not prepared, trained or supported in how to obtain services and supports. They don't have the skills to obtain them.

As a society we have selected what services we can get when we decided to differentiate them by service providers. Medical doctors, paid for. Clinical psychologist, not. This goes for many other disorders that have a significant impact on our economy and the quality of life of many citizens. The experts in depression, anxiety, stress, autism, Aspergers, panic attacks, mental retardation, substance abuse and so on are simply not included in the providers the government is willing to fund. And that's too bad for all of us. Why the services of a Registered Psychologist aren't available to a 22 year old having social difficulties at work is beyond me, but often individuals who needed just a bit of support from the properly trained professional can't get it because of the way we have divided up our health care services. I know there are some psychologists and other experts available to individuals through our provincial clinics or hospitals, but the waiting lists are long, and usually only those in extreme crisis can be seen. Even in the US those with insurance usually get mental health care included, and Canada is the only member of the Industrial 8 that doesn't routinely provide mental health services.

What we can do about this is be prepared. By the time your child is in grade 8 or 9 the school district's IEP (Individual Education Plan) should be addressing how he or she will survive AFTER high school. The IEP should start to be firmly focused on future independence, with a clear set of deadlines and expectations that should be met. Most schools also have an individual trained in what is called "PATH" which is a process in which the parents, teachers and student sit down and make a path to success after school ends and they are out on their own. This often involves learning new independence skills, how to navigate the system of services and when and how to ask and get support. There is nothing more important in these grades for parents of students with autism, ASD, Asperger's, NVLD and related social/cognitive deficits to start planning.

Much of my time in the office is actually taken up working with families on these matters, however often the "kids" are 25-30 years old, living at home, with few social connections and little knowledge about life survival skills. Parents of children with autism spectrum disorder often haven't made a will, have not addressed their child's ability to look after him or herself financially, and are just plain scared at what will happen to their child should something happen to them. Believe it or not, your school should help you address these issues. They should help you through developing a "Path," through developing IEP's throughout high school that look beyond graduation, and you need to connect with other families who have similar concerns through parent groups, autism associations and support networks. A good place and time to start, in my opinion, is around grade 7-8. Then is the time to ask, "What's Mike going to be doing when he's 25, 35 or older?" "How can we support him in having a happy and productive life."

The above study, which is described in some detail on MedPage, finds that over 40% of the students they followed received no services after graduation. Actually, "39.15 of youth with ASD (autism spectrum disorder) received no services at all." We are not talking about just high functioning kids, 21% were non-verbal! 34% also had ADHD. 79% lived with their parents. Those with lower incomes had fewer services.

I'm not sure we can just hope that the system will change. We need to be prepared. And that means having a plan. And school is a good place to start. Remember, writing and implementing an Individualized Education Plan and "PATH" are not just ideas, they are the expectation the Ministry has of the school for all of our children. We need to hold them accountable, and make use of their support and expertise.

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