Parents and researchers address how complex care systems affect services and success for teens and adults with autism

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The second panel discussion at the Autism Speaks Thought Leadership Summit on Transition to Adulthood focused on how the education, support services and health systems intersect as parents manage care for their children with autism.

Three parents of teens and young adults with autism, ranging in age from 15 to 28, described how the many differences between their kids and between their access to services depending on where they live have influenced how they manage their children’s care.

All of them said that their goals for their children with autism were no different than their goals for their neurotypical children – to be happy, to be healthy, and to have work, activities and relationships they find fulfilling.

Following the parent discussion, researcher Thomas Golden, executive director of the Yan Tan Institute on Employment and Disability in the ILR School at Cornell University, laid out what our domestic policy looks like for programs relating to transition. He emphasized the need for transition programs to include youth and family-centered supports.

Watch the full panel discussion below.

This video was edited to protect copyrighted material.