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Basic InformationMore InformationLatest NewsEnvironmental Enrichment Reduces Autism SymptomsKids With Autism May Perceive Movement More QuicklyKelly the Robot Helps Kids Tackle AutismGirls With Autism May Need Different Treatments Than BoysStudy Debunks Lyme Disease-Autism LinkNewborn's Placenta May Predict Autism Risk, Study SuggestsThe 'Learning Curve' of Living With Asperger'sGuideline Changes Have Asperger's Community on EdgeAge of Autism Diagnosis May Depend on Symptoms: StudyKids With Autism May Be Less Likely to Imitate 'Silly' BehaviorAnother Study Sees No Vaccine-Autism LinkSuicidal Thoughts More Common in Kids With Autism: StudyWomen Abused in Childhood at Higher Odds of Having Child With Autism: StudyHaving Older Grandfather May Raise Child's Autism Risk: StudyOne in 50 School-Aged Children in U.S. Has Autism: CDCBrain Circuitry Yields Clue to Autism, Researchers SayMost Kids With Autism Overcome Language Delays, Study FindsBrain Connections Differ in Children With AutismCan Therapy Dogs Help Kids With Autism?Researchers Detect an Anti-Autism Advantage in FemalesFolic Acid in Pregnancy May Lower Autism RiskDon't Overlook Eating Issues Tied to Autism, Study WarnsInfants' Inattentiveness Might Signal Later Autism, Study SaysFor Some Children, Autism Symptoms May Fade With AgeResearchers Link 25 New Gene Variants to AutismBullying Harms Kids With Autism, Parents SayExposure to Traffic-Related Air Pollution Linked to AutismGenes Linked to Autism Seem to Have Strong Tendency to MutateAsperger's, Autism Not Linked to Violence: ExpertsAdults With Autism Report Worse Health Care ExperiencesGene Study Uncovers More Autism CluesCommon Heart Drug Might Dampen Some Autism SymptomsKids With Autism Common Users of ERs, Study SaysBrain Differences Observed in Young Men With AutismStudy Sees Possible Link Between Air Pollution and Autism RiskChild Prodigies Show Links with AutismStudy Looks at Autism and Possible Pregnancy Risk FactorsPlay-Focused Program Might Help Kids With AutismAutism Tough to Spot Before 6 Months of Age, Study SuggestsKids With Autism Find It Hard to Describe Poor Behavior, Study FindsCould Stem Cells Treat Autism? Newly Approved Study May TellNearly Half of Children With Autism Wander From Safety: SurveyNew Autism Criteria Will Have Minor Impact: StudyMany Children With Autism Have Other Health Problems, Study SaysResearch Lacking on Drugs for Older Children With Autism, Study FindsDrug Shows Promise Against Fragile X Syndrome, Possibly AutismAlmost Half of U.S. Kids With Autism Have Been BulliedLittle Evidence on Value of Treatments for Autism: ReportOlder Dads May Raise Risk for Autism, Schizophrenia in KidsPets May Help Kids With Autism Develop Social Skills Links |
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Autism in AdulthoodTammi Reynolds, BA & Mark Dombeck, Ph.D.Autism in Adulthood
Autism is a life-long, chronic disorder that can significantly impact affected people's social and cognitive development. As a result, individuals with autism's adult functioning is frequently compromised. Some adults with autism learn to function well in society. They are able to earn degrees and to maintain gainful employment. Others never develop the communication and self-help skills necessary to live independently. The number of adults with autism will rise significantly over the next two decades as the large group of recently diagnosed autistic children age. Correspondingly autism in adulthood is an issue of increasing concern.
When children with autism reach the age of fourteen, their caregivers and teachers create a transition planning review in collaboration with the school district. The transition planning review cover issues like education and training as well as career planning. At this time, or sometimes earlier, many parents also give thought to preparing a plan for ensuring their children with autism's welfare in the event that their children survive them.
Living arrangements and income are some of the major issues facing adults with autism. While some are able to manage independently, others must be supervised around the clock in order to insure their safety. Even if an adult with autism is able to maintain a job and can groom himself independently, he may not be able to deal with everyday situations requiring good social skills like meeting new people, asking appropriate questions or maintaining interpersonal relationships.
Fortunately, there are many employers who are willing to hire employees with high-functioning autism or PDD. The ideal jobs for adults with autism are usually quite structured in nature and make a virtue of autistic people's strengths and interests. Many high-functioning adults with autism or PDD find gainful employment in computer-related fields, some like the repetition of assembly line work, and others prefer working with animals.
Living arrangements for adults with autism differ from case to case. A person with low-functioning autism with aggressive tendencies will usually need to be institutionalized. Fortunately, many adults with autism are able to function quite well in group homes that provided assisted living support (A list of group homes and related services is available at ArcLink) (http://www.thearclink.org/). Others live with family members throughout their lives.
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