Letters to the Magazine

Coping With Life as a Grown-Up With Autism

Many parents of autistic children appreciated our cover story on the challenges facing these young people as they come of age. A mother, just diagnosed with advanced ovarian cancer, wrote, "Mortality is hitting us right in the face. Your article conveyed the private despair and anxiety we feel about the future of our son." Others illustrated how behavioral, occupational and speech therapies are working, and many listed successful programs emphasizing jobs and long-term assisted living for autistic adults. But the costs can be staggering, and many families called for more government funding. "When the 500,000 children with autism turn 21, we will face a social-services crisis," said a mom of two autistic teens. One father wished that for just 15 minutes his nonverbal son could speak. "I'd ask if he's happy. Is his bed comfortable? Does he like the clothes we pick out for him? I'd ask if he knows how much I love him. And does he love me?"

Assisting Our Autistic Adults

As the father of an 11-year-old girl with autism, I've witnessed the progress in the early detection of autism and the development of preschool and elementary-school programs to mitigate its impact ("What Happens When They Grow Up," Nov. 27). By comparison, as my daughter approaches adolescence, I'm shocked to see the relative dearth of quality services for those in middle school and beyond. Many therapy providers and teachers prefer working with young children--not older ones who face more intractable challenges and are more physically imposing. As a result, autistic teens and adults often languish. We urgently need programs for social and learning opportunities during the latter school years and adulthood, properly targeted job training, independent and supported living arrangements, insurance and financial planning.

Russell Vakharia

Torrance, Calif.