Nightline tonight: ASD adults
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Nightline tonight: ASD adults
| Fri, 10-07-2005 - 6:26pm |
I've seen in a couple of places that tonight "Nightline" is about the care of adults w/ASD. I can't find it on the ABC website, but I've seen it posted on several of other boards, including NAAR.
Just thought I'd post in case. Don't want everyone to stay up late if it's not really on, but that's what VCR's and Tivo's are for!
Katherine

Katherine,
Thanks for the headsup. I watched it last night, and thought they did a teriffic job. Heartfelt- as the presenter and the producer have family members with ASDs.
Although the two individuals featured seemed lower functioning than our kids, the show raised a lot of solid issues regarding the transition of adults with ASDs into the real world, and stressed that this is an ever-growing concern, as more and more kids are being diagnosed.
And I had so much admiration and respect for those moms, who are paving the road for *us*, and felt their fear so strongly.
Lots of food for thought. I can't wait to discuss it at the next SEPTA parent group meeting.
-Paula
visit my blog at www.onesickmother.com
Paula,
You are very welcome. I wish they had promoted the show more because I, too, thought it was excellent. I totally agree with you that the generation of parents like those on the show are paving the way for us and our children.
I was so moved by both the families featured, especially the first story about Paul. My son is only 3, but he reminded me so much of my son. At the university-based center where we go for parent support, etc., they employ adults with autism. The first time I went there, I was struck at that sense that these folks were so childlike, just like my son but in adult bodies, as they said on the show. Since then we have been trying to re-formulate our retirement plans, finances, wills etc. to accommodate for Eric's future, as we are not the youngest people in the world.
We have every hope that Eric will not need extended care, or a group home, and we still do put money in his college fund, but we just don't know what will happen, you know? I'll be curious to see how the generation between my son and the "Pauls" of the world turn out. I remember once on this board a grandma wrote and said her grandson was in college and doing well, and that gave me hope. I seem to fluctuate between hope and caution.
I do plan to email ABC and tell them nice job. I might also suggest they expand the topic and do a prime-time show.
Anyway, I'm glad you saw the show. For anyone who missed it, the ABC website now has little piece on it on their website under "Nightline."
Katherine