There's a report in USA Today about parents creating jobs for their Autistic Children. The story features Lori Ireland and her non-profit organization Extraordinary Ventures which employs 40 young adults on the Spectrum. They're doing jobs cleaning buses and making candles.
http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2013/09/28/autism-jobs-parents/2839027/The article also mentions The nonPareil Institute in Plano, Texas. The Institute started five years ago to offer the founder's children training in technology. The non-profit trains young adults on the spectrum to develop digital games and apps. The cost is $675 a month. According to CEO Dan Selec, they have released five apps and a couple of games. There are plans to expand to seven more cities.
In both these examples parents with means are offering their children opportunities. There's nothing wrong with that but, there are many parents who do not have the means. There are many young adults on the Spectrum who do not have the support from their parents. As a community, we need to come together to find solutions for young adults on the Specturm. Many are waiting for the chance.
At FOCUS Center for Autism, this subject is on the front burner. When I was on the Board we made attempts at expanding our transitional role. Now as a member of the development team the need for funding has come into sharper focus. We hope to be offering housing and support services for young adults transitioning out of the system at age 18. The stumbling block is always resources.
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