Children with autism become adults with autism. A diagnosis of autism is being made every 20 minutes. The dramatic rise in the incidence, from one in 10,000 in the early 1990s to one in 91, gives rise to many pressing issues. The cost of caring for an individual with autism throughout his or her lifetime is $3.2 million. The bill for the burgeoning population entering adulthood over the next 15 years is estimated at $27 billion annually in current, non-inflation-adjusted dollars. The number of U.S. children expected to need extensive adult services during that same period exceeds 380,000.

Having surveyed the landscape in autism care and research worldwide, and consulted in-depth and on an ongoing basis with families (including the Family Advisory Network), what has become evident is that too few of the existing programs and projects are devoted to adults with autism and too much of the responsibility and burden of care continues to rest with families.

A 2008 Study (University of Miami / Nova Southeastern University CARD Study) of 200 families of adults with autism found that only 19 per cent of individuals with ASD were employed at the time, and 78 per cent of the families were unfamiliar with any agencies or professionals that might assist them in finding job opportunities. A unique model exists at The Southwest Autism Research and Resource Center (SAARC) to prepare young people with autism to participate meaningfully as adults in their community. The Opus West Vocational & Life Skills Academy was recently established by SARRC to maximize the independence, productivity and quality of life of young adults and adults with autism and related developmental disorders. Through ongoing education, daily living skills training, supported employment and interest-based career and job development, young adults and adults with autism have the opportunity to expand their horizons and give back to our community.

Because the need is great for adults with ASD, Sinneave Family Foundation is participating in several projects and partnerships which bridge the gap between what’s needed and what is available.

Sinneave Family Foundation is committed to building a lifetime of support to persons with ASD.