It's a question thousands of Georgia parents face who have children with autism: what do you do when your child is no longer a child anymore?
Navigating adulthood is difficult enough for a lot of people. For families of someone with Autism there are all kinds of question: will they be able to find a job? Where will they live? What kind of programs are out there to help adults with autism.
And finding answers isn't easy.
Cooking is a big part of Jennifer Thompson's morning routine.
But if you sit down and spend some time with Jennifer, you'll realize that the toughest part of that routine is not what goes on in the kitchen, but her ability to communicate.
"At an early age I knew Jennifer had differences. Her development was fine up until 2 years old she wasn't responding to her name or sounds," said Leslie Thompson, Jennifer's mother.
Leslie said that she had mixed emotions when Jennifer was first diagnosed as autistic.
"It seemed like autism back then was a taboo term because parents were nervous when they heard that term," Leslie said.
As Jennifer got older, Leslie said that she began to worry about the quality of life she would have.
"I felt like I was the only one out here with that," Leslie said. "I was afraid and I'm a Christian and I should not have been afraid and I was afraid."
Leslie is not alone. In this coming decade, 500,0000 young, autistic children will turn 21, the age at which federally mandated services stop being provided. Add to that a staggering 85 percent unemployment rate for young adults with autism and you can understand why many families are worried.
For many, the reality is that it will be tough road ahead.
Deborah Griffin and her son, Jonathan, know that reality all too well. Finding employment for an autistic adult unless you have connections is difficult, Deborah said.
Jonathan's only income is social security and the family has to wait two years just to get it.
There are currently 260,000 people on a waiting list for housing support. Those who are on social security get about $670 worth.
There are support programs available for families on young adults on the autism spectrum. The challenge is finding those resources. Autism Speaks has resource information for young adults.
Government health officials are investigating several health problems reported with potentially contaminated medications made by a Tennessee specialty pharmacy.
Health officials are investigating cases involving patients who suffered complications after being injected with potentially contaminated medications made by a Tennessee specialty pharmacy.
Thursday, May 23 2013 7:27 AM EDT2013-05-23 11:27:37 GMT
Summer in Georgia means mosquitoes—and lots of them. Even if you're just stepping outdoors for a few minutes, you need to protect yourself. But how do you pick the right bug repellent?
Summer in Georgia means mosquitoes—and lots of them. Even if you're just stepping outdoors for a few minutes, you need to protect yourself. But how do you pick the right bug repellent?
Wednesday, May 22 2013 6:20 PM EDT2013-05-22 22:20:11 GMT
Memorial Day weekend – the unofficial start of summer – is just days away. Thousands of Georgians are planning to fly somewhere, which is great, unless flying panics you.
Memorial Day weekend – the unofficial start of summer – is just days away. Thousands of Georgians are planning to fly somewhere, which is great, unless flying panics you.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 8:51 AM EDT2013-05-22 12:51:47 GMT
Chances are your child or someone in your child's class has at least one food allergy.
Chances are your child or someone in your child's class has at least one food allergy. A study by the CDC released last week shows that one in every 20 kids is dealing with food allergies. It's a challenge, but doctors say it's important that kids get diagnosed and treated.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 10:17 AM EDT2013-05-21 14:17:24 GMT
When it comes to talking to doctors, a lot of us aren't exactly shooting straight. In fact, one survey found that almost 30 percent of patients admit to lying to their physician.
When it comes to talking to doctors, a lot of us aren't exactly shooting straight. In fact, one survey found that almost 30 percent of patients admit to lying to their physician. So, how much does your doctor really need to know?
Monday, May 20 2013 6:03 PM EDT2013-05-20 22:03:26 GMT
Sutton Burnett's blog began as a way to share her story with friends and family. It's grown into something much deeper.
Drop in on your friend's Facebook pages and blogs and you'll probably see a lot of photos of their kids. Sutton Burnett's blog began as a way to share her story with friends and family. It's grown into something much deeper.
Friday, May 17 2013 6:28 PM EDT2013-05-17 22:28:40 GMT
Melanoma is considered the deadliest form of skin cancer. A veteran dermatologist says he used to see three to five melanomas a year. Now, he says, he sees that many in a week!
Melanoma is considered the deadliest form of skin cancer. A veteran dermatologist says he used to see three to five melanomas a year. Now, he says, he sees that many in a week!
Thursday, May 16 2013 11:00 PM EDT2013-05-17 03:00:47 GMT
A new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows millions of American kids suffer from mental health problems. Experts believe as many as 20 percent of American children are affected.
A new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows millions of American kids suffer from mental health problems. Experts believe as many as 20 percent of American children are affected.
