Saving Autistic Adults from Institutionalization Part One

American family fights to keep severely autistic adult son from ending up in state developmental center. Autism awareness and advocacy.

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[kassandramd]

The states cannot afford to provide more in-home care. If he is over 18 and didn't have family, hed likely end up homeless and accidentally run over by car. Sad reality but that's life.

[kgaccount]

@kassandramd I'm sorry you had to place your 9 yr old autistic son after you had a nervous breakdown. It must have been hard being a single mom dealing with all this, but as for your second comment, the states CAN afford to provide more in home care. Do NOT buy the BS that we're in a budget crisis. We have a crisis of mismanagement of funds, as in they aren't going to the programs that need need them. They're going to Michelle Obama's next vacation lol

[boom3rang]

As someone who just this week dented the wall of my local psych ER with his head, I can tell you that institutions are not set up to deal with people with autism or tactile defensiveness disorders and the like. Thanks for sharing your video.

[kgaccount]

@boom3rang So true. Sorry about your bad experience.

[step11OT]

Mom.To reply to your statement- Severly Autistic Children are placed in institutions because they don't have parents and advocates like you... I haven't had the opportunity to read comments or view most of your videos so excuse me if I sound redundant. Have you had the opportunity to try weighted vests and blankets, seen snoezelen room, or possibly have therapy (Speech or Occupational Therapy, etc )schools nearby who could offer you support or free services.

[kgaccount]

@step11OT Yes, I bought two weighted blankets. He LOVES them.

[kgaccount]

@rainforestangel We treat Jamey as a PERSON and his slamming his fists into his head as a PROBLEM that must be treated for his health and safety.

[stargaze2081]

I don't know why the state places severely autistic adults in institutions, but they do, often. They get placed in state mental hospitals with severely mentally ill and psychotic people. Many times these institution campuses have "civil" and "forensic" hospitals, forensic meaning the "criminally insane". My cousin David is severely autistic, has epilepsy and SIB and has been in a state mental hospital for the past 12 years. He is neither a criminal, nor psychotic. This is not appropriate care.

[kassandramd]

I have a 9 year old with severe autism, but his behavior is MUCH worse than this kid. Plus I was a single mom w no family, so after years of depression I developed panic disorder from the stress and later a nervous breakdown so I sent him to the state. I'm not allowed to see him as I had to relinquish parental rights. He's in a world renowned boarding school for autism so he will be fine...

[codename7000]

I am glad they have a place to stay though and not just throw them out on the streets.

[TheSophist2007]

@kgaccount What kind of a life does he have?

Is he happy in his own way?

In what way is he different as a 'person'?

[step11OT]

My state (TX) provides free augmentative communication devices (Dynovox) from funding the phone company collects from residents. A picture schedule or possibly PECS may could help Jamey express himself or request the items he desires to limit the SIB. I don't have the opportunity to know your son or see the joy he does bring to your life but I do hope you find support for your family. Keep working at what you know is right!!