The Need

Autism Statistics

• Prevalence rate: 1 In 110 American children, 1 In 70 boys. This represents a staggering 57 percent increase from 2002 to 2006, and a 600 percent increase in just the past 20 years (Center for Disease Control).

Autism’s (ASDs) increasing frequency is presenting new challenges and the United States currently lacks high quality services and supports that enhance independence, integration and participation in the community. Up until the age of 21, resources are available in the schools however after that, services are limited and often were not created with ASDs in mind. 

Once young adults with ASDs leave the school system; they can enter day habilitation which offers minimal opportunities for personal and career development; they can stay at home with limited opportunity for growth and social interaction or they can try to find employment. However, due to the lack of services tailored to job readiness, each year many must make the transition to adulthood without the skills or support needed to become productive adults with some degree of independence.