Autistic People Need Choices, Not Care Gaps | Opinion
Summary
The article discusses challenges faced by autistic people and their families in getting the right support and services in the United States. It says that too often, people receive help based on what is available, not what fits their needs, and calls for better planning and respect for individual choices.Key Facts
- About 650,000 people wait for Medicaid home and community-based services, which support various populations including autistic individuals.
- Families often struggle to find help before reaching a crisis or exhaustion point.
- Autism support needs change over time, shifting from skill development to daily help and housing as people become adults.
- Public attitudes sometimes focus on limitations, which can limit options for autistic individuals.
- The 1999 Supreme Court case Olmstead v. L.C. ruled that unjustified segregation of people with disabilities is discrimination.
- Real choice means selecting care based on needs, not just accepting what is available due to lack of options.
- Employment or independence should not determine a person’s right to respect and support.
- Support systems should be personalized and reliable, ranging from communication help to daily care and family respite.
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