The challenges of raising a child with autism are significant, but for many parents, the real struggle begins when their child becomes an adult. As a father to a 29-year-old autistic adult, I’ve seen firsthand how support systems drop off after high school, leaving families to navigate an uncertain future alone.

Autism doesn’t define a person, but it does shape their experiences. Unfortunately, the lack of resources for autistic adults means many struggle to find employment, maintain social connections, or live independently. According to the Autism Society’s 2023 Annual Report, more than 66% of autistic young adults are unemployed and not engaged in higher education. Many remain dependent on aging parents, with few viable options for long-term care.

The 2015 National Autism Indicators Report from Drexel University highlighted a concerning lack of data on adult autism outcomes. There are gaps in tracking employment, mental health challenges, personal safety, and social media’s role in adult autistic life. Without this data, meaningful policy change remains elusive.

Families need better housing solutions, vocational programs, and long-term care plans. We hope policymakers, including newly appointed Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr., will prioritize autism research and support. Our children deserve a future where they can thrive — not just survive.

This is an excerpt from Craig Ortega’s post on Mercator. At Burble Creativity, we receive a number of messages from adults on the autism spectrum expressing their frustration. This is a powerful message that needs to be shared.