I had the rare opportunity to sit and watch mindless television the other day when I saw that Holly Robinson Peete (a celebrity) was going to be interviewed. Her son is diagnosed with autism. She spoke a lot about how unique each family and person’s situation is and how her family copes with her son’s disability. Something that struck me was her worry about the future. She said that discussions about autism and disabilities usually focus on children. Her son is now fourteen and her worries and stress are beginning to change. Will her son transition into being a happy adult with a fulfilling life that is able to contribute to society? What will happen when they are gone? Who will take care of him? When I decided to inquire about stress and parenting a child with a disability, I really didn’t consider all of this but the child does eventually grow up. Then what? This type of transition, as we read in our text, is a major stress factor.

I pulled up her website dedicated to autism and Parkinson’s disease, http://www.hollyrod.org/. The site offered an abundance of information and referenced the NICHY, IDEA, and Autism Speaks. I looked at the Transition Tool Kit designed by Autism Speaks. It is a comprehensive, step-by-step guide for families. Families need a transition plan to help manage stress and to ensure that their child will have a smooth transition into adulthood. I am posting an excerpt from Autism Speaks: Autism in the Workplace demonstrating why this transition can be so stressful for families;

“Unemployment and underemployment remain challenges for people with autism and other disabilities. A 2004 Louis Harris Poll found that only 38% of individuals with a disability were employed, as compared to 78% of those who did not have a disability. It is estimated that more than a quarter of adults with a disability live in poverty, and more than seventy-five percent earn less than $20,000 per year (Bowe, 2006). Yet research has shown that employers tend to be highly satisfied with the productivity and dependability of their employees who have disabilities.”

What startling statistics! I know we are elementary education majors but I feel this is something to be aware of as educators and members of society. I would recommend looking at the website and visiting the many links the site offers.