Understanding the lifelong journey and the critical role of adult services for people with Autism.
Autism, a complex neurodevelopmental condition, doesn’t simply fade away with the end of childhood. In Australia, awareness is growing around the fact that Autism is a lifelong journey, pushing for a continued level of support that adapts to the changing needs of individuals as they age.
Despite the increasing recognition, the provision of autism disability services for adults, including in-home care, social support, and day options, remains significantly underdeveloped compared to services for children.
Society itself seems to become less understanding and accepting of typical autistic behaviours if the individual appears to be in their teens and beyond. Proving just how little understanding there is still about the disorder and how it is not something someone will “grow out of” or can “control”.
As a parent with an Autistic son approaching his teenage years, I am starting to notice the decline in assistance and the general attitude from strangers regarding his behaviours when out in public. Something I rarely saw when he was younger. It frightens me that this may worsen as he gets older when, in fact, his struggles will most likely increase as the pressures of adult life and higher expectations for him to “fit in” occur.
Autism manifests in diverse ways, impacting communication, social interaction, and behaviour. While considerable resources and attention are directed towards early intervention and support for children, adults with Autism face far less attention to their development and needs even though they rarely lessen or even differ as they grow. As these individuals transition into adulthood, their needs evolve, encompassing not just educational support but also employment assistance, independent living guidance, and mental health services.
In-home care services play a pivotal role in supporting adults with Autism to live fulfilling lives within the comfort of their own homes. Providers like KompleteCare work hard to adapt their services to meet individual needs, ranging from personal care and daily living assistance to working to assist with their client’s therapeutic support. Social support, too, is invaluable, offering opportunities for adults with Autism to forge connections within their age group, participate in community activities, and develop social skills crucial for navigating today’s society.
These vital services, for most, are only accessible with the assistance of NDIS funding. Something that, again, becomes more of a struggle to obtain as the age increases for individuals living on the autism spectrum.
Day options programs offer structured environments where adults with Autism can engage in various activities to promote skill development, social interaction, and personal growth. These programs provide meaningful daytime engagement and offer respite for families and carers, highlighting the interconnected nature of support within the autism community.
The need for comprehensive autism disability services for adults is clear. Beyond addressing basic care needs, services must encompass vocational training, mental health support, and social integration strategies. This holistic approach is essential for enabling autistic adults to lead rich, autonomous lives and recognise their valuable contributions to society.
While strides have been made in recognising and supporting children with Autism in Australia, the journey is far from over. The transition to adult services represents a significant gap in the autism care process. Advocacy for expanded and enhanced services for adults is crucial. Stakeholders, including the National Disability Insurance Agency, healthcare providers, workplaces, and community organisations, must collaborate to ensure that adults with Autism receive the comprehensive support they deserve.
Autism’s journey does not end with childhood. As individuals progress into adulthood, their needs diversify, demanding a broader spectrum of services. In-home care, social support, and day options are not mere conveniences but essential components of a supportive framework that acknowledges and nurtures the lifelong nature of Autism. It’s time for Australia to embrace this reality and commit to developing autism disability services that cater to adults as well as children, ensuring no one is left behind in their quest for a fulfilling life.
I’m a mum of a beautiful, outgoing young man with Autism, and I also work in the aged and disability sector at KompleteCare; if there were one thing I would wish from others this Autism Awareness Month, it would be to go about your day with a more open mind to those around you.
That “quirky” girl in your office… She may have Autism,
That teenage boy riding the “kiddy” ride at the supermarket… He may have Autism,
That man wearing headphones at church… He may have Autism,
and that “rude” neighbour that doesn’t talk to or acknowledge you… She may have Autism.
Autism is NOT just for kids.
