Ninety percent of adults in Bexar County with autism spectrum disorder or intellectual and developmental disabilities are not receiving the services they need, according to a recent first-of-its-kindstudy.
Per 2018 data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately one in 59 children in the U.S. is diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder.
An estimated 500,000 American teens with autism will become adults over the next 10 years, aging out of school-based autism services.
Why are there gaps in services and barriers to access in Bexar County? Do we need more resources and care providers for adults with autism? What else can be done to improve this issue?
What are the economic costs of caring for Americans with autism? What can be done to lessen this economic stress on our community?
What unique challenges do adults with autism face? What does the transition from childhood to adulthood look like for someone with autism?
Guests:
- Cara Magrane, executive director of Autism Lifeline Links
- Dr. Jessica Graber, clinical director of outpatient and educational services for the Autism Treatment Center
- Jacob Ulczynski, director of Intellectual & Developmental Disability Services for the Alamo Area Council of Governments
"The Source" is a live call-in program airing Mondays through Thursdays from 12-1 p.m. Leave a message before the program at (210) 615-8982. During the live show, call 210-614-8980, email thesource@tpr.org or tweet at @TPRSource.
*Audio for this interview will be available by 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 19.
