With Support System and Determination, Autistic Man Leads Full Life

Seventy million people - 1 percent of the world’s population - have some form of autism, a neurologic disorder that affects their ability to interact with other people and to care for themselves. Although treatment is available in developed nations, advocates say the outlook for those with severe autism is poor, and many spend their lives in sheltered environments. Those with milder forms of the disorder, however, can have more success integrating into society.
26-year-old Kevin Gibson is one of those success stories. He loves living in his own apartment. “It’s a great feeling, to like, be able to live on your own,” he said.

A Universal Approach to Day Care

HADDON HEIGHTS, N.J. -- Michael Gentry ran into a day care center room and dove head-first into a pit filled with colorful plastic balls.
His 3-year-old sister Kate was close at his heels, copying his every move.
Michael, 5, has Down syndrome, while Kate is a typical child.
The Gentrys were at Little Butterflies, a day care opening next month at Bancroft's Haddon Heights campus. The center will accept both children with special needs -- especially children on the autism spectrum -- and children who do not have additional developmental needs.