Lack of Services for Adults with Autism Creates a Public Health Crisis

Bravo to Robert McNeil and his series on PBS Newshour this week. He has reaffirmed what so many of us in the field have known for years -- autism doesn't just affect children. Hopefully the media will follow his lead and recognize that there are so many adults across the world in need of services. Funding is needed for early intervention, as well as programs to support adolescents and adults on the spectrum.

Although federal law mandates educational services for children with autism, there are virtually no support services provided once they become adults. In the fifth report in his Autism Now series, Robert MacNeil profiles a young man in New Jersey -- and his family -- as they face an uncertain future for him.

Study Sees Progress at Iowa Resource Center

DES MOINES, Iowa - An independent review released Monday of a southwest Iowa center for the mentally disabled is urging improved staff training and hiring of top leaders.
Gov. Chet Culver ordered the review of the Glenwood Resource Center after 12 deaths in the past year at the facility, which cares for more than 300 people with mental disabilities. The center is in Glenwood, about 110 miles southwest of Des Moines.
Pennsylvania-based Liberty Healthcare's report was generally positive but called for hiring permanent leaders and improving training in lifesaving techniques as well as efforts to reduce assaults between patients. Glenwood has had an acting superintendent for more than a year.