Teens and Adults living with ASD
Welcome to the home of the Ontario Partnership for Adults with Aspergers and Autism.
OPAAA is a province-wide leadership group working on matters related to adults on the autism spectrum, and the collective voice of an estimated 55,000+ adults living with ASD in Ontario. Autism Ontario is the lead organization in OPAAA. The Adult Working Group is a subcommitte of Autism Ontario working with OPAAA on behalf of self-advocates and families. Read more about Who We Are and What We Do
Kids Grow Up
Children living with autism grow up to be teens and adults living with autism. What happens then? Even without accurate numbers and locations, studies already confirm that the majority of adults with ASD live at home with their parents. Parents who, at this stage in their child's adult life, are also facing their own challenges that come with the aging process. Families and caregivers are not getting the help needed to plan for services and supports for a future when they are no longer here to be advocates for their loved ones.
FORGOTTEN : Ontario Adults with Autism and Adults with Aspergers
Recommendations for supports and services for adults with ASD
There is no consistent government policyregarding the need for supports and services for adults with ASD, nor agreement of which ministry/ministries should be involved in funding those services. There is no "generic" system of adult services for those people with Aspergers to fall back on, unlike the developmental services sector that supports those with a cognitive impairment. Most, if not all individuals living with autism require some care, supervision or support through their entire lives; many require a great deal. Read our Recommendations on page 8 of our case for support discussion paper "Forgotten".
Systems & Services: Eligibility & Access
The Developmental Services system in Ontario, funded by the Ministry of Community & Social Services is NOT a system of entitlement. Unlike the ministries of Health and Education, MCSS has eligibility and access criteria. The current framework of care does not match the complex, ongoing needs of adults with ASDs. This approach is piecemeal and out of date and, as a result, the services provided are not satisfactory. Both specialized services and enhanced community service capacity are needed to meet the service needs of the adult ASD population. Collaboration is needed to establish and champion an Ontario-wide policy framework and coordinate the service delivery approach for adults with ASD. Learn more about the Ministry of Community & Social Services
How are we advocating for change?
Learn more by visiting Autism Ontario's Initiatives on Adult Issues and Speaking Out
Adults Count! A Survey of the needs of Adults living with Autism Spectrum Disorders in Ontario (2010)
Investigators: Stoddart, K.P., Burke, L., Muskat, B. & Manett, J., The Redpath Centre and University of Toronto. Research supported by Autism Ontario and The Ontario Partnership for Adults with Aspergers and Autism.