Ohio State University program helps adults with autism thrive
By Maureen McFadden |
Posted: Mon 2:32 PM, Feb 23, 2015 |
Updated: Mon 6:35 PM, Feb 23, 2015
The most recent statistics show 1 in 68 babies has autism.
The U.S. spends $11.5 billion a year on education and treatment for kids with the disorder, but what happens when those kids grow into adults?
Braden Gertz is an early childhood education specialist, and a swimming instructor. The 24-year-old is also living with autism.
"It's hard living on your own because you don't know what to do for yourself," said Gertz.
Dr. Christopher Hanks, a pediatric and internal medicine specialist at Ohio State University, says only about 10 to 15 percent of adults with autism are able to live independently like Braden.
"There's really a small percentage that are thriving in the community, and the rest struggle,” said Dr. Hanks.
By 2030 the number of adults living with autism is expected to increase by nearly 700 percent, but many adults with the disorder have nowhere to turn when it comes to medical care.
"As children, they had great care, but as they become adults there's just no one specifically trained to care for them," said Dr. Hanks.
Adults with autism are more likely to suffer from anxiety, depression, seizures, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obesity and diabetes, but they are less likely to receive routine checkups and screenings.
That's why Dr. Hanks and colleagues at Ohio State run one of the few clinics in the country to provide care for adults with autism.
The program at Ohio State offers patients referrals for diagnostic testing, counseling services, therapy, dental care, nutrition education and more.
Many patients with autism struggle with social interaction, so the staff and doctors often communicate with them via technology to make them feel more comfortable.
It's helped Jahred Perry, an 18-year-old who has autism and will be moving away from home to attend college soon.
"I'm excited about exploring, taking new classes and meeting new people," said Perry
His dad James says he might face challenges, but he thinks his son will do just fine.
"I'm so proud of him,” said James. “He's very mature."
Gertz and Perry are both adults who won't let autism stop them from thriving.