In the Topeka Capital-Journal, Rud and Ann Turnbull say their son Jay proved that adults with autism can have purposeful, worthwhile lives if support personnel are in place to help with transitioning from school, housing, employment, social connections and other needs.

The Turnbulls, who are co-founders of the Beach Center on Disability at the University of Kansas, reached out to friends and colleagues to develop a plan for Jay’s life after he was expelled from an adult services program for people with disabilities.

Jay subsequently spent 21 years working as a clerical aide, a job that provided him with structure and a social network, and lived in his own home with a couple who oversaw his schedule and support services. Jay Turnbull died earlier this year, most likely of a heart condition, at the age of 41.

While strides have been made in diagnosis, early intervention and education, [Ann] Turnbull said much more needs to be done so children with autism can lead productive, independent and happy lives as adults.

The article is part of a Topeka Capital-Journal series on autism.

This entry was posted on Tuesday, April 28th, 2009 at 9:02 pm and is filed under autism, employment/jobs, families, independent living, NOT2BEMISSED, parents, quality of life. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.