Reflections on Autism

Morgan Autism Center is celebrating its 40th Anniversary this year. In preparation for some events we will be having to highlight this occasion, I recently came across old classroom photographs from my early years at the Morgan Autism Center. I began working at Morgan Autism Center in 1977.   Many of the pictures are of students that are presently clients in our Adult Program.  The pictures brought back memories, serving as a reminder of how far we all have come.

Through the experiences of our students and adults, we have had the opportunity to see first hand how they deal with the many transitions and passages one goes through in life.  Though amplified in persons with disabilities, and especially those with autism, these issues are really the same as those we all have.  We've observed how they deal with puberty, transitions from adolescence to early adulthood, moves into group homes or supported living, menopause, family illnesses and the loss of a parent.  These are momentous occasions in any life, but certainly more challenging in persons with autism, where change and transition are particularly difficult.

Parents often ask, What will happen to my child?  What can I expect?"  As with any child's future, there are no absolute certainties.  Nonetheless, parents need a sense of what may occur, what services are available and who will monitor their child's needs as they age.  The needs of the individual and the family change over time, and vary in response to the level of the child's disabilities.

The advantage of offering lifespan services here at Morgan Autism Center has given us a unique perspective into the world of autism.  We have seen our students and adults respond well to our positive structured environment and have been able to help most families through the difficult times. Being able to share in these life experiences over a long span of time has given us a rare insight, for which we feel most fortunate.