Future of Children research
underlines the challenges faced by youth approaching adulthood, particularly
among those from disadvantaged backgrounds with no postsecondary education on
the horizon. Even thornier is the pathway to adulthood for youth from more
vulnerable populations such as those challenged with a chronic illness, mental
health issues, or physical disabilities. A recent study highlighted by CBS News
indicates that one in three young adults with autism has completed no college
or technical schooling and has no paid work experience seven years after
graduating high school. This is urgent news considering that roughly half a
million autistic children will be reaching adulthood in the next ten years.
Recognizing the importance of education for
children with disabilities before and throughout the transition to adulthood, the
United States has made many advances in special education over the past few
decades. The special education system gives children with disabilities greater
access to public education and provides an infrastructure for their schooling. Moreover,
some services even extend through early adulthood, which is more than can be
said for other
vulnerable populations. The federal Individuals with Disabilities
Education Act (IDEA) requires that secondary schools develop individualized
transition plans including long-term education goals, vocational training, and
general life skills.
these advancements in special education, Laudan Aron and Pamela Loprest
indicate in their chapter Disability
and the Education System, that many problems remain, including the
over- and under-identification of some subgroups of students, delays in
providing service to students, as well as bureaucratic and financial barriers that
often complicate effective service provision. In addition, some needed services
may not be available when children have reached adulthood. A recent article in US News
and World Report indicates that families of children with autism
often describe leaving high school as "falling off a cliff" because of the lack
of services for adults on the autism spectrum.
Providing these children with needed support before and after the transition to adulthood has substantial immediate and long-term economic costs and benefits. A recent article in CNN Health reports that out-of-pocket medical expenses are growing fastest among Americans 18 years old and younger. The Future of Children volume, Children with Disabilities indicates that these expenses are higher among families caring for a child with a special health care need. In their chapter, The Economic Costs of Childhood Disability, Mark Stabile and Sara Allin suggest that due to these high costs to children and families, the benefits of effective interventions to prevent and reduce childhood disability might well outweigh the societal costs of such programs.
On May 23, 2012, the Anderson Center for Autism hosted an event for more than 350 practitioners and parents, which featured research from the Future of Children's Children with Disabilities volume, and discussed effective early interventions for children with disabilities. For more discussion on evidence-based policies and intervention programs for special needs children and those making the transition to adulthood, see the Future of Children volumes Children with Disabilities and Transition to Adulthood. Add your voice by commenting on the Future of Children blog.