In a time where many children with autism are quickly becoming teenagers and young adults the need to consider housing and long term care is gaining the force and momentum of a category 5 hurricane. These storms are being felt across oceans around the world. Autism knows no boundaries and is opportunistic in choosing the least suspecting of victims. I speak of those individuals who do not have a voice and are unable to defend or advocate for their needs and wants. This years Autism One conference in Chicago brought people together from around the world. Many of these presenters and attendees brought with them information on interventions that have proven to be effective in improving the health and quality of life for our loved ones as well as some that have emerged and are just beginning to be considered.

I had the pleasure of spending time with Polly Tommey, the founder of the Autism File magazine and the non-profit Autism Trust, UK. Polly presented in the residential think tank along with me and a few other concerned professionals. The think tank was created to highlight existing programs and upcoming long term care facilities. The Autism Trust’s goal is to create centers of excellence that address the immense gap that exists between the demand for and current availability of existing residential and professional support options once children with autism leave supported/public education. Each Autism Trust facility is intended to reflect the local environment and other charitable initiatives in the area, but their objective is to offer the following resources either directly or through local, approved partners. These facilities would include specified sections that focus on wellness and training along with a conference and business center all dedicated to directly supporting the needs and skills of individuals with autism. Steps are underway to establish Autism Trust’s in the U.S. as well as Dubai. The vision of the Autism Trust can be further understood by visiting www.autismtrust.com. The Autism File magazine provides practical information covering medical, nutritional and educational matters. It tracks and reports on research and focuses on applications today and the solutions that may be coming soon. Published and distributed worldwide from the UK for over 10 years, initially in English and now also in Spanish, it is now additionally available in a new US edition and format through retail outlets in the United States and Canada. You can subscribe to the Autism File online at www.autismfile.com.

TERI (Training, Education & Research Institute), another organization that participated in the residential think tank showed the audience where there is an idea, a will and a way, nothing is impossible! TERI (a private, non-profit agency serving the needs of children and adults with autism) also presented how they have successfully developed and maintained a residential living program. TERI also provides services for other developmental and learning disabilities, as well as services for their families. Through various programs that enrich the lives of their clients and focus on their potential they are able to provide families with supports throughout their child's lifespan. Since 1980, TERI has set the standard for community living programs in the North County of California. They currently own and operate 10 homes, 9 are for adults and 1 for young men aged 18-22, serving a total of 60 individuals. The commitment and professionalism that radiates from this program and their employees is breath taking. As a parent, it is encouraging and inspiring to know that there are established programs that have successfully navigated through the logistics of running a business that is so deeply rooted in emotions and affairs of the heart! In the last 29 years TERI has seen amazing professionals and parents of all different socioeconomic and ethnic backgrounds unite for the common cause of furthering the quality of life and long term care of our children. TERI has also experienced the harsh reality of ill informed and uneducated residents within the neighborhoods where residential homes have been established.

The most recent publication of the Autism File featured the struggles TERI encountered with one community in California when establishing a residency for a small group of young men with autism. Now, for the reality check for us as parents of children with autism…those people who give you the “what’s your kid’s problem” look when you are at the grocery store or the “you must be a bad parent since your child is acting like a brat” are the very same people who we will be confronting in the years to come when fighting for funds and services as well as where those facilities will be established. You would think that in an era where tolerance and acceptance is such a PC thing that this would not be the case. This should not discourage us as parents or professionals but bring attention to the need for education and training within the communities we live. We must work to dispel myths and misunderstandings associated with individuals who have autism and intellectual disabilities. To learn more about TERI visit www.teriinc.org.

You can begin looking for my weekly blog as I touch on topics that encourage, inform and address the triumphs and struggles families and professionals face when striving to make their lives with autism, AWESOME!

You can now follow, AutismSpot, ProjectLD and many of our ProjectLD team members on Twitter, Facebook, and FriendFeed. Check us out and connect with us to get daily updates on life, work, autism, and the inside scoop on one of the fastest growing media groups in the world. For twitter you'll find me at Mika Bradford_CN. We look forward to hearing form you!

Treasure today, live for tomorrow....and plan for your child’s future!