Comments on: The Costs of Autism or, Why We Need Jobs For Autistic Persons

By: kathyiggy

kathyiggy — Mon, 19 Nov 2007 16:14:44 +0000

I’m not involved with the Autism Society of Illinois, but I know our local Autism Society (McLean County IL) has provided lots of activities/support for both families and individuals. We’ve had respite camps, day camp, team sports, and all sorts of other things. My daughter is accepted there and has had the chance to be part of a team and try new things in a comfortable environment. The money raised goes to these activities, not to making political or “cure” statements. On another positive note, my employer has just introduced a program to employ individuals with developmental disabilities in partnership with the local MARC center. I could see Megan employed with the proper support; our kids have so many strengths which potential employers need to recognize!

By: KimJ

KimJ — Mon, 19 Nov 2007 15:52:24 +0000

Once again, the feedback comments following the article provide a lot of background information to the Illinois situation.

By: Kristina Chew, PhD

Kristina Chew, PhD — Mon, 19 Nov 2007 14:27:40 +0000

M: An Un-good situation!

Corkboards were how we found our first therapists, and email lists for college students.

By: Another Voice

Another Voice — Mon, 19 Nov 2007 13:03:50 +0000

According to the Tribune article they were unable to hold their annual fund raiser due to “internal disagreements”. Office Politics!

Why would they expect support for their internal politics and callous remarks about autistic children.

By: M

Mon, 19 Nov 2007 12:57:45 +0000

I declared “undecided” for so many years that they finally gave me a degree in it. I minored in “I’ll get back to you on that”. I was still, however, able to get work…at a Place of Uncertainty, making Whatever and selling it Elsewhere.

The downside: on my paycheck, where it should list a dollar amount, it reads, “undecided”. Cruel irony.

By: Kassiane

Kassiane — Mon, 19 Nov 2007 09:10:33 +0000

If there are, they aren’t statewide and I only know about where I lived.

I DO know that the programs the Central IL Special Recreation Association offered were excellent. The different counties all had programs through which parents can get respite and home services. And never underestimate the ability to get a GOOD BABYSITTER (an amazing feat) by posting at the psychology or education corkboard at a local college.

Thats how I got started in college. Corkboards.

By: Kristina Chew, PhD

Kristina Chew, PhD — Mon, 19 Nov 2007 05:55:40 +0000

I remember their comments about what happened downstate. Are there other autism organizations in IL that provide services and support?

By: Kassiane

Kassiane — Mon, 19 Nov 2007 05:48:23 +0000

I suggest reviewing the articles about the autism society of Illinois & what they were saying about recent murders downstate before helping them go on as they are.

Families in IL and autistic PEOPLE in IL need support certainly (and people dont get such currently) but not what AS IL currently provides.