Each year, our nation invests heavily to ensure school-aged children with autism and other disabilities receive the support they need for optimal learning and growth. When those accommodations cease at age 21, however, most of these young adults lack adequate opportunities for continued education, employment, housing, and participation in our communities.

Although investment in early education is vital, it is important to acknowledge that these individuals will spend 70% of their lives as adults. Without sufficient opportunities to apply the knowledge and abilities acquired in school to build a meaningful life beyond the classroom, these otherwise capable adults often begin to lose key life skills. We must do better as a society to recognize the value adults on the spectrum stand to offer and take action to invest in their futures.

Autism After 21 is a growing movement that champions the expansion of attention, care and support that serves to maximize the wellbeing of those with autism throughout their lifespan. Neurotypical adults must make the same commitment to diversity and inclusion in our places of work, in our neighborhoods, and in our communities as we have long expected school children to do in the classroom.

The moral test of any society is how it regards those who are found at the fringes. Today, a growing number of adults with autism live with aging parents. They are overwhelmingly unemployed or underemployed. As it stands now, these individuals face a lifetime of isolation while our communities miss out on their vital contributions. Together, we have the power to correct our course. Will you join us?

TAKE THE PLEDGE