Hunter is now 25 years of age. He has had a number of short and long term hospitalizations owing to his complex set of behaviors. He has been relatively stable for a period of 2 years, and he is currently living with Rick and Sandy. They do all that they can to assist him, but they worry about who will care for him after they are gone. He just doesn't seem to be able to manage outside of either their care or a very structured facility.
Hunter is able to communicate his basic needs. He has a look in his eyes, however, that is just a bit strange - it's like he never quite looks at people, and he is quick to follow whatever small impulse might come into his mind at any given time. He is severely distractible and impulsive all of the time, and it can be exhausting just being around him. Hunter spends much of his time playing video games, a welcome activity when you ask Rick and Sandy. It seems to calm him, and it keeps him out of trouble.
* What is the time period for early adulthood? What are the physical, cognitive, and socio-emotional changes that typically take place during this period?
* Assuming that Hunter's parents did not have their own health insurance policy on which to place him after he turned 18, how would all of Hunter's hospitalizations be paid for? What kind of insurance is he likely to have as a 25 year-old autistic man? Does he receive any compensation for not being able to work owing to his disability? If so, who keeps track of his money for him?
* What are the prospects for Hunter in the longer term? What kinds of community resources exist in a) rural communities (take Southwest VA, for example), b) towns (perhaps Charlottesville and Harrisonburg as examples), and c) large cities (Richmond, Tidewater) for people like Hunter?
The time period for early adulthood is between 20 and 35 years. At the age of 25, Hunter will have already reached his adult height. He will continue to gain muscle and weight as he ages. During this early adulthood, your brain should be fully developed and an individual will now be applying and using their knowledge and analytical abilities on a day to day basis. During the adulthood stage of development cognitively; adults have more flexibility in their thought patterns they are able to understand and establish multiple opinions on issues instead of one set fact. Young adults are focusing on developing a career and attaining independence from their families. Erikson developed the socio-emotional stage of development. This stage marks the time when individual seek to form intimate relationships with another, as well as managing work. This is the typical stage when an individual will start a family and find a steady career. In order to have strong relationships with others, one must have a strong self-identity. Many who are unable to find this sense of identity are also unable to establish relationships with others and this may lead to depression for the individual.
ReplyDeleteAllPsychologyCareers.com. (2011). Early Adulthood Developmental Psychology. Retrieved from http://www.allpsychologycareers.com/topics/early-adulthood-development.html
Hunter would qualify for the Home and Community- Based Services waiver of Medicaid. These services are in place in order to help an individual at any age remain living at home instead of in an institution. This waiver does take into account parental incomes if you are over the age of 21. Hunter would also most likely qualify Supplemental Security Income (SSI) from the Social Security Administration. It is a long process, but in the end it will result in a monthly income. You must be able to have documentation of your disability and a full diagnosis from your physician regarding your disability and inability to work. The parent’s incomes are accounted for in this situation as well.
ReplyDeleteThere is a lot that goes into financial preparation for an autistic adult. The family must calculate the financial resources that will be provided to their child along with their expected income throughout their life. Because of the public support that Hunter will most likely receive, the federal and state governments will have access to all of his financial information and will be able to keep track of it throughout his life.
ASD concepts, LLC (2011, November 9). Medicaid waivers for individuals with autism. Retrieved from http://www.child-autism-parent-cafe.com/medicaid-waivers.html
ReplyDeleteAutism after 16. (2011). Long Day's Journey into Financial Light: Part I, Public Funding Sources. Retrieved from http://www.autismafter16.com/article/09-06-2011/long-days-journey-financial-light-part-i-public-funding-sources
In the longer term, Hunter has many prospects. Even if he decides to move to a rural community, town, or even a large city. If Hunter decided to reside to Roanoke, Va, they have what's called Greater Roanoke Valley Autism Action Group.They have a program the first Friday of each month in the mornings till 11 am where they put on activities and services for the autistic adults. If Hunter decides to move to Harrisonburg, they have the Arc of Harrisonburg and Rockingham. At this facility they have more to offer with more activities each month and more supervision as well. Finally, if Hunter decided to move to Tidewater or Richmond, he would be able to attend the Greater Richmond Arc for programs and activities and supervision. All three locations would benefit Hunter, but we believe if he resided in a larger city he would be better off because the larger cities have greater accommodations for his needs.
ReplyDeleteAutism Speaks. (2011). Virginia Results. Retrieved from http://www.autismspeaks.org/community/fsdb/category.php?sid=55&cid=88
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