What is Autism: Coming of Age

Did you know over the next 10 to 15 years, an estimated 800,000 children with autism will age out of their school systems? Nearly three quarters of these families are worried about their child’s financial future, but most have done little to plan for when their child with autism becomes an adult. That’s why today, on behalf of Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company (MassMutual), we encourage you to join this mission to get the word out that help is available for families with children with special needs!

You can learn more about MassMutual and ways it’s helping families plan for the future by visiting www.massmutual.com/autism.  Also be sure to check out MassMutual on Facebook www.Facebook.com/MassMutual for daily tips and articles.

What is Autism: Coming of Age?

Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) are some of the most complex disabilities that families can face. This documentary is, in part, a follow-up to groundbreaking research from the December 2008 “Easter Seals Living with Autism” study, also co-sponsored by MassMutual, that examined the hopes, fears and challenges of parents raising children with autism.

That study, conducted by Harris Interactive, one of the leading consumer research companies in the U.S., revealed the top concerns of families living with autism. These include:

- Independence
- Financial well-being
- Quality of life
- Employment
- Housing needs
- Education
- Health
- The child’s longevity

Sue Scheff: Art Possibilities - Empowering Adults with Autism

Art Possibilities is a not-for-profit organization founded by Mayra Ron. She is an author, however first and foremost she is the mother of Christian Early. Mayra started this wonderful organization when she became frustrated by the lack of resources for her adult son with autism. She soon realized she was not alone.

Her mission statement:

"To create an art studio to help adults with autism and related disabilities integrate into society. Through art methodology, we will discover each student's strength, and develop that strength while at the same time modifying his or her character, self-esteem, social conduct, and providing vehicles of employment and economic sustenance for these adults. In addition, one hour of physical activity will be provided each day."

A bit about Christian:

Christian's first book as an illustrator is Can You See Me? A View of Our World by an Adult with Autism. It's the story of a shark who encounters him on the beach and through his friendly probing, manages to "see" Christian past his label and wonders why society doesn't. His paintings and cartoons are also featured in his mother's second book, Diary of a Crazy Woman: One Woman's Fight to Help her Son with Autism Find a Place in the World.

Yet it's important to recognize painting for this 25-year-old adult with autism did not come easily. Christian began his painting career at 17 with mere awkward lines.

Learn more about this wonderful organization and Christian at http://www.artpossibilities.net/ .

Watch the introduction video by Mayra Ron.

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