77. The Disability Cliff and Adult Services in the US, with Cammie McGovern

Discover what’s possible when success is measured in belonging. 

Cammie McGovern is the mother of a 25-year-old autistic adult and has recently published a book titled Hard Landings: Looking into the Future of a Child with Autism. She has also authored three novels for adults, including Eye Contact; two books for young adults, Say What You Will and A Step Toward Falling; and two books for middle-grade readers, Just My Luck and Chester and Gus. All feature young people with a variety of disabilities at the center. 

Cammie is also one of the founders of Whole Children and Milestones, a resource center for children and young adults with disabilities and their families in Hadley, Massachusetts. 

In today’s conversation, we discuss:

• The “Disability Cliff” for autistic adults who turn 22
• Varying types of adult services available across the US
• The movement away from institutional settings and sheltered workshops
• The overlooked value of congregate settings
• Skills parents should prioritize when preparing their kids for adulthood
• Tips for parents whose children are approaching this stage in life
• Sex education

To learn more about Cammie, please visit cammiemcgovern.com.

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