Introduction

The transition from adolescence to adulthood presents unique challenges for all individuals, but for autistic adults, these challenges can be even more overwhelming. This article explores the support systems available for autistic adults in Japan and the USA, focusing on the transition when parents are no longer able to care for them. It highlights the differences and similarities in governmental and societal support, emphasizing the need for comprehensive and sensitive care.

Japan’s Comprehensive Care System

In Japan, the government plays an integral role in supporting autistic adults, ensuring they can live independently and work. There are governmental workers who regularly check on these individuals to ensure their well-being. Moreover, there are group homes supported by the government, where more severely autistic persons live together with live-in caregivers. These group homes offer a range of services, including cultural outings and assistance with daily tasks, aimed at maintaining a familiar routine and minimizing disruption.

Benefits of Japan’s Care Model

Prevention of Shock: These homes avoid sudden changes by providing a familiar and consistent environment. Staying in such homes can help autistic adults transition smoothly after living with family.

Community Integration: Group homes often organize social activities, promoting integration into the community and reducing feelings of isolation.

Support Networks: Group homes allow autistic adults to build relationships with peers and receive support from live-in caregivers trained to deal with their unique needs.

The USA’s Less Structured Support System

In contrast, the USA lacks the same level of governmental oversight and support as seen in Japan. While there are some group homes and permanent residences available for more severely autistic individuals who cannot live independently or with family, the system is less structured and less widely supported.

Challenges in the USA

Limited Governmental Support: Unlike in Japan, there are no regular checks from government workers to ensure the well-being of autistic adults living independently.

Cost of Care: The cost of professional caregiving services is often prohibitive, making it difficult for individuals to transition smoothly when their caregivers are unavailable or unable to continue their roles.

Personal Experiences and Challenges

Many autistic adults in the USA face unpredictable outcomes, often forced to live in private or state-run group homes where they may receive basic care but no genuine love or support from the staff. Personal stories highlight the vulnerabilities faced by these individuals. For instance, some adults are exploited or abused, emphasizing the urgent need for better support structures and protective laws.

Addressing Vulnerability and Abuse

Financial Preparedness: Some autistic adults manage to purchase and maintain their own homes with the help of caregivers, but this is often the exception rather than the rule. Financial preparedness and setting up savings accounts, such as ABLE accounts, can provide a safety net for the future.

Legal Protections: Ensuring that laws and policies protect the vulnerable is critical. For instance, in the USA, it has only recently become a crime for a spouse to steal money and refuse basic necessities like food.

Educational Resources: Education and resources for potential caregivers can help reduce the burden of care and increase the availability of compassionate and knowledgeable support.

Conclusion

The support system for autistic adults in Japan and the USA differ significantly, with Japan offering a system of regular checks and a community-based model of support, while the USA relies more on individuals and less on structured governmental oversight. The experiences of individuals like the author, who have faced significant challenges, underscore the need for more comprehensive and protective measures. Moving forward, it is essential to advocate for stronger governmental support, better caregiver training, and robust legal protections to ensure that autistic adults can transition to adulthood with dignity and care.