Category: Adult Autism

Offering support in Ghana

Posted on by Gregory Wood

by Greg Wood

In 2018 I attended an educational program called Semester at Sea. I went as a lifelong learner. One of the ports we stopped at was Ghana. One day I went on a field trip to a local village. We were to have an African naming ceremony and the program included dancing and singing.

After the event we were told we could walk around the village. As I started to walk around, 3 boys came up to me. They seemed interested in my iPhone. As we walked towards some of the houses, one boy asked me to buy him a bike.  Another older boy came up to me and said he wanted to go to high school.  He told me that both his parents were dead.  In Ghana, families pay for school and uniforms. I knew nothing would happen unless I spoke to the village Chief. He approved me purchasing the bike for the kid. When we spoke about the teenager, Ibrahim his comment was Ibrahim is very lazy with no ambition. We agreed that I could pay for the school fees for Ibrahim and the Chief would monitor his grades. Ibrahim graduated from high school and now wanted to go to college.  Again, I agreed to another 4 years of financial support which at times tested my patience.  I paid his school and housing costs.  Many times after I paid Ibrahim my agreed upon budget, he came back tome with other expenses. His phone broke, his computer broke, etc.  He did not want to hear I could only afford school and housing. They wear you down till you give something. I was grateful the I was able to work through the staff at the University. I was able have some financial structure in place, otherwise it would drive me crazy.

In 2025 I went on my second semester at sea voyage.  Again a stop in Ghana.  This time I managed to meet Ibrahim at a Western Hotel in downtown, grown and now wanting to get a masters degree. He majored in Property management.  

He got a job after graduation with the government, and of course I had to pay the contact at the university who paid the hiring manager to give him a job. Now he is getting a masters degree and paying most of the cost himself.  During the past 8 years my message to Ibrahim has been to go back and do something for your village. Since I never had kids of my own, this was a great experience to somehow make a difference in someone’s life.  

AANE Statement: The Real Autism Crisis: Lack of Services, Not Tylenol

Posted on by Gregory Wood

By Brenda Dater, MSW, MPH

About the Author

Brenda Dater, MSW, MPH, is the executive director at AANE and the author of “Parenting Without Panic.” Brenda is a mom of three, and her eldest is an Autistic woman. Brenda has facilitated parent support groups for over 20 years and thoroughly enjoys creating an environment where parents can find the support, information, and the community they need.

We at the Association for Autism and Neurodiversity (AANE), along with the larger autism advocacy movement, have worked for decades to advance understanding of autism, create inclusive and supportive communities, and dispel disinformation. As Autistic individuals, families, and clinicians, we recognize and honor the inherent worth and diverse experiences of Autistic people and their families. We also know the real barriers our community faces as they navigate the world. 

In their most recent press conference, the President and his administration continued to spread disinformation that highlights questionable research and misinforms the public about autism. The HHS Secretary and the President repeatedly frame autism as an “epidemic” despite well-established research showing that rising prevalence rates reflect broader diagnostic criteria, greater awareness, and improved screening. In particular, claims about acetaminophen use in pregnancy as a cause of autism are deeply misleading. A massive Swedish study found no evidence that acetaminophen causes autism, directly contradicting the administration’s statements. Medical experts at the Coalition of Autism Scientists have issued a statement pushing back on each one of the claims made, saying the assertions, “only stoke fear.” 

The real crisis occurs when Autistic individuals and their families are left without the understanding, services, and support they need. Among many examples, recent cuts to Medicaid funding and weakening the Department of Educationhave removed supports and protections that will have a dramatically negative effect on the autism community. Our collective focus must be on ensuring robust funding, resources, and inclusive supports that the Autistic community relies on to live meaningful and connected lives. We know the autism community is strongest when the experiences of both Autistic individuals and their families are recognized. Autistic individuals bring essential insight into shaping policies and practices, while parents and caregivers play a vital role in support and advocacy alongside them. We urge leaders and the media to elevate these experiences and move away from divisive rhetoric, so that together we can focus on what truly matters: understanding, respect, and meaningful support for every Autistic person and their family