Thursday, February 7 2013 10:00 PM EST2013-02-08 03:00:12 GMT
Understanding autism can be difficult and confusing, but imagine having to navigate those issues as your child grows but doesn't outgrow their challenges.
Understanding autism can be difficult and confusing, but imagine having to navigate those issues as your child grows but doesn't outgrow their challenges.
Parents Of Autistic Children Worry What Life Will Bring When They're AdultsMore>>
Every 12 minutes, a child is born who will be diagnosed with autism. It's a developmental disorder that can affect a child's social and communication skills at an early age.
Understanding autism can be difficult and confusing. But imagine having to navigate those issues as your child grows up, but doesn't outgrow their challenges.
Those challenges are something Jennifer Thompson knows all too well. For Jennifer, cooking is a big part of her morning routine. But if you sit down and spend time with her, you'll realize the toughest part of that routine is not what goes on in the kitchen, but her ability to communicate.
Leslie Thompson, Jennifer's mom, says at an early age she knew her daughter had some differences.
"Her development was fine up until 2-years-old, she wasn't responding to her name or sounds," Leslie said.
When Jennifer started getting older, Leslie says she began to worry about her quality of life.
In this coming decade, 500,0000 young, autistic children will turn 21, the age at which federally mandated services stop being provided. Add to that a staggering 85 percent unemployment rate for young adults with autism and you can understand why many families are worried.
For many, the reality is that it will be tough road ahead.
Deborah Griffin and her son, Jonathan, know that reality all too well. Finding employment for an autistic adult unless you have connections is difficult, Deborah said.
Jonathan's only income is social security and the family has to wait two years just to get it.
There are currently 260,000 people on a waiting list for housing support. Those who are on social security get about $670 worth.
Thursday, June 13 2013 1:24 PM EDT2013-06-13 17:24:45 GMT
City officials confirm that a Department of Licenses and Inspections inspector has passed away from an apparent suicide a little more than a week after last week's deadly building collapse in Center City.
City officials confirm that a Department of Licenses and Inspections inspector has passed away from an apparent suicide a little more than a week after last week's deadly building collapse in Center City.
Friday, February 22 2013 4:55 PM EST2013-02-22 21:55:05 GMT
Every 12 minutes, a child is born who will be diagnosed with autism. It's a developmental disorder that can affect a child's social and communication skills at an early age.
Every 12 minutes, a child is born who will be diagnosed with autism. It's a developmental disorder that can affect a child's social and communication skills at an early age.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 10:14 PM EDT2013-06-20 02:14:32 GMT
At approximately 2:45pm Wednesday afternoon, a bank robbery occurred at the National Penn Bank on E. High Street in Pottstown, PA. Police have captured three of the fours suspects so far.
At approximately 2:45pm Wednesday afternoon, a bank robbery occurred at the National Penn Bank on E. High Street in Pottstown, PA. Police have captured three of the fours suspects so far.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 8:19 PM EDT2013-06-20 00:19:58 GMT
Breaking news in North Philadelphia on the 2300 block of North Tenth Street, where three people, including a pregnant woman, were shot. This happened just before four this afternoon.
Breaking news in North Philadelphia on the 2300 block of North Tenth Street, where three people, including a pregnant woman, were shot. This happened just before four this afternoon.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 6:11 PM EDT2013-06-19 22:11:57 GMT
If you hated going to traffic court in Philadelphia, you won't have to anymore! Today, Governor Tom Corbett signed a bill abolishing traffic court,effective immediately.
If you hated going to traffic court in Philadelphia, you won't have to anymore! Today, Governor Tom Corbett signed a bill abolishing traffic court,effective immediately.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 5:57 PM EDT2013-06-19 21:57:28 GMT
A main line mascot gets the boot. At issue: cultural sensitivity.It's an issue that's been playing out on athletic fields all over America: re-thinking team names and the mascots that go with them.
A main line mascot gets the boot. At issue: cultural sensitivity.It's an issue that's been playing out on athletic fields all over America: re-thinking team names and the mascots that go with them.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 5:47 PM EDT2013-06-19 21:47:02 GMT
City administration officials came before a City Council committee with orders not to talk about the building collapse, but that didn't stop council members from raising questions.
City administration officials came before a City Council committee with orders not to talk about the building collapse, but that didn't stop council members from raising questions.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 5:06 PM EDT2013-06-19 21:06:59 GMT
Six of the people accused in one of the largest public corruption cases in our area's history plead guilty today in court. 18 people total are accused of bilking the Bensalem school district.
Six of the people accused in one of the largest public corruption cases in our area's history plead guilty today in court. 18 people total are accused of bilking the Bensalem school district.
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Jennifer Thompson cooks as part of her daily routine.
Jonathan Griffin's only income is his social security.
