Autism Moms Speak on Challenges of Children Becoming Adults

Two mothers share their experiences navigating the 'gray area' of adulthood for their autistic children.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 2:55pm

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A blurred, atmospheric photograph in soft, warm tones showing the silhouettes of a parent and adult child walking together, their faces obscured but their body language conveying a sense of care and connection.As autistic children become adults, their parents face new challenges in ensuring their independence and access to vital support services.Syracuse Today

In this episode of 'Enable: The Disability Podcast', two mothers of adult children with autism discuss the difficulties they face as their kids transition out of high school and into the 'real world'. They describe the lack of resources and support available for autistic adults compared to children, as well as their concerns about their children's ability to live independently.

Why it matters

The challenges faced by families with autistic children don't end when they become adults. This story highlights the need for more services and support to help autistic individuals live independently and thrive as they age out of the school system.

The details

Jean Leiker of the Central New York chapter of the Autism Society of America and Sandy Cittadino, mother of an autistic adult son, spoke about the difficulties of this transition period. Leiker said it's 'even scarier' when autistic children become adults, as finding 'enriching, purposeful activities to fill their days' becomes more difficult. Cittadino expressed concerns about her son's ability to be '100% independent' without her help, noting a lack of resources for older autistic individuals compared to children.

  • This episode of 'Enable: The Disability Podcast' was released on April 15, 2026.

The players

Jean Leiker

A representative of the Central New York chapter of the Autism Society of America.

Sandy Cittadino

The mother of an autistic adult son.

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What they’re saying

“It's a huge transition when you leave high school. It's challenging. I joke around and say 'I feel like a cruise director' sometimes because I try to find enriching, purposeful activities to fill his days. As much we struggle with challenges, often behavioral, when our kids are younger - I think it's even scarier when they get out in the real world.”

— Jean Leiker, Representative, Central New York Autism Society of America

“The biggest challenge for me right now is feeling secure and knowing that he is going to be able to be 100% independent without my help. [There are] a lot of great services for children and younger. When they get a little older, it kind of changes... at this age and stage of my life that concerns me as to will he ever be able to be 100% able to be on his own? And if not, what do the services look like for somebody his age?”

— Sandy Cittadino, Mother of Autistic Adult Son

What’s next

The 'Enable: The Disability Podcast' will be covering the Central New York Autism Society of America's 'One Step at a Time' Autism Acceptance Walk in Syracuse on April 25, 2026, where listeners can donate to support the organization's efforts.

The takeaway

This story highlights the need for more resources and support services to help autistic individuals and their families navigate the transition to adulthood. As autistic children age out of the school system, finding 'enriching, purposeful activities' and ensuring their ability to live independently becomes an even greater challenge for parents.