Melissa Elges
This year, my son, who is on the spectrum, turned 16. While many parents look forward to the milestone of a driver’s license, it brought a difficult conversation for us. “Mom, why can’t I get my driver’s license?” he asked. My heart sank, and I gently replied, “We can work on it, but now might not be the time.” His response: “Having a disability sucks sometimes, Mom.” I understood, and reassured him, “I know, sweetheart, I know.”
This conversation is just one example of the challenges we face as my son grows into adulthood. Though many 16-year-olds don’t drive, for him it’s a reminder of how his disability can exclude him from things others experience. This isn’t about victimhood; it’s about recognizing that as he matures, the conversations become more complex, and resources for individuals with developmental disabilities remain limited.
In 2022, Nevada’s lack of services was highlighted when the Department of Justice found the state fails to provide adequate services for children with behavioral health disabilities. Two years later, in 2024, Mental Health America ranked Nevada as the worst state in the nation for supporting kids with mental and behavioral health issues, a title it’s held for much of the past decade. Although there are many trying to ensure Nevada does better including current legislative efforts, it can’t happen quickly enough.
As my son faces these challenges, I worry about his future—transitioning to college, the workforce, living independently, and forming relationships. After high school, many teens with autism encounter the “service cliff”—a noticeable drop-off in the amount of critical supportive services offered. This “service cliff” becomes even more apparent after high school, and there is little support for those aging out of the system. Many in the Autism community are on waiting lists, and this lack of support can worsen the problem as these individuals transition into adulthood.
This is especially troubling in rural areas where access to healthcare and transportation is already limited. In my son’s case, the majority of his support comes from family and friends, rather than formal services. He’s fortunate to have a balance that includes part-time work and a safe home environment, but many don’t.
While I don’t have a perfect solution, there are local nonprofits like Family Support Council and Horizons of Hope offering support. Carson Tahoe Hospital’s Healing Our Kids Crusade is also working to improve mental and behavioral health services by embarking on a pioneering journey to bolster mental and behavioral health for kids in rural Nevada. I encourage donations to these causes, as our youth on the spectrum need our help now more than ever.
Nevada is resilient, and our rural communities have a strong sense of unity. If we come together, we can provide the support these young people need, including those who may one day wish to drive.
April is Autism Awareness month, please kindly think about a donation to one of the following agencies mentioned above. Contact Melissa Elges 775-78-6886