Kascia Hanska: Hamburger Syndrome: A Story of Adult Autism

Excerpt

Under a nom de plume, Hanska tackles the subject of young adulthood for individuals on the autism spectrum. The book is meant to educate, entertain, and provide hope to caregivers and parents of this population. How this book differs from other texts on this topics is that it is in part a graphic novel reminiscent of Gray’s Comic Strip Conversations (1994) which uses stick figures and conversation symbols. The book is divided into three main sections. The preface sets the stage for the graphic novel reminding the reader of the deficits this population possesses as well as the reality that funding for special education services ends at age 22. Then the proverbial bottom drops out of the safety net. Fragmented state services face this group. Although large congregate care facilities are no longer the status quo for services to this age group, the “system” of group home care is not significantly better. …