How This Couple Is Planning Their Future With 2 Adult Children With Autism | TODAY

Ruth Singer Strunck and Mike Strunck are parents of two adult children with autism. The couple gives an inside look at what the future holds for their children who are both in their twenties and are starting their own businesses.

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#autismawareness #family #todayshow

[lait]

I don't think any child could ask for better parents. A real gift to the world, this family.

[sharonrigs]

I once had a client who was a non verbal person with autism.
He was a big teddy bear of a man. Very sweet and kind, never got violent. Although he was non verbal, he had good communication skills through gestures.
He was an avid cyclist and a talented artist.

RIP Rudy, I miss you bud

[TheFabFarmer]

It is so precious to see mom and dad still touching Andy with love the way they do. Our sons aren’t touched enough after a certain age. Mama’s touch does so much for a child!

[peopledislikedyourcomme]

This hits home. As a parent of a special needs child, I worry about this every day. 😢

[thelastminmom]

It’s so crazy to think that some ppl are caretakers their entire lives. That is very very hard. Even when you are willing to do this for your own kids. This is tough. I pray you get some help and peace of mind for their futures. You guys deserve it. Amazing parents

[clarisahernandez]

😭 I became disabled at 47 and lived with my parents for a time. I am able to care for myself now but I'm sure they saw their retirement going differently. Bravo to all the parent caregivers.

[LucyMahala]

My son is 6 and has severe autism. It's true, the thing that you worry about most is what will happen when I'm gone... Will anyone love them as much as I do? Will anyone make sure they're okay? Will anyone be kind to them or will people not care and get away with treating them badly because they can't talk and tell anyone? It's so stressful 😔. I wish I had a guarantee that he would be loved and looked after forever, then every day would be so much easier. These parents are wonderful, their kids are too 💜💜

[joansmith]

I have a 43 year old Autistic son who cannot care for himself. He is so sweet and funny. My biggest fear is what will happen to him when I die. I have no support system and the thought freezes me with fear.

[seebzm]

I am also a paremt of two severely autistic children. The fear of leaving this world before them is what scares us most too. Gets me low and sad all the time, so I try to avoid thinking about it.

You are amazing parents and may God bless and reward you ❤️

[V_ampyre]

My nephew has autism too. It's not easy for my entire family but we are always there for him.

[jesusgarcia]

We have 3 children all in the spectrum, every week it comes to mind. That one day they are all going to grow old. And the fear sets in. God give us strength

[lucyii]

So so beautiful!! I love how the mother encouraged the daughter to make her own bath bombs for a little business. How wonderful. So lovely to see something positive and happy here on YouTube. Thank you TODAY 😊🥰

[beckee]

As someone with a disability, I wish society would understand that disability are more disabling when people don’t treat us like human beings. If people would only be more empathic and compassionate, they would see how amazing people with disabilities can be. We are people first before anything else. Stop defining us based on stereotypes and negatives.

[DeepakSharma-rbbp]

I have a nephew who is an autistic kid. His mother (my sister) has schizoid personality disorder and battles with here own illeness time and again. Her husband abandoned her once he knew that his son has autism. Which is very sad and depressing. The struggle to be happy and stay clam in my home is almost out of the box. My folks are getting old and they just have just one concern about what will happen to the poor kid after them. Who's gonna take care of him. I really feel very hopeless whenever I hear it from my mom. I guess, I need to take care of him after them as, he has no one who would look after him. Idk but I can totally relate to the situation what you are going through.

[tamekiab]

This hit home so hard for me 😢 I have 2 on the ASD spectrum as well, 16 and 6. It's so hard trying to do the day to day for them, constant appointments, teaching (and reteaching) basic care and hygiene, and that's just my 16 yo verbal child. My 6 yo nonverbal child is still not potty trained and has no sense of danger. I pretty much do everything, and I'm burnt out. My husband works nights, so it's mainly me 😢

[MsCrazyClassic]

With all you’re doing to prepare them and for the day you’re gone I know they’ll be just fine. There really needs to be more funding put towards care and housing for special needs adults because this is a real need for many families facing this reality.

[survivingitall]

Very well spoken and you guys handled the "once our kids get past the cute ages it isn't as easy to find help for them" issue we go through.

[ithacacomments]

My adult children are on the autism spectrum. They are very high functioning. They have jobs. My son is married.
They do not understand my needs as an older adult. They will go no contact. When this happens my heart hurts so much.
I just keep emailing and texting them quick notes...sometimes weeks later, they will respond.
I tell myself that they don't understand my needs therefore they can't give what they don't have a capacity to understand.
It still hurts.

[burgaweddie]

Living the same life with our 31 year old son, the scary part not talked about here are all the dark thoughts I am sure all of us parents have

[agegaplove]

Idk why ppl think putting their child in supportive or assisted living is so wrong.
I have a brother with severe developmental disabilities and my parents already have him at an assisted living facility.
I'll always be there for my brother, but I'm married and have 2 kids now. I have to make them my priority and when my brother is angry or just having a bad day.
He becomes violent and unintentionally hurt you. I cant put my kids at risk