HARTFORD, CT — For Darlene Borré, parenting her son Ben has meant living in a world marked by exclusion. Diagnosed with profound autism at a young age, Ben recoiled from touch and struggled to access services designed for people with special needs.
Now 23, he continues to face barriers that programs say they cannot accommodate.
“I waited until he was asleep to hug him without causing distress,” Borré said at the state Capitol Monday, speaking at an Autism Awareness and Acceptance forum hosted by the Commission on Women, Children, Seniors, Equity & Opportunity (CWCSEO).
She described a daily struggle many families endure — trying to plan for futures that feel invisible to the system.
“It is so scary to face these moments alone,” she said. “Parents like me are living day to day, worrying, wondering. What happens after I’m gone? Who will protect him? Who will understand him?”
Ashley McClain, founder and president of the LINKED Autism Safety Project and mother to a child with autism, echoed the fear.
“I worry every single day – I worry more than I have ever had to worry before,” she said. But she also called the moment an opening for change, urging listeners to “open your hearts and minds to inclusion.”
The forum brought together caregivers, advocates, and individuals on the autism spectrum, all working to push visibility into policy.
“It’s important for us to hear from all of you,” said Alan Tan, co-chair of the CWCSEO.
He underscored the urgency of listening to caregivers of non-verbal residents. “We in the state of Connecticut owe them a place, just like we owe every single resident a place.”
Three young men—Denzel Closs, Vincent Yanez, and Rafael Rodriguez—described their daily experiences living with autism.
Rodriguez, speaking with the help of a caregiver, advised anyone in need of housing to contact his sister: “She knows everything.”
Denise Drummond, legislative policy analyst and event organizer, praised their courage. “Your voice plays a vital role,” she said. “Whatever it takes, we will do.”
The forum also spotlighted active legislation. Borré urged support for House Bill 7108, which would require the Department of Developmental Services to gather data on how many people with autism it serves.
“With no numbers, there’s no support,” she said. “If we don’t know how many people like Ben are out there, how can we possibly plan for their future?”
Also under discussion was House Bill 7202, which would mandate autism training for Connecticut police officers.
In recognition of the event, Connecticut Education Association President Kate Dias issued a statement applauding the educators supporting students with autism.
She also condemned recent remarks by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., calling them “outrageous” and “harmful.”
“Today and every day, teachers and support staff work with students who have a wide variety of needs,” Dias said. “Ensuring caring, nurturing, and welcoming environments where all students are safe, accepted, and valued and can reach their potential.”
