AUTISM UNCOVERED • Locked Behind the Door: Group-Home Abuse of Autistic Adults, Episode 3B

In this concluding installment of Episode Three, Mama Rae brings the investigation full circle — exposing what happens behind closed doors in licensed group homes for autistic adults, and shining a light on a system that too often protects institutions instead of the people inside them.Part B moves deeper into the lived experiences of survivors and whistle-blowers, whose identities are protected for safety. Through first-initial accounts, we explore the emotional toll of neglect, the patterns of institutional silence, and the consequences of under-training, understaffing, and unchecked power.This episode also connects these systemic failures to a recent, real-world case that mirrors the same themes: the dangers of invisibility, the impact on families, and the ongoing fight for justice and reform.IMPORTANT NOTE FROM MAMA RAE:There are many other cases involving group-home abuse that are not mentioned by name in this episode. They were not ignored or left out on purpose. Some of these stories were extremely difficult to read and, for me personally, hit very close to home. I still encourage you to keep researching, keep talking, and keep sharing what you learn so that autistic and disabled adults are not forgotten.Below are starting points if you want to go deeper.FURTHER CASES & INVESTIGATIONS • NPR – “Abused and Betrayed” (series on sexual assault against people with intellectual disabilities)https://www.npr.org/series/575502633/abused-and-betrayed  • ProPublica / Chicago Tribune – “Children Are Being Locked Away, Alone and Terrified” (on seclusion and restraint, many of the children disabled)https://features.propublica.org/illinois-seclusion-rooms/school-students-put-in-isolated-timeouts/  • Stateline – “Private Equity Snaps Up Disability Services, Challenging State Regulators” (on ownership of group homes and disability services)https://stateline.org/2025/05/16/private-equity-snaps-up-disability-services-challenging-state-regulators/  • Pinellas County, FL – Deputies: Group Home Employee Battered Disabled Residents (Live Oak Group Home case)Sheriff’s Office release: https://www.pinellassheriff.gov/Contents/ContentItems/4fy8ec64g9fxvvy2e9rj08q4mk Local write-up: https://wesetthestandards.com/largo-man-accused-of-abusing-disabled-group-home-residents/  • “The Men of Atalissa” – long-term exploitation and abuse of intellectually disabled men in Iowahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Men_of_Atalissa  • Letchworth Village – historic institution known for severe neglect and abuse of disabled residentshttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Letchworth_Village Please approach these stories gently and take breaks if you need to.RESOURCES & CRISIS LINES(for autistic / disabled adults and caregivers) • National Disability Rights Network (find your state’s Protection & Advocacy office):https://www.ndrn.org/about/ndrn-member-agencies/  • Adult Protective Services (report abuse / neglect of disabled or dependent adults):Phone (U.S.): 1-833-401-0832Find your local APS: https://www.napsa-now.org/help-in-your-area/  • The Arc – crisis & advocacy for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities:https://thearc.org/crisis-support/  • Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN):https://autisticadvocacy.org/  • 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (U.S.):Call or text 988 from any phone (24/7). • Crisis Text Line:Text HOME to 741741 (U.S. & Canada). • RAINN – National Sexual Assault Hotline (for anyone, including disabled survivors):800-656-HOPE (4673) or online chat at https://rainn.org Autism Uncovered exists to amplify truth, honor those who were silenced, and demand the protection autistic individuals deserve.