Adult Children With Special Needs
A Conversation with Dr. Karen Kent
Karen Kent; Associate Professor, Chair of Healthcare Administration Major, and Director of the DeSales MBA Program
Skylar Hazelwood and Sami Marks from the Cindy Miles Fund interviewed Dr. Karen Kent, Associate Professor and Director of the MBA Program at DeSales University, whose son Ian has autism. As we spoke with her, we realized right off the bat how much passion she has for him. She began by sharing pictures of Ian and diving right into stories about his work in a supermarket bakery. She informed us about how much he loves his job and how much his colleagues love him in return. However, before I touch more on the present day, I want to talk about the past.
The Journey to Today
Ian was diagnosed with autism at three years old, which was quite early for that time. While this was a big adjustment for his parents, they loved him and worked closely with him throughout his development. It wasn’t just his parents who put in the work. Dr. Kent expressed how much she truly appreciated everyone who helped them along the way. His education was a positive journey, especially when it came to receiving the autism scholarship that supported him.
Navigating Modern Challenges
Today, Ian works and loves his job, but he faces significant financial hurdles. Due to current governmental regulations, individuals with disabilities are often restricted by Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limits. In 2025, a non-blind individual generally cannot earn more than $1,620 per month without risking the loss of their essential disability benefits.
Furthermore, to remain eligible for Supplemental Security Income (SSI), individuals are typically restricted to owning no more than $2,000 in countable assets. This effectively prevents Ian from building a traditional retirement plan or significant savings. This system punishes hard work, and it is a structure that the government urgently needs to re-evaluate.
A Message of Hope
Let’s not end on a heavy note, though, because Ian is a truly remarkable individual. Beyond his work at the bakery, he is a black belt in Taekwondo and a talented artist. If we can learn anything from Dr. Kent and Ian, it is the importance of staying positive and finding reasons to smile. Times may get hard, but Ian’s story reminds us to rely on the community around us and allow others to help along the way.
