When autistic kids grow up, Chapter 5: The war dial

“You have to reshape the whole system.” Tempest McDonald earns a measure of peace.

By Brady Huggett

2 July 2026 | 1 min read

https://doi.org/10.53053/PZME8630 Cite this article

Illustration by Mark Harris

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In the final chapter of “When autistic kids grow up,” a new government grant suggests a slowly raised awareness around the need to study the lives of autistic adults, and Tempest McDonald comes through her dark period.

Read the transcript. Listen to Chapters 1, 2, 3 and 4.

Avis McDonald sits at a table of roleplaying game materials; Terry McDonald sits in a wheelchair nearby. — **Three’s company:** With her son Avis (left) and father Terry McDonald living under her roof, Tempest McDonald has the family unit working as one.

All images courtesy of Tempest McDonald

Closeup of a figurine from Warhammer 40K. — **Tiny figure:** Avis loves the wargame Warhammer 40K and is thinking about exploring related business ventures.

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tags:

When autistic kids grow up, Autism, Funding, Policy, Science and society, Spectrum

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