Ricardo Adair

Autism Light #352 is Ricardo Adair. 

Ricardo Adair is a 25 year old man from Mexico. He was diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome at 18 years of age and according to Mexican law this meant that a parent or guardian would make all of his decisions the rest of his life. Ricardo Adair Coronel Robles is the first Autism Light from Mexico because he brought his petition to the Supreme Court of Justice of the Nation of Mexico and won a legal victory that will help many with autism in Mexico gain more independence in the future.

Ricardo Adair started his case in 2011 seeking to make key decisions in his life without parental consent. Mexican law required that a person with autism or Asperger's have legal documents signed by a parent or legal guardian.

Ricardo's mother Leticia Robles supported his legal efforts for equal rights as a person in Mexico. She had told the BBC Mundo in 2013, "Many children have different levels of disability. Some need more support, some need less. This should be about giving to each one what they need (BBC News, Mexican Man with Asperger's Syndrome Wins Court Battle)."

Ricardo Adair told the Supreme Court, "I want to be allowed to decide what to do, where to go, where and with whom I want to live or travel, where to work or study (BBC News, Mexican Man with Asperger's Syndrome Wins Court Battle)."

In October 16, 2013 the Supreme Court of Justice of the Nation of Mexico ruled in Ricardo's favor 4 votes to 1. Although they did not immediately declare Ricardo Adair competent for making his own decisions, the court ruled that a judge of the family will decide which rights and responsibilities Ricardo Adair is able to take on himself. When you listen to it you can go to the captions option on the video and turn on the translation option. You can then set it to see captions of the news story in any language.


The ruling from the Ministers of the Supreme Court has broad applications, and means that in the future a judge will determine on a case by case basis to what extent other individuals in Mexico with autism, Asperger's, or other disabilities are able to take over their own decisions (RadioBrithispana.com).

Special thanks to Ricardo Adair for lighting the way for those with autism in Mexico. The legal victory that Ricardo won will make it easier for others with autism who are facing the same desire and capacity for independence.

Autism Light honors diverse heroes to the world of autism.