This morning I was having a discussion with my children about what my daughter's interests are after high school. Her brother, who is already married and out of school, recommended that she have a back-up plan in case the direction she wants to take just doesn't work out.
That led me to wonder...what do the autistic children do after high school? Are the parents having to use so much of their attention for the here-and-now that they can't afford the time to wonder about that before it comes?
Is learning for an autistic child a lifelong challenge, a never-ending education for both parents and child? Are the autistic children ever able to live and function on their own, or must they live with their parents for life? I'm sure there are those who must "graduate" into being able to care for themselves, right?
Actually, being a parent can be a full-time job even for parents who have children without autism. But I'm sure it's even more of a challenge for those who struggle to conquer it, or even to learn to endure on a daily basis.
Once again, I'd love to hear your comments. Please, educate and enlighten me. Help me to understand.
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2 comments:
Well Gannon's therapist has a 27 yr old Autistic brother. he is non verbal and uses sign and dynavox to talk. So here in KS we have an adult facility called "tech" that does work on life skills and is kinda like an adult daycare all the same. They work like like cooking, cleaning, basic skills I guess. Some can work, but he isn't at that level of functioning.
I also have several friends on facebook who are adults with autism. They are higher functioning. many take social therapy at least once a week. They are very intelligent but lack social skills still even at the age of 25-35. I even have a few adults friends on there who are upper 40's. They too are higher fucntioning and can work a job and do somethings on their own.
overall I am guessing some "educational" type stuff will be life long. But then again, teachers, thearpist, any professional does that too. maintence type stuff....
My sister is in her mid 40s and lives with my Mom still in NJ, she works at a place for adults with disabilities in NJ, she is blind from brain tumor.
I did not know you had an adult son. My birth son I gave up for adoption is 31 today. I contacted that new show Find My Family and waiting to see if I get an answer.
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