Today was an adventure. I'm 1/2 venting, and 1/2 expressing gratitude. It's just really therapeutic to get this out. Not that I need people to read this. I'm glad this board is a place to let it out that isn't facebook.
I like to connect w people on Facebook, but I don't need attention, so I love the anonymity of CB.
My kid is high functioning and we have always hoped that he'd be able to be a functional adult without us doing everything for him. So far the transition has been an adventure just like it was when he was younger. He conversates wonderfully and is incredibly smart. He is so much fun to be around! He doesn't communicate his needs and gets into cycles where he stays up all night and then sleeps all day. He ends up sleeping through alarms and not getting to where he needs to be etc. He's taking 2 classes at BYU-I and is living on campus. He has a lot of freedom and opportunity to take care of his own needs. We think everything is great and then we find out that his employer ran out of work 2 weeks ago and cant pay his rent, his car is broken down, he ran out of toothpaste and his medication and he wasn't going to say anything to us about it. Lol. I took the day off today to take his car in to the mechanic, pick up his meds etc. I asked, what he was eating. He said, "Oatmeal" in the most chipper upbeat voice ever. (Lol.) Then I asked what is he eating for lunch? "Oatmeal". And what are you eating for dinner? "Oatmeal, unless I find some free food somewhere."
"Why don't you say something to us?"
"I have enough Oatmeal to last a few months."
Long story short, I got him a bunch of groceries and vitamins, so he doesn't get scurvy. I took him to Arby's and ate lunch w him.
There are so many times I feel frustrated that he can't really take care of himself, but I've also felt really grateful that this gives me the opportunity to spend more time with him. He really is one of my best friends and he's always appreciative of the things that I do for him. Today was a day I'm glad I lost time working to be w him. Adulting w autism is still a huge mystery. Finding the balance of pushing, allowing to fail, and caregiving isn't easy. 1/2 the time I'm sure I'm not doing it right. But if anyone else has read to this point and to those who are dealing w their own autistic adventures. Keep rolling. I know for a fact that there are other "adventures" w autistic kids that are far more intensive and difficult than what we have. To you guys, I salute you. Keep your head up. Thanks the the people around who don't have autistic kids, but "get it" and are kind, patient and generous. We can't thank you enough.