Autism: Surviving and Thriving

Fourteen years ago my youngest 3 boys were diagnosed with autism within a 9 month span. Devastation and grieving followed. Doctors gave me little or no hope, but they didn't know me very well. I refused to believe that my boys were doomed.

My boys are now young men, adults with autism. They are thriving, but every day presents its turmoil and challenges.

My family: husband Mike, sons Ryan 23 yr, Nicholas 21 yr, and Cameron 18 yr. (Ryan and Nick have autism; Cam has recovered from autism.) Our oldest sons, Michael 34 yr and Stuart 25 yr, moved out of the house. Ryan has also moved out, and is still working towards complete independence.

Monday, May 17, 2010

Coming Home: To A Bachelor Pad

Yes, the job is done. I can sleep, eat, and work at home. What an experience! Lots of good and bad. I'll probably write a couple of entries to cover it all, including how my boys with autism managed.

The scariest part of being home is realizing how a "presentable" home can change so drastically without a woman's touch. Mind you, I am not a clean freak. Far from it. I want my home to be comfortable, livable, lovable... With my oldest son frequenting our house more, there are six males here. The house will inevitably reflect that. However, I could describe my house as a bachelor pad. They were perfectly happy with it, too.

Games systems, guitar hero, cds, and dvds were left on any open space. Pans were not left in the sink, per my strict orders. However, they could be found left on the stove. They did put the food away, but then again, six males and left over food? Not to worry there.

The dining room table had the mail, which had been neatly organized into a "junk" pile and a "good" pile. Laundry was done, but that folding part eluded all.

Dusting had not been done. Crumbs in the carpet told telltale signs of eating in the living room. Hence, I am actually splurging to have my carpets downstairs professionally cleaned.

So, for now I will catch up on the home schooling front, and organize the chaos a bit at a time.

Welcome home, Mom!