Autism and Adulthood

Ryan turned 18 a few weeks ago.  With that milestone, he transitions from childhood to adulthood.  When we're children, we can't wait for that big day!!!  However, as a parent, I could wait a bit longer.

Ryan is the third child of our five boys.  Since Mike and I have had two older boys turn 18, this transition was nothing knew.  Nonetheless, a son with autism turning 18 is vastly different.  Ryan has all the rights and responsibilities of an adult, and so many questions loom?  Does he have the maturity and capability of understanding choices he makes?  Will he take the initiative to solve problems he faces?  Can he make inquiries if necessary?  Can he handle his money efficiently?  How good are his life skills?  Some of these questions can be asked of neuro-typical (NT) teens.  The answers become even more vital for adults with special needs.

The first sign that concerned me was at a family gathering.  An uncle asked Ryan if he were ready to be an adult?  Ryan answered yes.  The conversation continued in typical question and answer style, ie relatives asking questions, and Ryan answering either yes or no.  UNTIL this question was posed:  "Do you want to do something different, take on more responsibility?"  Ryan answered with a sentence, "I want the least amount of  responsibility possible."

Really?  Reality check.

Since then I have been researching what are possibilities for Ryan in all aspects of life:  living arrangements, schooling, working, finance, etc.  Not that I haven't been doing that type of research already, but it became more intense and specified. What can an adult with autism potentially do?  Not just survive, but thrive?  There are so many cases of abuse and bullying adults with autism in group homes and in the work force.  It can be scary, but like everything else, we approach it as an adventure.

So onto another journey of life!

At The Conference

Ryan is in the top picture.  He is sitting next to
 the moderator, 3rd from left.

Photo Credit: AZ Assist

Ryan did very well at the convention. He sat thru some long talks, which were very informative to me. By 3pm he was tired-- social engagement is like a marathon to kids with autism. Took a break. By 4pm he was giving his presentation, complete with power point and special effects. He spoke clearly and slowly. A job well done. I am a very proud mama!

Autism Conference and Ryan

A few weeks ago Ryan was invited to give a presentation at an upcoming autism conference.  To my surprise, he accepted!  For a kid who didn't talk until he was 5 and has never really liked talking, this is HUGE.  Ryan will be part of a panel of young adults with autism.  They will speak individually about their lives with autism, and then they can focus on some aspect, whether it's their future, their education, or their outlook on life.

Last week we met with the coach and monitor of this panel.  Ryan was not comfortable at first, but he answered all of her questions.  He showed her how he'd use a microphone.  Basically, they covered the ground rules and expectations.  He said he understood everything.

In the last week I've had to push him to finish his presentation with slides.  He kept procrastinating, saying he'd work on it "tomorrow".  Finally on Tuesday, I said he needed to finish it, so he could practice his presentation with the slides.  I love how there is always tomorrow...

On Wednesday he gave his presentation to his grandparents.  They were quite happy!  Ryan spoke clearly and slowly.  Very deliberately.

I can't wait until tomorrow. 

Eating Healthy: Making My Own Vanilla Extract

Vanilla Beans

I can't buy vanilla extract without it having some sort of junk in it. Since I bake all the breads, cakes, etc from scratch, we go through a ton of vanilla. Consequently, I purchased vanilla beans a couple weeks ago.  The aroma from the beans was heaven scent.  Yes, pun intended, scent vs sent.  Dry humor...

Anyways, since I don't know much about hard liquor, I asked several people what kind of alcohol to soak the beans in. I received quite an array of suggestions, such as vodka, brandy, rum, and bourbon. My cousin recommended bourbon since it "inherently has vanilla notes."  He also said that brandy might be heavy, but might work as would a light rum.  That contrasts with my mother in law who said that brandy would be more mellow.  Most everyone agreed vodka is tasteless, so it would remain neutral.  I'd love to try all the suggestions.  I have enough vanilla beans.  However, the cost of liquor is a bit pricy for my checking account!

I ended up purchasing vodka and bourbon. I cut up the equivalent of 3 beans in inch sections per 1 cup of alcohol. Sealed bottles. Shook them. Placed in a dark closet. 

Will revisit them next Sun to shake again. Now we wait... some say 2 months, others say 6 months. I hope by Christmas season, I'll have some savory vanilla of my own. We'll see!

photo credit:http://www.flickr.com/photos/acfou/

Coping with the Daily Turmoil of Autism

I was asked yesterday how I get through the daily turmoil of autism. I replied, "A lot of prayer" and... "one moment at a time." Makes me think, if I could remove the autism, of course, I would; however, I wouldn't remove one moment of my life with these boys. The challenges, tears, etc. I'd keep it all. I love my boys.