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.

Thursday, March 8, 2012

Follow Up On Nicholas: A Good Week

I went to the school psychologist to follow up on the Best Buddy program. Nothing has been done. The psychologist said he did ask about it, but I have to fill out the application online. I asked if I could print out the application and give it to the program coordinator since I was there on campus. The answer was NO.

I have a problem with filling out information about my boys online. I don't know where this information is going. This is private information, and I don't want their identity compromised.

In the past couple of months I've already received solicitation calls for my two teens with autism. These are calls regarding college and taking the PSAT or SAT. I've asked these callers where they are getting my sons' information from, and they refuse to tell me.

I conveyed this to the psychologist who said that is illegal. These callers must identify where they are getting the information. That doesn't do me any good, and it only makes me more cautious as to filling out forms online.

We are at a stalemate.

The good side is that Nick seems to be holding his own for now. He's talking a bit better. He seems more stable emotionally. So we continue to take one day at a time.

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