Your Boys Give Me Hope

Ryan, Nick, Cam.  A few years ago.  Windy beach day.

Last Friday, I was shocked.  I was leaving church when an elderly lady stopped me to ask a question.  "I hear your boys have a touch of Aspergers. How are you working with that? "

Several thoughts went through my head at once, yet I wanted to answer this woman concisely but thoroughly.  I must have hesitated too long.  She continued, "My grandson has been diagnosed with autism."

Once she said that, I answered, "My boys have autism.  299.0.  No aspergers.  No high functioning autism.  Full blown autism."

Her face reflected astonishment.  "I know your boys.  They are so polite, and they talk to me."

Now it was my turn to be stunned.  I am always surprised when someone outside the family says that my boys "talk" with him or her.  How "talk" is defined by each person varies, but the social interaction of any sort is remarkable.  That makes me smile.  My boys are conversing to some level--independently.

Wow!

We continued our discussion briefly.  I outlined the therapies that have taken place in the last ten years.  I described the sensitivities and issues my boys faced back then, like non-communication and intolerance to transitions.  I mentioned the prescribed meds and the switch to a clean diet.

At the end of our five minute conversation, this woman's face showed some sign of relief.  "Your boys give me hope for my grandson."

That just made my day.  I was almost in tears.  I remember being in her shoes, hearing the diagnosis of my boys.  I know the long road that lays ahead of this boy and his family.  I am glad that his grandma can tell his mom that she knows some boys who are progressing well, despite autism.  Or better yet, with autism.

Potential Job/Career Idea!!

Last year I found a group that meets monthly to help kids with autism transition into adulthood.  These meetings feature speakers or events.  Last night Ryan and I attended the meeting that debuted a family business looking to train and hire teens and young adults on the autism spectrum.

That is highly unusual.  Autism usually strikes fear is employers.  This business is SEEKING THEM OUT!

I was very hopeful, but also very suspicious.  My teens with autism want to be independent.  I want them independent.  With 90% of autistic adults unemployed, this could be such a blessing!  But who looks for autistic teens?  Well, we went to find out.

The speakers were from a family business--four generations in the business.  The fourth generation, the son, has Aspergers, which is a form of autism.  We heard the family history, and the success of the business.

These parents realized the success of their son was due to his symptoms of Aspergers--focusing for long periods of time, perfecting the details, wanting to work alone, etc.  I could see both of my sons fitting into this description easily.

I was quite impressed with the family's plan for their new business venture.  It covered everything from basic training to career opportunities.  My thoughts jumped:  job training; financial security; solid career; personal fulfillment--ideas that many parents worry about their kids with special needs.  This seemed to be an answer.

The only downside is that there is a cost.  Not that it's expensive.  But money is money.  Since this is a pilot program, there is no guarantee or track record of success.  And will my kids really like it?  Oh!  Moms can be so worrisome.

Well, Ryan and I are exploring the opportunities presented last night.  The timing may not be right, but this is at least an opportunity.  It's so important to have a path, a direction in life.  Even Ryan acknowledges that!  So, here's to some research and maybe a sale-able trade!