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Susan Brooks
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Susan commented on the article |My son also just graduated at age 21 from his school program. He is set to start at a Day Hab program this Wednesday. We're sort of surprised that things are going on schedule at this point and hoping that all goes well there. Unfortunately, he's showing signs of anxiety about the transition (to be expected for anyone). However, it wasn't helped when his school had the graduation ceremony a week ago, then still had class for another week. It really made him confused, like why am I still here?
We actually moved from New Jersey to New York due to the scarcity of adult services in New Jersey (sorry, Kristina). We had moved back from California to New Jersey to be closer to family before our son aged out of the school system. Fortunately we realized our mistake before we bought a house and had to move again. So many transitions, year after year, were difficult for our son, but it was the best long term decision we could think of.
In terms of Day programs, there aren't that many around here- just 3 that would be appropriate for his age group and disability. He was actually rejected from our first choice, due to behavior difficulties. The problem after aging out of school is that we no longer have the mandate of school behind us, so we had no recourse. We went with our second choice though it was a little iffy for awhile if they would accept him. They did, which was fortunate because we didn't like the third program. We're just keeping our fingers crossed that things go well when he starts the new program on Wednesday.
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Susan commented on the article |Yes, this dance did really happen. It was run by the Foothill Autism Alliance to fill a need they saw in the community. I am a former Board Member of the FAA so I heard all about the dance. Of course, the parents there would love it if their kids could be included in the dances at their local high schools, but usually the schools are not very accomodating with support for after school activities.
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Susan commented on the article |I agree that teaching compliance and independence at a young age is important - we too did this with our son. We've gone through many ups and downs with him, including many long stretches when he's been very compliant and independent. However, the responsibility can't be all his, in that he must comply or someone will feel compelled to physically prompt. People who work with our children (and young adults like my 21 year old) should be more sensitive to their needs in terms of processing time, transition issues, etc.
I've also come to believe that too much absolute compliance training is not the best, in terms of personal safety and risk of abuse. You need to be careful and think ahead about that. -
Susan commented on the article |
This is something that we worry about too with our 21 year old. I've often noticed people at school holding his hand or guiding him by the arm when I feel that if they just waited, or gestured maybe, he would be fine. I am constantly telling people to remember that he is a man and be respectful of that. When they just jump in their and do a physical prompt without warning, is when they're likely to get an agitated response from him. And then who's fault is it?
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Susan commented on the article |My son was diagnosed way back in September of 1990. The neurologist told me to find a therapeutic nursery for him and "good luck." His early intervention program consisted of 1 hour a week of group therapy. We had to go to libraries to do research, since there was no internet with its vast array of material to read. I think that even though so much is still unknown and unsure about how to proceed after you get a diagnosis, parents today have much more access to information than we had.
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