From a California autism dad. Nationwide catastrophe looms ahead unless we can offer desperate autism families a "constructive vision" for their disabled children's futures
By CL
I need some advice. My son is now 35 years old and apx 230lbs. He is classically mentally handicapped with strong autistic aspects. Fairly low functioning. He can't shower himself, toilet himself and his verbal abilities are mostly nonsensical. What used to be a sweet, loving boy and young man has become a surly, sometimes violent man in our midst. My wife and I are approaching seventy. She can’t control him and I barely can.
We used to be able to provide my son with most of what he needs, especially a loving family. Now, it seems that's not enough and we are in over our heads. We have been using every drug we can think of to smooth out his aggression. Risperidone, Celexa, even Valium now and then. This has only been partially effective and comes with unpleasant side effects. I’m just running out of ideas.
For a long time now, I have been aware of the need to get him placed in a long-term housing program while we are still alive and can be part of the transition. This is now becoming imperative. We haven’t had anyone able to give respite so we are on the job 24/7. I just can’t wrap my mind around how this transition is going to happen. Is there anyone out there that has done this?
I imagine a terrible scene of workers holding him down as we drive away. Is this what we a facing? Can anyone help me get a constructive vision?