Weekly Roll

 

What is in my Analog Bag

Books, Pens, Paper, Protein Bar

Linky Love

Analog Bag Trend Is a real book in your purse analog enough been doing that since the 80s.  LOL Analog Bag: Gen Z's Solution to Doomscrolling I go to a lot of appointments with other people so I usually bring something to do.

Inappropriate Thoughts

There is a new weather term, and it is Particularly Dangerous Situation (PDS). I think we need to use this as a work term.  My husband doesn't agree.  I also think it is a mighty fine band name.

Deep Thoughts

April is Autism Awareness Month. My older son has autism.  He is an adult with autism.  I have written a lot about his childhood.  It no longer my place to tell his story.  I can only tell you my perspective as a caregiver and a mom.  From my perspective we have come so far in identifying autism and creating interventions at the adolescent level.  Schools want always to improve functioning, but the adult system is built on proving how disabled you are. I have seen inclusion, meaningful work, and being accepted can improve life for people with autism.  I don't think this is easily accomplished in the adult world.  Finding supportive situations is extremely challenging.  

Annual State of Autism at Our House

 We have reached the end of Autism Awareness Month.  I usually post a "State of Autism", with my son's permission.

My son turns 26 this year.  This seems so impossible to me.  

Adults with autism face different challenges.  I think overall my son is doing okay.  I almost feel like I am not doing enough for him in regard to services and perhaps I have failed him by moving to New Mexico.  New Mexico is a terrible state for people with disabilities.  I cannot think of one positive thing in that category.  

However, we persist.  He reenrolled with DVR, department of vocational rehabilitation. Hopefully that will result in some work. He would really like to work.  Meaningful work is important. I want to remind people that anything that involves government takes forever. He has a care coordinator through his Medicaid/Medicare, and she is helpful.

Cody still scooters all around the neighborhood. He can do that a lot more here.  We usually go to the local skate park on Sunday.  During the summer he actually melted his scooter wheels. 

Cody is an expert at most computer things. He continues to teach himself blender.  

Most importantly to me and those who live with him. Cody continues to work hard on improving his behavior especially when he becomes deregulated.  Cody is kind and considerate person, and I am not saying that just because I am his mom.  I feel lucky in this aspect. We all have ups and downs and generally we all get along.

I was looking at the pictures to add to this post and I realized how many places we have taken Cody in the last year - Giant Pistachio, White Sands, Lake Brantley, Brick Attack, Lincoln at Dark, Sitting Bull Falls, Carlsbad Caverns, Colorado. Taking him places is challenging so I am proud of us.

State of Autism 2023

State of Autism 2021

Parenting Neuro Diverse Adults