Since I haven’t posted here for quite a long time, I thought it was time I posted an update.
M has been in a supported living facility since February 2023. He has settled in reasonably well, but it does have its challenges, including having to share a flat with someone who can be difficult at times and staff who seem always to be too busy to listen to his concerns. I asked him if he would think of moving out, but he was adamant that he was not moving out. I think he enjoys the sense of community he has there. He still hasn’t found a job and the job coach at the Jobs and Benefits Centre was pressurising him to look for full-time work. Mark prefers to look for part time work in an autism friendly workplace, but the job coach said the aim was to get everyone into full time work and disagrees that very few autistic people are in full time employment. He also thinks all employers are autism-friendly. It was suggested to M that he ask to be assessed for capability for employment. If he is considered to be not capable of employment due to his autism, he could look for part time work without being pressurised by his job coach who actually has stepped out of the picture while the assessment process is taking place. My eldest son has been a great support in all this.
He has also been encouraging A and J to become more independent for when they will eventually move out of the house. They currently live with me, but that can’t go on indefinitely. P has been telling them to do their share of dish washing, etc. and to do their own laundry. The plan is working well with J, but not so well with A - she has mobility issues and ADHD. Currently we are trying to find a social worker for them.
Gilli
