Hello, I am a carer for my 27 year son who is autistic, OCD, clinically depressed and has severe anxiety. I am finding it increasingly difficult, despite working in special needs education, to manage his autism and anxiety, and am feeling increasingly trapped and know that there is no chance whatsoever he can ever live independently. Would like the opportunity to chat with others who understand this. Thank you
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Maybe it’s time to start investigating supported living / residential care?
Then you can begin the transition process whilst still well enough to help.
Does he attend any day services?
Hi @Liz_17021
Welcome to the forum.
I think as Mum’s who work(ed) in special ed. we are extra hard on ourselves; but it is different when we are emotionally involved and unlike in school there is no team - just us.
At what age did your son’s mental health problems start?
Did he go to college/specialist college or uni after school?
Does he have any outside support?
Hello, the MH started in his teens, didn’t finish secondary school. Actually now works fulltime termtime only, heavily medicated so he can manage. No support now other than the meds.
he actually works, his meds help him a great deal. he will not want to ever leave our house. The only option I can think of is someone coming in daily to keep an eye on him, or the house will fall to pieces, he will run out of food and meds, and will forget to wash
It is great that he manages to work. Does he work from home?
Does he belong to any associations or groups for autistic people? They often have face to face and online groups that might help him. Usually run by high functioning autistic adults.
I care for S he has autism and an associated learning disability. He will never choose to live away from home. But I recognise I won’t be around forever and need a longterm plan.
He attends his college day service but with the right support could do more.
Like you I work. I totally understand the trapped feeling. My friends have grown up children and increasing freedom where as I have less.
Skilled support is hard to get in place. Understanding of autism is mixed.
S has various health conditions and his digestive related ones need managing by appropriate food, sufficient and suitable drinks and plenty of movement and exercise. When this doesn’t happen and his symptoms are triggered he suffers discomfort/ pain and his behaviour can become challenging - all avoidable. Very hard on both of us.