What happens when your autistic child finishes school?
 
Can this question apply to any developmental disability? Well, of course it can. The situation may differ depending on the city, the region, or the country you live in, as there may be no funding in some areas and more in others, but in the end, it all comes down to the same thing: Every one of our kids needs to have a day program or a job. Their education needs to continue. Just like you and me, kids with disabilities are always learning new things, new ideas. We need to learn so we can continue to evolve and grow, and just like you and me, our kids need to be doing something they love and that fills them with a sense of fulfillment. The last thing that should ever happen is for a young adult to be cooped up at home in front of the TV or doing nothing at all.
 
But what happens when you come to the end of school and find that your community really hasn’t set anything up? Well, then you need to create something. Unfortunately, many of us parents who were at the forefront of early intervention are now once again fighting for funding so our kids can access the trained support workers who can continue their ongoing education in life and social skills. Funding often goes to those who advocate for it, which is what happened at the end of my son’s school year: Parents in the area were being denied that funding, and unfortunately, many of the parents did not fight back.
 
What’s your response when your local government agency or funding group tells you, “I’m sorry, your child cannot have funding”? Your response shouldn’t be “Oh, okay. Thanks for calling.” It should be “Yeah, no. Cough it up!” Sometimes, and this has happened to me, you hear, “If we give to you, we have to take from a more needy child.” Just a word of caution: Don’t ever fall for that. As a wise parent said to me when my son was first diagnosed, you need to be pleasantly persistent. When dealing with schools, social programs, and government agencies, remember that these are people, real people with feelings, and they’re all human. The last person they want to deal with is a parent who freaks out and goes off on them, screaming and yelling and becoming psychotic. That may be overdramatic, but workers will seriously ban you and toss needless roadblocks in your way if you become a problem.
 
“Pleasantly persistent” is a mantra you really want to follow. It sends a very clear message that you’re serious and are not about to go away. With anything, if you feel your temper rise and are about to say or do something you know you shouldn’t, get off the phone, leave the room, and pull it together.
 
Write this down and share it with everyone you know who’s dealing with a similar situation. With the skyrocketing rise in rates of autism and other developmental disabilities, it’s always the case that we either pay now for early intervention or pay much more later. For some children, we’re now at the “later” part. As we get into the nitty gritty, ask yourself, “Okay, so where do I start?” Your answer is with your community.
 
Next week’s blog proposes some ideas about a weekly schedule you can set up for your child. Please share this with anyone you believe this would be helpful to. Have a great week! And remember the quote from Margaret Mead, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed, citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”

AVAILABLE THIS WEEK!

Welcome to My Arms is done, finished! And early reviewer copies will be going out today. But on Friday this title will be available everywhere and will include a link for a FREE bonus short story. Who the short will be about? Your just going to have to wait and see.