Son with mild autism...?

Question

My son has mild autism and is very intelligent. A couple of years ago, he had this ***** of a teacher. She said that he didn't do much and told me he would never lead a normal life and never have his driver's licence. Anyways, I had to go to court for him to get the services he was intitled to have. So, he changed school and is now in integration with very high notes. All the teachers love him. He is always nice to everyone and very polite. At home, I taught him a lot of stuff like making his bed, helping with the dishes, he pretty much does things on his own. The only problem is he doesn't have friends, never have. When we go out somewhere, people look at him as if he comes from another planet. I feel like strangling them(just a matter of speech). Anyways, what I wanted to know is, will he be able to have a normal life as an adult? Will he be able to have a driver's licence? I worry about his future all the time because I have an autoimmune disorder and it seems like every year,

Answer 1

I can relate.  My son is PDD.NOS and he is 7.  He repeated kindergarten, my request.  He was up for his tri-annual review and the psychologist decided he is TMH (trainable mentally handicapped) this is moderate mental retardation and inconsistent with any and all past psychological evaluations.  His previous IQ score was 96, this time was 49.  Yet on state testing, he scored 50th%tile.  Last year this same psychologist decided my son needed a referral to the autism program, so she thought he was autistic and ADHD.  The autism program said he is too high functioning.  This year she thinks he is bipolar and retarded.  He is neither.  So I guess retarded children are outscoring typical ones, and the autism program is no longer admitting LFA.  It makes no sense. Oh and his PRI score was 30 points higher than his verbal.  Yet the results in her opinion are "valid".  I can't wait to hear what she comes up with next year.  We fought the eval and are pursuing an independent evaluation paid for by the school.  

My son makes friends.  They are usually the identified students.  But he is popular, he attended 15 birthday parties in the past 12 months.  We had 1 last week, have one next week and the following week.  

My son goes to a camp for special needs, most kids are autistic spectrum.  He also plays top soccer, challenger baseball, music therapy, and social skills groups.

I see no reason why your son can't get a driver's license, live independently or with support.  Statistically only 20% of autistic spectrum individuals live dependently.  These are almost exclusively LFA (low functioning autism)

Try facilitating playdates for him.  Invite a kid with similar issues over and play a game with them.  Keep on encouraging independence.  Try leaving him at home alone for short periods of time.  I know 2 people that each have a son who is HFA and began leaving them unattended at age 13, even if its just to run to the store for milk.  I send my 7 yo into wawa to "shop".  He is so proud that he can go in, make a slurpee, pick a snack, stand in line, pay for it and make change with me sitting in the van watching him right out front.  I am sure the cashier has no idea he is autistic spectrum.

Answer 2

I feel your pain.  Our son (who is a twin) is the total opposite of his sister.  Very much a loner and has a speech delay. Early intervention has helped dramatically.  At first, it was thought that he had Sensory Integration Dysfunction, but that was ruled out.  Then it was thought he was Autistic, ruled out also.  Now it's believed that he has a learning disorder but were still in the early stages of finding exactly what it may be (thought it was his hearing, but that checked out fine) and now we need to see a Neurologist.  I would definitely speak to his teachers, principal, intervention specialist, and school counselors.  Get your son's pediatrician involved.  You are your son's biggest advocate and don't let anyone stop him from getting what he needs. Everyone we have dealt with has been wonderful and my son is now on an IEP plan for kindergarten, which I am very pleased with what the school is going to provide for him.  Ignore what that ***** of a teacher said (and shame on her for that), your son has made great strides and that is more than anyone can hope for.  He's been praised by his new teachers and that is a big plus in my book!!! Just keep working with him and know deep in your heart that everything you do, no matter how small it may seem, is helping him grow into someone better!  I sincerely hope that my rambling will give you some ideas and make you feel better. A big hug to you and your son!

Answer 3

I am a firm believer that no matter the need or situation God can do excedingly above all that we can ask or think

Answer 4

Hi.

Sounds like you have agreat boy there; - and why should he not have a normal adult life, -driving lisence and all?

Autism is a spectrum disorder and is variable from individual to individual.  If your son has a mild form and from what you say it seems to be focused upon socialisation (no friends), then there is little to stop him becoming an independently functioning adult.

He will always have some problems, but then hey, I know lots of people who can't socialise and DON'T have a diagnosis and they do OK!!

Hope this helps and good luck

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Answer 5

Basically: yes he can have a normal life. And don't worry about that teacher who said he won't get his drivers license..of course he will!! Autism is only a social problem...not one that stops him from doing normal motor skills! He will be fine. All he needs is to find a type of job that suits his situation: i.e a job that does not require loads of customer service (not a receptionist!).

Believe me, there are plenty of autistic people who are very succussful at their chosen jobs because they are good at what they do. So there's no need to worry!

I live in australia but i'm sure that wherever you live there are services that help with work placement for people with disabilities so that could provide assistance for you?