My son is 20. Has always had issues with connecting in person, does ok on the internet and gaming sites. He sits downstairs and plays video games all day. I find it hard to engage in anything else. He says he is looking for a job but he has lied for so long I dont know if I can believe him. Is it true he can get SSI for disability even though he is high functioning. He doesnt care about his personal appearance she he looks like Shaggy from Scooby Doo. Please help!
Hello
I would suggest researching jobs thar best fits the needs of your son and his level of autism. Research agency that specializes in finding jobs for those with disabilities. Its important for you as a parent to encourage your son by taking small baby steps in his overall improvement. I hope the best for you and your son. Happy new years.
In reply to Theodore M. Seeber:
Sounds like your son needs help with transitioning from being a child to being an adult. Does he have a support system in place? Is he attending counseling for aspies? He also needs help addressing his Adl's (activities of daily living) such as what is presentable dress. Does he do his own laundry,clean his room go grocery shopping? I recommend both you and he read Developing College Skills in Students with Autism and Asperger's Syndrome by Sarita Freedman. He needs to accept that he is no longer a child but an adult.That adults don't spend all their time playing, and that he must be productive and set priorities. Are you enabling his childlike behavior? First a support system must be set up- counseling preferably with a group his age that's also transitioning. Next a social group for fun, and relationship building. A set list of things to do on a daily basis (chores and self care). Since he loves the computer or electronics maybe he should pick up a certificate in say Microsoft Office or Web Development (a plus on his resume and marketable job skills). SSI does accept autism as a disability- but you must have all evaluations, an I.E.P., and it is a process.Many people get denied their first time. But reapply or better yet if they deny appeal the decision and ask for a hearing.If you still get denied try again-don't give up. SSDI is a program you can qualify for IF you have earned enough work credits. Believe me I know - I'm a mom of an 18year old aspie girl.