It’s a New Day – Asperger’s Job Experience
Due to my son’s untreatable epilepsy he has been forced to quit his job, working as a greeter in a retail store. Unfortunately, the stigma of epilepsy still remains. The seizures were bad enough, but the teasing and joking from some of the other employees made it impossible for him to return. Not only does Brandon have untreatable epilepsy, but he also has Asperger’s and severe learning disorders. Although the professionals that worked with Brandon said he would never be able to live alone they were wrong. Brandon has been living on his own for the past twelve years, enjoying his independence. When I talk to Brandon the day after a seizure I will often ask how he is feeling. His answer is always the same, “Oh mom it’s a new day.”
I love my son’s positive attitude. Although, he has many reasons to be down he has learned at age 36 that he can’t let these things get the best of him. He continues to be my finest teacher.
www.AmaliaStarrSpeakerAutism.com
Brandon sounds like an incredible young man. I hope he finds a new job where they truly appreciate his attitude.
Just wanted to mention that my son also has untreatable epilepsy (among his other diagnoses). His seizures have never been more frequent than once a month but they are long — some over an hour. The neurologist had me put him on the Atkins diet since he is too old for the Ketogenic diet. He had his last seizure in July (he overheated from walking outside) and it only lasted 2-3 minutes. Normally, they last at least 20 minutes.
The Atkins diet is not too difficult to implement — it’s low carb. You may want to read up on it at epilepsy.com and talk to Brandon’s doctor. Here’s link: http://www.epilepsy.com/epilepsy/treatment_atkins_diet
We started at phase 3 since weight loss was not the goal — no fasting.