The Voice of Experience – A Texas Autism Story
Greg posted a comment on one of the posts that was so full of insight and information I felt it should be shared, so I’m copying it here…
“I am on the higher functioning end and have had people comment on walking slow, not being flexible enough, etc. I would be glad to share how I got disability with a lot of patience, a lawyer, and the effects of our condition such as anxiety, depression, and fatigue. You have to have some detailed notes etc. Once you get turned down you can get a lawyer at no cost up front - comes out of lump sum disability payment.
I volunteer right now and would like to have a job but after years of not being able to hold on and my age, now it will be hard. I am a dedicated and committed employee. It is just on the high functioning end. People want to ask what is wrong and instead I get fired. I got social security so I can have the disability protection that at the time could help me keep a job, due to past harassment from employers. You have to stay the course.
Texas is not the best place for help. I went to the re-hab folks and was told I was too old. They cannot help. I would be glad to share my process more, that started when I was a kid.”
photo from www.autismparents.net
I can understand your circumstances fully.
I am doing research to help my 24 yr old son find a job. He has moved to supported living and doing well. He desperately needs a job. More for the benefits of his self esteem. We have experienced the same treatments from re-hab agencies.I encourage you to stick with it. Think about creating your own job–be self employed.Try concentrating on your strengths and skills that you have (your abilities) Best wishes
Cindy. where do you live in texas? I found somethng that may be of interest to you in the Plano Texas area that I will see on Friday. It is called nonPareil.Institute http://www.nptx.org I also will be having an article put in the Autism Spectrum News next month. part of mental health news education. some good articles. thanks greg
Greg, please let us know how it goes with nonPareil! That’s wonderful!
And congratulations on the article. I look forward to reading it!
Barbara I went to NonParell. I do not quite undersand the concept they have. But one of the founders wants me to write my story. Now sure how it will go yet. thanks greg
My son will be 20 this December. He is an Aspie. I never make a big issue about his “culture”..Mr D.. I will call him, has been in and out of special made programs for people with disabilties. He has had part time jobs during the summer that ended, he hated it because as far as he was concerned it was grunt work..washing cars, picking up trash. The problem with being high functioning is that you know the difference and feel patronized by a system that caters to a more severe prognosis. So now he will start college on Monday as I try to find him things to do to make him feeling like he’s going somewhere and normal. When he graduates will he be able to get a job? Or will this add to his frustration. Dont know, he will have to take it one day at a time.