Hi everyone. I’ve raised my son alone - formally diagnosed with autism aged 15 however should have been aged 10 of school had listened. So fought long hard battle for EHCP which was given. He left school with nothing - but thanks to EHCP attended a college who immediately put the right support in and amazingly he’s achieved some GCSEs and a level 2 and level 3 diploma in personal training. He has found a gym he wants to work at and has applied twice. This second time they said they really like him but would potentially just start him one shift per week (he has openly disclosed his anxiety, fear of public transport, difficulty in interpreting social cues.
he’s not worked since he left college and it’s affected him mentally - been over eating and staying in bed for long periods.The one shift per week in the ONLY environment he feels comfortable working and engaging with team mates to me is a golden opportunity.
my family are heavily criticising this move as I am a single parent and they feel he should be earning a full time wage immediately to contribute to the household. My sister suggests he takes 2 jobs as one day is not enough. I work full time and felt it more appropriately given the debilitating nature of autism, the visible effects from his anxiety (severe eczema facial flares) that this is a positive and exciting step forwards. The gym did say they would increase shifts once they saw her felt happy. He has now passed his driving test. He is on a good path. I feel my family have absolutely no clue what’s it’s taken (from both of us) to get him to this stage and I am currently off work with stress (first time ever in 21 years).
I would so love to hear others opinions who may have experienced similar? Many thanks and lots of love x
