Good afternoon everyone.
My son Matthew, 23, is a few months away from leaving a life skills center, where he is currently supported by MacIntyre. He isn't high functioning, or academically bright, but he's capable of a lot that we'd never thought he would be. He suffers from intense anxiety, but he will travel around on a bus or train on his own. He was in a special school in Buckinghamshire until 19, has a low awareness of danger (!), and moved to college to garner basic skills. He can cook for himself--our top floor is an apartment for him, with his own kitchen--he sleeps okay (ish) and he can look after himself with personal hygeine, in a limited way.
However, he is stubborn and intractable. He has his own agenda in life. I can't see him holding down even a volunteer job, let alone employment. My questions are...
1. Matt receives employment allowance and its on the understanding he's *looking for work* I guess. But obviously he won't be. Does he have to work? Does he have to prove he can't work? Does the Govt expect him to try to work? How can we encourage him to bring a benefit to society that fits society's norms when he's so far outside those norms he might as well be in Alaska?
2. What next - what happens to a young adult when there is no more supported school or college? How will he fill his days?
Any thoughts would be gratefully received
Diane, mum to Matt, ASD, Epilepsy, aged 23
FYI - Local Authority - Buckinghamshire
