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Autistic adult child wracking up huge mobile phone bills

NAS91077

Hi, have just joined the group as looking for some advice. My step-son who is autistic is almost 22 and lives at home with me and his mum (my wife). He is wracking literally hundreds of pounds every month on his mobile phone (we don't know on what exactly, but suspect downloading games but it could be other stuff). He refuses to put the contract into his mums name so she can monitor usage and restrict purchases. He has a full time job so it comes out of his wage, but that's not really the point. We don't know how to manage. Does anyone have any suggestions? 

Parents

  • Have you sat him down and worked out a monthly spending / income budget? It's probably time he begins to think about how much everyone earns vs how much everything costs. If his whole pay check is going to a phone it's not a wise use of money unless he doesn't have to worry about the future. 

    He's still young and being autistic will mature slower. If you'd like him to be more financially serious, book a date with him that works with his schedule to begin to talk through finances and once a month, look through the budget and evaluate. Don't judge, just allow him to look at the math. I might also suggest to make it an enjoyable time. Tea, cake, sandwiches, nibbles. 

Reply

  • Have you sat him down and worked out a monthly spending / income budget? It's probably time he begins to think about how much everyone earns vs how much everything costs. If his whole pay check is going to a phone it's not a wise use of money unless he doesn't have to worry about the future. 

    He's still young and being autistic will mature slower. If you'd like him to be more financially serious, book a date with him that works with his schedule to begin to talk through finances and once a month, look through the budget and evaluate. Don't judge, just allow him to look at the math. I might also suggest to make it an enjoyable time. Tea, cake, sandwiches, nibbles. 

Children
  • in reply to JuniperFromGallifrey

    Thank you. In conjunction with 'Martin's' comments these are great suggestions. He currently pays 'board' and his mum then manages his remaining wage, drip-feeding him money as and when he asks for it. He doesn't have to think of all the other expenditure, I've food, utility bills etc. but this could be contributing to the issue. Not sure if he is yet mature enough (or ever will be) to manage his money but it's worth a go. Thanks.