Update!!!!!!!!!!!!

Avatar for mamabearof2
iVillage Member
Registered: 08-30-2003
Update!!!!!!!!!!!!
22
Sat, 10-28-2006 - 5:13pm

I hope some of you remember me and my son who has PDD-NOS. ;-)

In May he turned 18 and I got on here to let everyone then know how things are going.

I am back with yet another update. Hubby and I have been wondering if he would make it at a "real" job and low and behold he got a job at Taco Bell and he is doing great. He still attends school daily-full schedule and works afternoons. Wednesday he got his first full check and he worked nearly 55 hours that pay period and that is bi-weekly. His lowest grade in school is a C+ so I offered him to stay home yesterday from school since he has been working hard and getting to bed late and he was pretty cranky and was concerned about his attitude at school but he chose to go to school and did well. He still has his drivers license. He wanted to open up his own checking account so we did that yesterday-his first day off since getting paid. He is so excited.

This is just a glimpse for some of you that there is a bright spot in the future. I have often wondered if he would be able to live on his own.

He is getting set up with voc rehab and I really believe the Lord is easing my mind. Hubby and I have been worried about him going to college-the college is a couple hours away so he would live there and come back on weekends. I have been praising the Lord for his security. Son's best friend who happens to be my best friend's son is planning on going to college the same place, same major (computers) and plan to live in the same apartment/dorm. This kid has level head on his shoulders and I believe he is a great fit for our son. Also this kid has asked son if he could get some autism awareness ribbons because he has to do a speech in school and chose autism to do a speech on and wanted the ribbons to hand out. That is just awesome!!!!! I made him 30 and got them done yesterday.

Son and I still have our ups and downs, a lot of the time we are like water and oil but I love him so much and want him to succeed and I really do think I am hard on him, hubby thinks I am too hard but look at what he has accomplished with me *pushing* him. I would rather use the word supporting him instead of pushing. I would do anything for him and I have seen where hubby and I may have held him back for fear of him failing.

I hope this update wasn't too long and thanks for reading!

Linda5Fburgerbear.jpg image by suzyqe1            &nb

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iVillage Member
Registered: 08-26-2005
Sat, 10-28-2006 - 9:37pm
I do remember you and am so glad you have come back to keep us updated. It is such a nice thing for you to do for us because as I'm sure you remember when you start this journey one of you're greatest fears is where you will end up. I am so happy for you and you're son and don't feel one bit guilty about pushing him because obviously whatever you did has paid off. Please keep us posted in the future.
Teresa
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Sun, 10-29-2006 - 8:30am

Linda,

That is so great to hear. I am glad he is doing so well! Can't wait to hear about college too. How neat he has his first job and the driving thing has been a positive. I remember how much you worried about that. College though, phew. We actually have a state college about 15 minutes from here (that is where I am going for my masters). It is a good school. If my kids go to college I hope they chose there so they will be close to home.

Some have been trying to be "realistic" with me lately with the thought that Miss Cait may not be able to go to college. Geez that tics me off. Maybe she will chose too, maybe she won't. But I want the option open to her if she decides she wants too. I don't want to be "realistic" and think she can't when I have seen talks where children with more severe autism have gone to college. I know she can.

But I digress.

Renee

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Avatar for mamabearof2
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Registered: 08-30-2003
Sun, 10-29-2006 - 9:23am

It is nice to be remembered! :-)

People say I worry too much but when it is about your kids, of course you want them to succeed in life and have a productive one. I am soooooooooo proud of both of my kids. Now our youngest one is showing a bit of jealousy or feeling left out. He was asking how old he has to be to get a job and open a checking account. He is 14.

I remembered starting this journey too and wondering if son will be able to live on his own. I still wonder since he still gets distracted quite easily and this computer is a HUGE distraction for him. He does web design.

Linda5Fburgerbear.jpg image by suzyqe1            &nb

Avatar for mamabearof2
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Registered: 08-30-2003
Sun, 10-29-2006 - 9:34am

I wouldn't let anyone say she couldn't go to college. Does she want to go? We have been talking with Jimmy about college for a few years now and I really do believe his nitch is computers, he love web design. I keep telling him to go into fixing computers too so he can fix ours...LOL If he holds a 2.0 or higher grade point average voc rehab program will pay 50% of his tuition. His grade point average now is about 3.5 I think. After he graduates and gets a job they will pay his moving expenses and set him up with money until his checks come in. This sounds wonderful to us. I told the guy in the meeting that was just fine but does it pay for counseling for mom since I can't imagine him moving away. I nearly started crying-I am so sentimental. Hubby said the guy took me seriously on the counseling because he saw him write it down "counseling for mom?". LOL I told him great maybe I can get some free counseling-I counsel people so why not be counseled myself! :-)

Is Cait in High School now? I lose track. My youngest is concerned how he is going to get to school next year when Jimmy is away at college. Kids! He knows we wouldn't have him walk that far. I walked further when I was younger. :-)

He wants a moped so we are looking out for one of those.

What does Cait do well? You are lucky to have a state college so close, we have a small community college but for his trade he will have to go out of town and the guy from voc rehab said this other college he is going to has an excellent computer program.

What are you getting your masters in? I have thought about going back for my masters but haven't yet.

I think about this board often.

Linda5Fburgerbear.jpg image by suzyqe1            &nb

Avatar for betz67
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Sun, 10-29-2006 - 9:52am

Hi, Linda! I remember you! Thank you so much for coming back and telling us how well your son is doing! I worry about my boys and their daily living skills. I also worry about how difficult staying on track and studying and all that will be for them as they get older. It's great to know that your son is doing so well.

Betsy

iVillage Member
Registered: 01-19-2005
Sun, 10-29-2006 - 10:43am

Thank you so much for posting. I have tears in my eyes, actually, and so happy for your son and your family. My son is only 4, but I worry about all the things you have said. You have really provided a much-needed boost of encouragement!

Katherine

iVillage Member
Registered: 12-22-2003
Sun, 10-29-2006 - 10:55am

(((((Linda)))))

Of course we remember you! It's great to get an update...especially such a positive one.

Hope all else is well in Iowa!

Amy

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Avatar for mamabearof2
iVillage Member
Registered: 08-30-2003
Sun, 10-29-2006 - 11:09am
Hi Betsy- I am a worrier too hopefully my sons triumphs can help others too. Is there programs set up to help your boys like what I mentioned?

Linda5Fburgerbear.jpg image by suzyqe1            &nb

iVillage Member
Registered: 06-25-2003
Sun, 10-29-2006 - 2:12pm

LINDA!!!!


Of course I remember you. I missed you.


I was thinking of you just recently, as it happens.

-Paula

visit my blog at www.onesickmother.com
Avatar for mamabearof2
iVillage Member
Registered: 08-30-2003
Sun, 10-29-2006 - 2:20pm
I'm glad the update has helped you. I had my DH read it last night before I posted it and asked if it sounded like I was bragging. I most definitely don't want to brag, I am so proud of my son and feel he can do whatever he wants 'within' reason with having PDD-NOS. I don't want him to view it as a crutch and I have held him accountable when both of us could have used the diagnosis as a crutch. He tells people what he has and apparently he told his manager at his job.

Linda5Fburgerbear.jpg image by suzyqe1            &nb

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