To ask for positive stories of your adult children with asd?

[User1484POP]

Just that really. Been a difficult day with my three year old with asd and need some positive stories. I know he will always have it but I just need to see it will be ok.

My ASD DS is now 20, an Oxbridge undergraduate and a highly gifted musician. When he was 4 we were told it was unlikely he would be suitable for mainstream schooling. There followed two and a half years of speech therapy, occupational theory, careful school placements (small classes), lots and lots of work from us all (particularly him). But he is now a happy and fulfilled young man (somewhat eccentric ) with a wide circle of friends.

DS is in his 30s. When he was three, he couldn’t speak much and was only just dry during the day. We have had a huge struggle for many reasons, and still do sometimes. But the good news is that he is very articulate now and hardly ever stops talking! He holds down a part-time job and had loads of friends. He loves travelling on his own and goes on holiday by himself.

Yes, things can be hard sometimes, but we are also amazed at his progress! But please remember that everyone with ASD is different. Best wishes to you.

He won't always "have it", because it is not a disease. I am an autistic adult and I have massively struggled in life, because I fall through the cracks of the support system, which only really provides anything for those people tend to call "severely autistic" (which is problematic and inaccurate terminology).

I did well academically in school, but as an adult I have been un- and under-employed, and rejected socially, etc, as is normal for autistic people.

So instead of being unrealistically positive, you need to accept that society is currently set up for autistic people to fail, and put your efforts into helping change that.

21 year old son doing an MEng. Very happy, good circle of friends and hobbies. Lives away in a flat during term time and "manages" the impact of his ASD, he is simply accepted for who he is in his circle.

When he was at school my son told everyone he was going to be a falconer (he was obsessed with birds of prey) and no-one really believed him. Now he is 28 and the manager of a falconry centre, he can stand in front of a crowd of people and inspire and enthral the public with his knowledge and love for the birds he works with but he still can't go to the pub and make small talk. He has friends, not many but those he has are true friends, and lives independently.

Following with interest as I have an 8 year old son with ASD 😀

My DD21 is about to embark upon a 4 year masters degree in speech and language therapy. She was a late diagnosis and has struggled her whole life with various aspects of life. We nearly lost her due to a severe mental health breakdown at the age of 17. She still faces challenges daily, but is (most of the time) successfully living her life. She knows herself and her difficulties and manages to live her life productively and happily in a sustainable way long term. It’s been a long journey (which continues) to get to this point. But it can happen with the right support, hang in there

Also following, my youngest dd age 5 was diagnosed at 3.
I've been working on plans for the future already so she doesn't have to worry about finding employment. It's an uphill struggle but sincerely what keeps me putting one foot in front of the other.
Can any adults diagnosed with ASC say if there is any single thing that would massively improve their wellbeing?
Sorry to hyjack💐.

Thank you so much for all who have shared stories. It really does help. It can be very overwhelming!

It is difficult at 3 to imagine what life will be like when they’re adults. I used to constantly wonder when my son was young. He’s now and adult 21. It’s hard to say though because the spectrum is huge and children go up and down it like a yo-yo. My own son is severely autistic, non verbal and needs care 24/7.

We love him dearly though and he’s such a lovely young man. He has his moments though 😂. Try to take things day by day and not focus too much on the future. I know children who get better with age and those that don’t xx

I'm.high functioning ASD I also have depression and anxiety.

I'm 32, went to main stream schools, got very good grades, never had an issue with getting or keeping a job, have good friends and even had my first child 6 months ago.

It's not been easy peasy, I am very blunt, was quite easily led in my teens (not so much after turning 18) was a horror of a child with meltdowns but those eased for me around age 10.

My mum brought me up NT though I was punished for bad behaviour the same as my siblings were which led to some battles but I feel ultimately led me to learn to control myself better as I could sense a meltdown happening didn't want the punishment so took myself to my calm spot etc took time out on my terms and regrouped.

No one would know I'm autistic tbh.