How to Help Your Teenager Get Work (Even If No One is Hiring)

Call it frustration or call it determination -- whatever you call it, I call it a mom on a mission! My 17 year old son CAN NOT find a paying job anywhere -- and I'm not alone. The jobs for teens are scarce or non-existent, at least where we live! So, we are taking matters into our own hands and we figured out a way to help my teenager get work, even though there was no one hiring!

Autism: An Update on Our Son

It was 2002 when our lives changed suddenly! We had an amazing little boy, who was suddenly diagnosed with autism. I had never heard of autism, nor had I ever known anyone who had a child with autism. It plunged us into such an known world of therapies, sensory issues, and so much more. But, the good news is what I wanted to share with you today. It's been several years since I posted an update on our son, Adam. He is now 16 - oh my goodness - and I'd like to share with you and encourage any of you who know someone with autism. So, feel free to pin, share, and comment about who you know who has autism. 

Golf Club Curtain Rod

Our son is officially in 8th grade and he "officially" is a golf fanatic! Many of you know that our son has autism, but most of the team sports he would play would be difficult for him. We introduced him to golf several years ago and it seems to be "his" thing! He's good at it and it's a lifelong skill he can master. The bonus? My hubby plays a LOT of golf.

Autism Awareness Month

It's Autism Awareness Month - Light it up Blue! And, as most of you may know, I have a son with autism. 

Thankful for Autism!

Wait, what? Did you really just put "thankful for autism" in the title? That can't be right. Who would be thankful for autism?

Well, I would. I'm 12 1/2 years into it. About ten years ago, I would've thought that would be the craziest thing to say! But, I am so thankful for it. Autism seems like a horrible, awful thing for someone to be diagnosed with. But, let me tell you some of the wonderful things that I have learned from my son.

1. I am thankful for autism because our son sees, feels, hears, tastes, and smell things differently than most of us. Once we got him over the gagging of every kind of texture {which took years, by the way}, he has learned to try every thing imaginable. It amazes me how he just wants to try all foods. 

2. I am thankful for autism because he is uninhibited. My son has an amazing way of just telling you what he's thinking. Most of us would gasp at someone being so blunt, but often he says things we are all thinking and isn't afraid of what others think. He's also not afraid to tell others about something...like church and God. He isn't concerned with that fear.

3. I am thankful for autism because he is so loving - my son is so loving to his sister and I. He thinks his Dad is the best thing ever. He's getting big now, and not as into snuggling but he still likes mom to rub his hair or back and hug him. He absolutely adores his sister - my brother was never so sweet to me. He goes out of his way to do things for her, give to her, or just be extra sweet.

Adam and Rachel in Palm Springs October 2011

4. I am thankful for autism because our son has taught me to be patient, to be calm and relaxed {so he doesn't panic}, to be understanding {of all disabilities}, and to be a Mom who loves a child regardless of their abilities or inabilities.

5. I am thankful for autism because it has caused me to realize that I have no control over the future of my children. I never imagined that we could have a child with a disability - who ever does? But, the fact that it has drawn me closer to the Lord and I must go to Him during times of difficulty and trouble.

6. I am thankful for autism because it has made me push our son and expect more from him. My husband has been such an example of this to me. He never let our son get away with things because he was autistic. He just worked harder to get him to understand how he needed to behave. By God's grace, it has made him a much more enjoyable boy to be around. I used to feel badly for the Sunday School teacher or school teacher or therapist that would HAVE to have him in their class. But, the opposite has happened - they tell me that they enjoy him, miss him when he's not there, and look forward to his visits. Oh, this Momma's heart is full to hear that! 

7. I am thankful for autism because it has helped me to help so many of you. My inbox has been full - nearly every week I get an email from someone asking for advice and help with their child who has autism. What a blessing it is to help so many moms. I pray DAILY for God to use this affliction for His glory - and HE has! 

Adam doing some yardwork!

What are you thankful for this week? Please share!

 

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Autism: What can YOU do?

I hope this month has brought many of you awareness, encouragement, and understanding of autism.  You will indeed meet autistic people in your life - since this is so epidemic.  Let me tell you some things you can do to help with autism. 

First book I read about autism. It was truly helpful!

Autism: How Organizing Can Help

So, continuing with our "Monday theme" for April I'm going to tell you how we have used organizing and scheduling to our advantage with having a child with autism.

Autism: Our Story

Last week I told you a little bit about autism and directed you to Autism Speaks website to learn even more.  Today I want to tell you our story.

My husband and I did not get pregnant right away. It took awhile but I was pregnant after we were married almost 4 1/2 years.  I did not have a great pregnancy...I get VERY swollen and gained a ton of weight. 

Me, at six months pregnant - 1999!

Autism Awareness Month

This month, each Monday, I'm going to highlight autism.  April is Autism Awareness month.  I personally am touched by this as my precious son has autism. I want to make you aware of what autism IS - go there now and see the list of symptoms.  I also want to show you what we have done to help our son.  Some kids are high functioning - as our son is - and others are on the other spectrum and low functioning.

Autism has grown rapidly since my son was first diagnosed 9 years ago.  He is nearly 12 years old now.  Nine years ago the statistics were 1 in 500 children were diagnosed with autism.  NOW, the statistics are 1 in 110!!  That is epidemic!  Can you believe the difference in a few years?  AND, 1 in 70 boys!!!  It's a 600% increase in the last 20 years! I am getting these statistics straight from Autism Speaks website.   

I'm not trying to scare you.  I imagine many of you even know of a child with autism - friend, grandson, son, nephew, niece, granddaughter, neighbor, etc.  But, it is actually better to KNOW that your child has autism than to live in denial of this fact.  Trust me, I KNOW! The sooner that you can begin helping them through therapies and various techniques, the better they can be for life!

Next week I'll share with you our personal story...our ongoing journey and how we manage right now.   


I'd love to have  HUGE list of bloggers joining me, so won't you?

Autism websites:

Autism Speaks

Autism Speaks Blog

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