Hi,
I wasn't sure exactly where this topic would best fit so I'm putting it in the General Discussion forum--I hope that's all right.
My name is Alison, I'm the full-time care-giver/assistant to a really wonderful young man who is 18-years-old and has non-verbal autism. I've only been working with him for about 3 months but in that time I have come to have immeasurable respect for the Autism community and intense frustration at the 'powers that be' for the lack of resources and support that is offered--especially when it comes to young adults.
The young man I work with is not currently enrolled in a transitional program and therefore his options for socializing with his peers are literally non-existant. This depresses him and I need to find a solution. We live in New York City, a place where one might assume there would be more opportunities than your average town. However I have been unable to find a single social group for teens with autism outside of organized institutions. Ideally I would like him to be a part of a group that meets up on a weekly basis to socialize and take advantage of all the cool things in the city--perhaps the way that some homeschooling groups meet up and go on outings together.
I know that of course most of you are not from NYC, but any input or advice would be much appreciated. Admittedly I've only been at this for 3 months and I still have a lot to learn. For anyone who IS located in NYC I would love to start a meetup group for teens here, if there is any interest...
Thank you!
10 Sep 2015, 8:54 am
