Wow. First of all, I say welcome to this board. This particular portion of the board is for parents of autistic children and I believe most of us have children under the age of 18. What you are dealing with is much different. There are people on this board, however, who do know a lot about laws and resources. You might try going to the Autism Resources part of the board and asking. I apologize that I'm not much help here. What state are you from? Does your brother live in a group home or does he live on his own? Does he have a job? What kind of care do you need to get him?
Sorry for all the questions - but that info may be helpful to others when helping you. That sounds like quite a responsibility for you and I wish you all the best.
I have an autistic brother who is now 60 years old. I will be dealing with him in the near future as my mother is getting very old. He was never really diaganosed, but has all the classic signs. He refuses to be on meds and I wonder if anyone has dealt with this type of situtation before and if they have any recommendations for me. He is moderatly funtionable. Any roads to help will be appreciated. Thank you,everyone and my heart goes out to anyone involved with this disorder.
Mike,
Welcome to the board.
Can you provide some more information about your brother. You describe him as moderately functioning, but that can mean many differentn things. Does he live alone or with your mom? Can he take care of himself (toileting, washing, preparing simple meals)? Does he have a job? Can the job support him? How are his social skills? Does he have friends? Just trying to get a better idea of exactly what you're dealing with.
Hi Mike. Welcome!
There are a number of young adults on the board with autistic spectrum disorders, and can probably offer you an "inside" view of autism from a grow up's vantage point.
One thing I have learned from them is that even if the person with autism appears to be daydreaming, they may NOT be...it is just hard to listen and look at someone at the same time. Don't ever speak - or allow others to - about your brother in the same room while pretending he is not. You may accidentally hurt his feelings or insult/infuriate him. He may just show or not show that like you and I do. (you probably know this and I'm being a twit!)
Also, some of the young adults here are linked into groups that are for adults with autism and have many friends and aquaintances with the disorder. You might get some helpful links.
Last thing, be prepared for us to ask YOU what it was like growing up with a sibling on the spectrum? What kind of parenting choices do you think your folks did well, relative to that? We are an outspoken bunch, but absolutely committed to helping one another and all our families. Again, welcome!
I hope you will find some help here, and perhaps some perspective, too....gravy on the potatoes.