In this blog post, I’m diving into the  3 top challenges I’ve faced with Jacob since him becoming an adult. To my fellow parents, I know you feel my pain! 🌟 Ever feel like you’re juggling flaming swords while riding a unicycle? 🤹‍♂️ Welcome to the wild world of parenting an adult child with autism! So grab your coffee, take a seat, and let’s navigate this adventure together! 💙 #autismchallenges🧩

Challenge #1: Keeping Reliable Care for Jacob While We Work

Ah, the eternal quest for trustworthy care for our beloved Jacob! 🌟 It’s like searching for a unicorn in a marvel movie, am I right? But fear not, fellow adventurers, for we are armed with perseverance and strength! 🦄

Entrusting Jacob’s care to others feels like sending him off on a grand quest without a map or a guidebook. 🗺️ It’s nerve-wracking, to say the least! But hey, we’re not alone in this journey. We’ve enlisted the help of a company that hires background-checked individuals. Yet, even with this safety net, the anxiety lingers like an unwelcome guest at a party. Try well-known agencies like the Autism Society, https://www.autismsociety-nc.org/#

And let’s talk about the perpetual juggling act of work and caregiving. 🤹‍♂️ It’s like trying to tame a lion while balancing on a tightrope! But fret not, my friends, for there’s a legal safeguard in the form of FMLA (Family and Medical Leave Act). Just to make sure you are not fired because you have to care for your child. It’s like our superhero cape, offering protection against the evil clutches of employment uncertainty. 💼✨

Check out the government website here: https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/fmla

Alright Autism adventurers, take heart! While the road may be rocky, and the challenges daunting, we shall overcome with resilience, determination, and maybe a dash of caffeine! ☕️ Onward, to victory! 🚀 #AutismAwareness 🧩

Challenge #2: Navigating the Absence Abyss

Ah, the dreaded sick days saga!  It’s like a whirlwind of chaos that sweeps through our carefully crafted plans, isn’t it? But fear not, for in the face of adversity, we emerge as champions of resilience and adaptability!🤒

When your child’s caregiver calls in sick, and suddenly, you’re thrust into a frantic scramble to find a replacement. It’s like trying to solve a Rubik’s Cube blindfolded! But alas, finding someone who can step into your child’s world at a moment’s notice is like searching for a needle in a haystack. 🧩

In the blink of an eye, FMLA becomes our lifeline, our legal shield against the unpredictability of caregiving. It’s like summoning reinforcements to fortify our defenses in the battle against chaos! 💼

Amidst the challenges, the Autism Society stands as a beacon of hope, striving to bridge the gap between need and accessibility. They have introduced Jacob to other workers so that in a moment of need, someone can step in and help. This works only if there’s enough notice. Let’s not forget the logistical nightmare of living outside city limits.  It’s like being stranded on a desert island with limited resources,#AutismIsland!🚗

So, fellow warriors, take a deep breath and summon your inner zen. 🌟 Though the road may be rocky, and the challenges aplenty, we shall prevail with perseverance, humor, and maybe a splash of “Calgon 🛁 take me away” for good measure!  #AutismAwareness 🧩

Challenge #3: Crafting the Perfect Environment for Success

Ah, the noble quest for the holy grail of productivity and success!  It’s like embarking on a grand adventure through the labyrinth of chaos, armed with nothing but schedules and calendars as our trusty companions.🏆

Amidst the whirlwind of life, we forged a sanctuary of learning and tranquility for Jacob.  With schedules as our guiding stars, chaos retreated like a defeated dragon, and productivity flourished like wildflowers in spring.🌟

A Collaborative Journey to Success

But here’s the twist: success wasn’t just for Jacob alone; it was a team effort!  We shared our secrets of structure and success with the brave souls entrusted with Jacob’s care, transforming them into allies in our noble quest.💪

And oh, the sweet relief when chaos was banished from our absence!  With a rock-solid foundation of understanding and structure, Jacob’s days unfolded like a well-rehearsed symphony, each note harmonizing with the next in a blissful melody of productivity.🌪️

But let’s not forget the cardinal rule of parenting: consistency is key! Check out this previous  blog post: Help! 3 Ways a schedule can help sensory issues and communication barriers? #Autism Challenges🧩 Like master craftsmen, we meticulously crafted a framework of structure and procedures, ensuring that every interaction and every moment was a stepping stone on the path to success. 🔑

So, dear comrades in arms, do not fear the daunting task before you! 🛡️ With a dash of consistency, a sprinkle of structure, and a hearty dose of determination, you too can forge an environment where success blooms like a garden in the sun. 🌷 #ParentingSuccess 🌈