Special Needs child. Old enough to drop out of school. Not mature enough to live on their own, What do you do?

2015-04-09T01:24:32-04:00

Response by SSG Paul Lanciault made Apr 9 at 2015 1:45 AM

2015-04-09T01:45:05-04:00

I have a special needs child. When he reached 16 friends at a special needs school told him he could quit. We managed to keep him in til he was 18 but that was it. He was so close to graduation but he was done with school. He may never hold real job, and will always need some sort of state services. But as long as he is home he cannot get on a waiting list. If we put him on the street some gang will more the likely pick him up before the waiting list. Doing the right thing by keeping him safe, is also keeping him back. But no parent want to put their child in a no win situation.

Response by SSgt June Worden made Apr 9 at 2015 12:27 PM

2015-04-09T12:27:18-04:00

Maybe you can key in on his interests and find an organization willing to mentor him... Music, sports, art. I've witnessed many young adults through Special Olympics become independent, self confident and self sufficient. I'm not saying that this is his only option, but if he feels excited about the future, maybe he will stay the course and surprise you with his progress. Best of luck to you, your son and your family.

Response by MSgt Michael Durkee made Apr 9 at 2015 1:32 PM

2015-04-09T13:32:03-04:00

That hits very close to home for me, my oldest son has Asperger's and dropped out at 18 very short of a diploma. He will be 23 this month and we are still working towards getting him to enter a GED bootcamp or Job Corps. Many people question why do we keep letting him stay in our home, his only other option would be some type of halfway house arrangement and we're afraid that he would end up picking up more bad habits than the ones we attempt to instill in him at home.

Response by SPC Nancy Greene made May 17 at 2021 5:04 PM

2021-05-17T17:04:05-04:00

SSG Paul Lanciault I have worked with many special needs children and each one is unique, as are their needs. There are organizations for specific conditions and there ‘used’ to be day programs in NC. Contacting a National organization might be assist in locating services. I do know companies receive federal funding fir hiring special needs employees and ‘reasonable accommodation’ is a Federal mandate in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1992. Good luck with your efforts and try not to become discouraged.
Nancy

Response by LTC(P) Christina Moore made Jul 19 at 2022 7:03 PM

2022-07-19T19:03:57-04:00

Guide them the best you can and keep them close. They are your kids....

Response by SSG Jack Scott made Jul 19 at 2022 7:21 PM

2022-07-19T19:21:36-04:00

Contact the County they have resources for such things and help