Parents vs. kids, or, parents vs. adult autistics

Again, I'm sorry for not updating as often as I, perhaps, once did - Life has gotten in the way.

I'm about to wander into a topic I'm not too keen on blogging about - because it can be hurtful. I'll keep it brief, and to the point. This post is not so much a discussion as it is for information.

I once read a brilliant line; what happens to the autistic kid when he turns 18? Is he magically cured, or... does he die? You see, autistic adults exist, and there will "be" more of us in a very short time due to the increase in diagnosises made, which again is due to a better understanding about autism. This means that the society will have to "get used to" us in a different way than what has been the norm up until now. Of course, there has always been autistic adults (and I'm not just thinking about those categorized as 'low-functioning), but now we're getting more and more visible (think something along the lines of the "we're here, we're queer, get used to it"-mentality).

This brings up an interesting discussions, and possibly, problems. Parents of autistic kids are more than aware that their kids are growing up - but, what happens once they're adults? Will they be able to care for themselves? Get a job, get married, and have a family of their own? I believe many will - many already does.

I'm as lucky that I've gotten in touch with several parents over the last couple of months. Firstly, parents at www.autismesiden.no's message board. Later, at Asperger Rogaland. The latter is a 'real-life' group of parents of kids from the age of 9-17 (I think). I've only met them twice, but it's been nice meetings both time, with interesting discussion and a whole lot of epiphanies (at least for me). It seems that I'm not the only one learning and discovering things about myself and autism, but that I can help them, as well.

At the last meeting, Ivar came along as well, and he brought his mother. I hope they both will be regulars from now on.

Talking about that - Ivar and I are hoping to now form a regular group of youth and adults around here. We have out first gathering next Friday. If you're reading this, and is from the area around Stavanger, please check out MeetUp and our Google Group.