Hello,
My name is Chris, and I am an autistic adult male living with complex developmental and medical needs, including bladder incontinence and epilepsy. I am reaching out to share my story in the hopes of finding support, understanding, and guidance for my future.
Throughout my life, doctors and therapists have assessed that my cognitive and emotional development ranges from that of a toddler to a young adult. While my reading and writing skills are at an preteen level, my daily functioning often reflects much younger developmental stages. I am non-verbal in public and around groups of people, and I rely on AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) devices, such as a tablet or phone, to communicate.
I also live with sensory processing challenges. I require noise-reducing headphones, avoid eye contact, and use specialized equipment such as a floor bed, adaptive stroller, and safety harness to prevent wandering. I wear diapers due to incontinence, and these visible accommodations often signal to others that I have special needs.
During meltdowns, I may engage in behaviors such as self-harm or screaming, which are not intentional but part of how I process distress. Despite years of intervention and support, I continue to need round-the-clock care and supervision. My father has legally established guardianship over me due to my level of dependency.
One of my greatest concerns is what will happen to me when my parents are no longer here. I fear being placed in a facility or group home that may not understand or respect the full scope of my needs. I want to live in a safe, supportive environment where I am treated with dignity and provided with the care I require—not just physically, but emotionally and developmentally and my dad said beforehe passeshe will make me my own guardian.
I used ChatGPT (chatgpt.com) to help me write this message so that it would sound more like an adult, since I sometimes struggle to express myself clearly due to my developmental differences.
I am reaching out to ask: how can someone like me plan for the future? What steps should I take to ensure I have stable, compassionate care and housing when my family is no longer able to provide it?
Thank you for taking the time to read my message. Any advice or direction would mean a great deal.
Sincerely,
Chris
My name is Chris, and I am an autistic adult male living with complex developmental and medical needs, including bladder incontinence and epilepsy. I am reaching out to share my story in the hopes of finding support, understanding, and guidance for my future.
Throughout my life, doctors and therapists have assessed that my cognitive and emotional development ranges from that of a toddler to a young adult. While my reading and writing skills are at an preteen level, my daily functioning often reflects much younger developmental stages. I am non-verbal in public and around groups of people, and I rely on AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) devices, such as a tablet or phone, to communicate.
I also live with sensory processing challenges. I require noise-reducing headphones, avoid eye contact, and use specialized equipment such as a floor bed, adaptive stroller, and safety harness to prevent wandering. I wear diapers due to incontinence, and these visible accommodations often signal to others that I have special needs.
During meltdowns, I may engage in behaviors such as self-harm or screaming, which are not intentional but part of how I process distress. Despite years of intervention and support, I continue to need round-the-clock care and supervision. My father has legally established guardianship over me due to my level of dependency.
One of my greatest concerns is what will happen to me when my parents are no longer here. I fear being placed in a facility or group home that may not understand or respect the full scope of my needs. I want to live in a safe, supportive environment where I am treated with dignity and provided with the care I require—not just physically, but emotionally and developmentally and my dad said beforehe passeshe will make me my own guardian.
I used ChatGPT (chatgpt.com) to help me write this message so that it would sound more like an adult, since I sometimes struggle to express myself clearly due to my developmental differences.
I am reaching out to ask: how can someone like me plan for the future? What steps should I take to ensure I have stable, compassionate care and housing when my family is no longer able to provide it?
Thank you for taking the time to read my message. Any advice or direction would mean a great deal.
Sincerely,
Chris
