How can I help my autistic son?

I am finding it extremely hard to hold down a full-time job and take care of my 21-year-old autistic son. He struggles with everyday life and with reality and fiction – he has no concept of money. He can’t read or write so finding a job is difficult. With the support of a community interest company that helps people with disabilities into employment he has tried to find work. He has had trials ranging from a few days to six weeks, but he has never been paid. Following a review, his social welfare payment was cut too. His father sees him every other weekend, but he has anger and drink issues and gives us no support. My son is a vulnerable young man and I am struggling to support two adults financially and emotionally. Can you point me in the right direction to get more help? I feel as though I hit a brick wall every time. This is a lot to carry on your own. It is sad that your son’s father offers so little in emotional and financial support as it just adds to your stress. He should help out much more, but it sounds as though this is never going to happen. SpunOut (spunout.ie) has a section that focuses on employment and aims to develop a person’s confidence and achieve their goals. Talk to an adviser there and see if they can help. You should also contact the Department of Social Protection (welfare.ie), which offers help and advice to jobseekers with a disability. Irish Autism Action (autismireland.ie, 044 937 1680) would also offer support and help your son fill in any forms that he might need help with. They are a wonderful group with a wide range of expertise so explain to them how incredibly difficult things are and ask if there are any local organisations that your son could join to give him a chance to meet other young people.