I am the mother of a 22 year old very low functioning, non-verbal, and violent autisic son.
I can find hardly any literature on autisic adults who are low functioning.
I know he cannot be the only one in the world.
Why is there no literature or support system for these people? I am beginning to feel that these children must just disappear when they get older.
I am having a very hard time getting help through agencies. Because he is so violent I can't get respite services or anything like that.
He is currently on Zyprexa but we are adjusting the dosages and the doctor doesn't really want to do hospitalization for him.
He wants to start him on Noltrexone in two weeks, but supposedly the violence will get worse before he sees benefits of this medication.
I have 2 year old and a 4 month old baby. I am concerned for their well being around my son. He has attacked me on several occasions and I have had to lock myself and the children in a room away from him.
My supposed "support system" of Mental Retardation workers and his doctor know this and still, I can get no real help.
Has ANYONE else ever been in this situation or known of anyone in this situation and how were they able to resolve it?
Any answers would be greatly appreciated.

I assume- maybe incorrectly, that he was in school until he was 21? What plans were made for transition?
What can be done to absolutely guarantee safety? I would find someone who can do something about this, as DCFS can remove children if they feel that they are endangered, and charge the parent with endangerment and neglect, as well as charging the offender legally with abuse (regardless of Dx) - thereby tying the parent's hands from further helping anyone. No one should have to live in fear. Tough call to make- but whose welfare is most important and who will benefit most from decisions? There has to be options that can make everyone safe/ maybe difficult and not perfect, but better than losing it all.... Also- what message does his violence towards you send to the 2 yr old- it is OK to hit Mom?? If he is a threat to himself or others- you can have him put in for observation via the police department or ER (and they hopefully will keep him until they can get his meds & temper under control)- irregardless of what his doctor thinks- he does not have to live with him. My husband's brother is low functioning- however he is not violent. He lives in a group home.

[This message has been edited by rids (edited 08-05-2003).]