ITS ALL GOOD

Since my last post I have once again realized what a great city we live in.  Austin has a young progressive population and a fabulous workforce.  I was very disappointed at losing the companion I selected for Brandon to live with him during the next school year.  But I managed to move on and start the search all over.  I decided to immediately post an ad and start the friends and family word of mouth search.  I really want to post today to encourage others thinking about that next step with their young adult that this is very doable. I had over 40 qualified responses and at least 10 with fabulous experience and references.  But I decided to go with a personal reference from the prior companion and another aide working with a family friend.  I have hired Chris to live with Brandon next year as his companion.  Chris has previous experience working with young adults 17-23 transitioning and all types of disabilities.  He is also a musician.  His personality is very laid back and kind of goofy.  He is really a perfect match for Brandon. 

Brandon is having a very difficult time these last few weeks preparing for the transition of moving back to the condo.  Brandon rarely gets worked up about anything, except the Beatles (and occasionally Selena Gomez).  But for the last two weeks and during our meeting with Brandon network, he has been very stressed.  Last week Ross (Brandon's current aide during the day) came back from vacation.  I asked Ross to take Brandon somewhere he could relax.  We decided on going to a movie.  When Ross come in to the house, Brandon burst into tears stating he could not leave the house.  He used the excuse that he needed to see a Disney Show.  I can't remember the last time Brandon cried.  Even during H1N1. 

Brandon's brother Patrick came to visit last week.  We had a great visit.  After Patrick left, Brandon sent a message to his brother that he was going to miss mama and he was sad.  So this has not been easy and needless to say it is stressful for everyone.   Last weekend Brandon and his current companion did a respite weekend and has started to relax just a little.  Brandon set up his room and made the condo school ready.  Brandon is still pacing some around the house and asking constantly what is going to happen on each day of the week,  I hope by the end of Sept Brandon will get used to the routine and his stress level will be reduced. 

I have talked endlessly to other parents who have transitioned their young adults to different living situations.  All of them are unique.  One parent told me about her son moving in with another family and they have worked out respite periodically through the month.  One parent has partnered up with another parent and their children live with a companion, with attendants working throughout the day.  Another parent is slowly moving out of her house, leaving her son and his friends to live independently.  The financial portions of these arrangement all are very creative.  For Brandon's new arrangement, Chris will move into the condo as a employee of Brandon's CLASS program and will benefit from free room and board.  Chris will have access to Brandon's minivan (the one I leave for the aides to use when transporting Brandon).  Chris will take over each evening at 7:00 pm from Ross and sleep at the condo with Brandon until Brandon gets on the bus each morning.  This starts each Sunday evening and Fridays after Brandon leaves school he will come to Dripping Springs to spend the weekend with me.  One time per month Chris will provide a respite weekend with Brandon staying with him.  I have three additional attendants as back-up.  In concept it all sounds good.   But Brandon will have a big adjustment to moving away from his mom.  So everyone think good thoughts that this all will work and Brandon will again be happy. 

More good news - A few months ago I participated in a focus group at the University of Texas concerning children transitioning into adult services.  I apparently signed up to volunteer our arrangement for a case study.  Brandon was selected.  So the University of Texas will be studying Brandon's transition this next school year and providing student hours for him to work on socialization, any behavioral issues and working with him on communication in the public. I am very happy to have the extra help.  It takes a village.  We have outlined all the skills Brandon should work on for the next year.  I am looking forward to a more confident, socialized and independent Brandon in the future.  So stay tuned.  ITS ALL GOOD. 

More later
Leah