Tonight Ryan (DS#3) is spending the night alone... in his OWN apartment!
He'll be there until Friday evening. This is a "trial run" on seeing how he does living independently. The county has a 2 bedroom furnished apartment that we're using at no cost. It's about 15 miles from our home... so close enough if necessary - but far enough for him to be on his own. (It's in the next little town.)
So keep your fingers crossed, and say a little prayer. The deal is he has to cook at least one meal using the stove/oven -- not just the microwave. He has to visit at least 3 "sites" that are within walking distance (a DQ, a pizza place, the corner market, coffee house, arcade, library....) He's totally responsible for cleaning up behind himself. He'll need to shop for food beyond the few staples I sent with him.
He's there tonight; all day Wednesday and Thursday, then he has to work at Krogers 9-5 on Friday. (He'll need to arrange for the local transportation service to pick him up and take him to work). Then we'll move him out on Friday night!
If this goes well, we can do it several more times throughout the year -- with stays up to 2 weeks at a time! I really never dreamed we'd get to this point... but I now seriously believe there will be a day when he can live on his own (with help). The purpose for this is so we can get a real feel for where his skills fall short... and where he is doing really well.
So this Mom is totally psyched.... but also totally nervous. So keep your fingers crossed and say a prayer! I know he'll do great! But I really think this is almost harder for me than it is for him! LOL
Kate in MI
PS: for those who don't know Ryan -- he is MMR -- very verbal, a few autism spectrum behaviors, very athletic (stands 6'2") and is almost 22 years old. He is my special needs kiddo. He has tuberous sclerosis complex (learn more here: