The "Circle of Riley World"

In June 2013, Riley finished high school. For the 5+ years prior to that we were cowering in the corner in the fetal position looking ahead to the next phase in Riley World. Adulthood.

In some ways it feels like we had come full circle. We were back to the beginning. Paperwork to be filled out. New procedures to be learned. Schedules to be planned.

I guess on the upside for us…no diapers and fewer meltdowns sooo…I guess there’s that.

But the nagging questions were still there.  “What is Riley going to do now that he’s finished school?”  “Will he get a job?”  “Have you thought about where he will live?”  Hyperventilating commencing in 3…2…1…

Then there’s the “There’s NOTHING out there!”  “There are NO PROGRAMS!!”  “THERE ARE NO SERVICES!!!”  *Passes out*

So what do you…as a parent of a young adult who can not ride the bus on his own or even stay home alone for that matter, do? How do you create a meaningful life where your adult-child is involved in their community and feels accepted?

You do what you have done for the past 16 years (if you count 2 years of preschool and the “extra” year of high school). You take a gap year and regroup. And then…you put on your grandma panties, take a deep breath and look for something that will work for your “kid”.

It’s not easy…but as parents…we will find a way. Am I right???  Please tell me I'm right otherwise I'm going to crack.  

Next post:  What are the options??