Originally Posted by quilting.addict
Rhonda, wow, what a great thread for me to stumble across!! My GS Matt is 21. He mostly parrots, is sweet most of the time, but loses his temper when not able to communicate his needs. My DD has recently tried time out...ooo, he doesn't like that and stomps his feet. They live on a houseboat, so the confinement is really an issue. He walks the dog and takes out trash, which is 1/3 of a mile walk each way. I love the swing idea...hmm, maybe she could put one on the dock. Last year my DD decided to learn to sew and quilt. Matt stood over that sewing machine and watched every move we made. After several hours, his Mom said, "Matt, would you like to do this?" He said, "Yes!!" with a big ol' grin. I gave him two pieces of fabric and showed him how to sew a straight line. He sewed five lines, all about 1/2" apart. I asked him did he want to sew more and he said, "No thank you, you're welcome!" and got up just a bouncing with enthusiasm. When I left, he said "Bye Bye, I luv you.." I said, "I love you more", he always finishes with, "I luv you the most!" Every night I pray that his brain will unlock and he will be ok!!
Rhonda, Your Zack is so handsome!
I can sympathize! I know having a handicapped DGS can be challenging. We are blessed that Zach is high functioning but that doesn't erase all the problems involved in having a handicap like Autism.
I can see in your DGS's face and eyes he has a sweet spirit.
We have all had to struggle with the what ifs. Sara went through some soul searching thinking maybe there was something she did wrong but she didn't.
Her DH went through some denial at first and his other grandparents also denied anything was wrong. Sara had an uphill battle to get Zach some help but she has never stopped advocating for him.
We have looked forward and wondered about his future. Sara and Ben realize they may have him home as long as they live. But there is a possibility of him living in an assisted living when he gets to that point. Time will tell.
We just take it one day at a time. Love you DGS as I know you do. He is a blessed young man to have a grandma who loves him and understands his needs!