Severe Autism in Adults: A Parent’s Key to Happiness with Denise D

Free Workshop

Increase Talking &
Decrease Tantrums

in Young Children with

Autism &/or Speech Delays

Many families I talk to look at the struggles they are facing today with fear for the future. But over the years I have worked with so many children who I never thought would drive or go to college and are doing just that now. There is no crystal ball to tell you what your child’s future will look like or whether or not they’ll need 24/7 care like my son Lucas or Denise D’s son Vincent. Either way, there are things you can do and life can be great no matter what the outcome.

Denise and Vincent’s Autism Journey

I found Denise on TikTok, she is a positive and happy mom to her 23-year-old son with autism. Her journey started early, noticing symptoms at 10 months of age in her son. By 16 months he had a diagnosis of severe autism. This is incredibly early, especially for the early 2000s but this set her son up to receive a variety of helpful therapies including speech, OT, PT, and eventually ABA. Vincent was able to attend an ABA school funded by the school system from age 2 to 22. This was an incredible benefit for Vincent’s needs. However, due to changes in Vincent’s behaviors and needs after the pandemic, he was no longer able to attend the school’s adult extension program.

Autism Parent Training Program

There truly are not enough resources or programs available for adults with autism, so it is important to start planning for this complex transition as early as possible. I suggest families begin planning for adult care programs at age 14 because as with Denise and Vincent’s situation, anything can happen. Denise was fortunate to find an adult program for Vincent where he interacts with other adults cooking, going on outings, and practicing other daily life skills. Denise shares about his strengths and weaknesses, and even though he is 23 her goals for him never stop. The Turn Autism Around book and course are typically geared toward young children but in reality, they are for individuals with skill levels of young children and Denise shares all of the ways they have truly benefited her mindset in working with her son. It is never too late to help and change behavior, and the same techniques that work for young children can and will work for adults with autism.

Positive Aspects of Caregiving

Being a caregiver or parent to a child, teen, or adult with autism is not easy. There are hard and difficult times, but Denise says the key to happiness starts with your own positivity. She has created a community around her by staying positive and trying her best to stay involved. It can be tempting to shut yourself in out of embarrassment or fear of what will happen. Denise reminds parents that sometimes things will happen and you will be embarrassed, it’s the people who stick with you through those who become your community and shoulder to lean on. Denise also encourages caregivers to take care of themselves and make time for themselves. It can be easy to let yourself go and put your child first 100% of the time, but you need to be healthy to give the best to your family.

Just like her TikTok Denise is a positive light with so much encouragement for other autism families. You can check her out on TikTok to hear more about her life with Vincent. I am also on TikTok so go find me and leave a like or a comment!

Severe Autism in Adults: A Parent's Key to Happiness with Denise D

Denise D on the Turn Autism Around Podcast

Denise D is from New Jersey and is a married mother of two. She is the caregiver to her adult son Vincent who is 23 years old. She was an early intervention/family support therapist for 13 years. She attended Montclair State University. Her background is in floor time. Her interests are fashion and beauty. She was honored by the Facebook community for uplifting mothers/caregivers of children with autism. She is a public speaker at events and schools. She recently found a positive community in Tiktok. She’s passionate about helping families believe in themselves, taking charge of their loved ones’ plans, setting goals and supporting one another to bring the community together.

You’ll Learn

  • Autism journey from a parent of an adult with autism.
  • How to stay positive and happy when caring for an adult with autism.
  • No journey is the same, the secret to living in the present with your family.
  • Coping with 24/7 adult care as an autism caregiver.
  • Finding your autism community and resources.
  • Can Turn Autism Around help adults with autism?

Resources

Free Workshop

Increase Talking &
Decrease Tantrums

in Young Children with

Autism &/or Speech Delays