Am I the only mother going through this?

[msjessie]

I'm a single parent of an 8 year old high-functioning autistic child and it seems that I'm the only single parent going through this in my county (calvert). I've had no luck with finding the right child care center that is willing to take a child on the spectrum so that I can return to work. I have supporters and autism groups telling me how sorry they are that this is happening but not advising me down the right path.

Of all the families that I have encountered that have children with this certain disability have the support of their husbands and friends so they have no need for a babysitter or daycare. I do not have those options! When I called Calvert Country a school that specializes with autistic children, she reminded me that all the children that attend have a mother or father that is there for the child before and after school to be with them. I just feel that I am totally alone on this one.

I would like just for once a single mother to tell me she's going through the same thing as I am with her child

Thank you
Jessie

 

[SoMDGirl42]

I'm a single parent of an 8 year old high-functioning autistic child and it seems that I'm the only single parent going through this in my county (calvert). I've had no luck with finding the right child care center that is willing to take a child on the spectrum so that I can return to work. I have supporters and autism groups telling me how sorry they are that this is happening but not advising me down the right path.

Of all the families that I have encountered that have children with this certain disability have the support of their husbands and friends so they have no need for a babysitter or daycare. I do not have those options! When I called Calvert Country a school that specializes with autistic children, she reminded me that all the children that attend have a mother or father that is there for the child before and after school to be with them. I just feel that I am totally alone on this one.

I would like just for once a single mother to tell me she's going through the same thing as I am with her child

Thank you
Jessie

 

[Moss_Lady]

Hello..I understand what you are going through. I am a single mother and I have a 7 year old son who is also high-functioning autistic child. I have very little family in the area...however I am very blessed to have some support of my son's father.
I am located in St. Mary's. Is tranferring your child to a new school an option for you? If yes, I recommend Green Holly Elementary. My son has been there since he was 3 years old (They have an early intervention type program called The Judy Center). He has received a lot of services to help him succeed. There is a daycare program at the school which is sponsered by Parks & Rec. The daycare is called KEEP and they have a before & after program..the hours are from 630am-630pm. Parks and Rec has been very accommodating to my son. They have really gone the extra mile at times to create a safe & nurturing environment for him. If this sounds like an option for you reply back to me in a private message and we can exchange info. This past summer they even helped me gather grant money to pay for a one on one camp counselor/aide for the duration of his summer daycare. This allowed him to attend field trips and I was able to be at ease knowing that he had close supervision at all times.

 

[poster]

I'm a single parent of an 8 year old high-functioning autistic child and it seems that I'm the only single parent going through this in my county (calvert). I've had no luck with finding the right child care center that is willing to take a child on the spectrum so that I can return to work. I have supporters and autism groups telling me how sorry they are that this is happening but not advising me down the right path.

Of all the families that I have encountered that have children with this certain disability have the support of their husbands and friends so they have no need for a babysitter or daycare. I do not have those options! When I called Calvert Country a school that specializes with autistic children, she reminded me that all the children that attend have a mother or father that is there for the child before and after school to be with them. I just feel that I am totally alone on this one.

I would like just for once a single mother to tell me she's going through the same thing as I am with her child

Thank you
Jessie

I'm sorry, not in your situation and have no words of wisdom for you.

I did have a thought. Do the high schools in this area still teach child development classes? If so then perhaps one of those students would be capable of keeping your son in the afternoons for you. Probably not enough in the way of care but may be worth a try - something is better than nothing.