Help: My 19 yr high functioning autistic grandson lives with me
I need input/suggestions and help. Grandson came to live with me 6 months ago. During this time, my husband died of an overdose.
I've just found out from his narcissist mother, he was diagnosed with high functioning autism and never treated.
The things I see: pacing, picking, swinging his head, he has no concept of time, nor does he grasp paying bills. He walks on his tip toes, loves the dark room. He states his childhood was traumatic. His mother, my daughter, kept him from me from middle school until he turned 18.
I live in a very rural area. Resources are hard to find. He finally got a job at a supermarket in the deli. Not sure how long he will last. He has no one but me. Taking care of him, along with my grief is exhausting.
How do I help him? How can I teach him to be somewhat independent?
He is seeing a therapist, but the therapist doesn't agree with the diagnosis. He wants to keep seeing this therapist, but I cant intervene as he is 19.
I'm lost. I feel helpless for him. What is he going to do if and when I die?
Input?