Where do I start?

[Guest guest]

Hi,

I joined this list a while ago and have been reading the posts to try

and learn what I can. However, at this point I am so confused I have

to ask for some help. I have twin 18-year-old sons who have Asperger

Syndrome. When they were younger and we lived in Georgia, we

received the Deeming Waiver (also known as the Beckett waiver)

for medicaid and were therefore able to access social skills and OT

services. When we moved to Illinois in 2001, we were told there were

no Deeming Waivers. It sounds like from what I've been reading that

things have changed, which is great! However, we have not even begun

the process of applying for such waivers or any other benefits.

My boys are seniors in high school this year and will have enough

credits to graduate. I am currently torn about whether to let them

do so, as I just don't know what our next step will be. As with most

AS kids, my boys have certain strengths along with devastating areas

of weakness. They are excellent writers (their personal career goals

are to become professional writers) but have a math learning

disability so severe I doubt they can handle any form of college

math. Our transition plan for the past few years has been geared

toward college, but at the moment I don't see it happening, at least

not immediately. But the boys are sick of high school, due to stress

and bad experiences, so they don't want to return for additional

years.

I have not yet applied for any kind of benefits because I don't know

where to start or what is even available for individuals like my boys-

-disabled, but not as severe as many who are still waiting for

services. Can you advise me about where to start? Any help would be

greatly appreciated!

Carol