Andreas: Help for Autistic Families in Slovakia

For parents without parents is a project, that gives parents of children with autism an opportunity to gain new strengths. In Autistic center Andreas we organize short time stays for children with autism. During that time their parents can devote their time and energy to their own hobbies and activities.

 Since July to October 2014 we had organized fifteen two-day stays for eight grown-up "children" with autism.

 Alino's mornings

 Alex is a 20 years old gentleman. He is my son and also a person with autism. Alino doesn't talk (he only uses a few simple words); he is unable to live alone. Alino is my big love; I will protect him no matter what. I live with him alone.

 Ali doesn't like waking up. But he has to, for he needs to go to school, so we fight at least one hour each morning. As soon as I come to wake him up, he barely opens his eyes, says: "I don't go", hides under the duvet and pretends not being in the room. So I start to persuade and motivate him, which is not always easy. When he finally gets out of bed, he moves to the living room, and lies on the sofa - so the whole ritual of persuasion starts anew. He dislikes the TV show "Breakfast with Markíza". The show means that he has to wake up and go to school. So he gets pissed and looks for the remote control (which is well hidden). The game continues:-)

 As if this wasn't enough, Ali sometimes pretends he cannot dress himself, even though he is able to do it independently... Sometimes he secretly hides his lunch or backpack. He laughs when I seek the hidden items. He is a prankster. I have to watch him carefully:-)

Alino's paper rolls

 Ali makes small rolls out of paper napkins. We have a big IKEA bag full of the napkins at home. Nobody is allowed to touch them. It's his treasure! He flushes the rolls in the toilet. Before we go to school, he needs to flush at least tree rolls...

And then Alino starts to run. Suddenly he understands that there is no way to avoid it. I must be strict during the whole process. If I let go just once, I wouldn't be able to persuade him ever again. This also is autism...

As a different person

 When we come to school, Alino gets happy. He is joyous, gives me a goodbye kiss and merrily hops into his class. The morning ritual at home is not caused by Alino's aversion for school. He just decided that way and unfortunately it is unlikely to change.

It's half past eight in the morning and I go to work. And I am tired... As if I have already worked one shift.

That's why it is a great help for me when an assistant / caretaker from Autistic center Andreas comes to take Alino to school, creates a program for him and just spends time with him. Alino often sleeps in Autistic center and goes to school with an assistant. Alino likes Andreas center and is very obedient there. And I am happy that he feels good and I can rest a bit.