Autism grows up

I knew it would happen. The twins would grow up and enter this new territory of girls and dating.

I have no idea if we’re doing it right or not.

The boys turned 20 last week. One of them has had a steady girlfriend for several months now.

Just to remind new readers of the background — the boys live with the diagnoses of autism, cognitive and speech impairments, and more.

I’m not worried about where the relationship with this lovely girl and my son is going. She is a sweet young woman who has known the twins since they were in Kindergarten. In fact, she attended kindergarten with them. Due to her own disabilities from spina bifida and other impairments, she continues to be a part of their social circle via special education classes in high school. (I homeschooled the boys for 2nd-8th grades.)

But what I’m nervous about is this:

Prom.

Both boys are taking a girl to prom.

How did we get to this point?

A part of me is giggling inside. As a conservative Christian who homeschooled her kids, my other children didn’t go to public school prom, so I don’t have a clue of the protocols. (My children did have prom alternatives but I’m sure it was vastly different.)

I know the twins will need a tux. Flowers. What else?  (Would buying a new suit in stead of shelling out $$ for a tux be acceptable?)

Also, because of the one girl’s physical impairments, how will we transport her? A limo doesn’t accommodate a motorized wheel chair. But I want her to have a very special night. We live rural so it’s not like there are a lot of limo places close by. I need some creative ideas. Let me know if you have any.

I’m happy for my guys. Of course, it was the girls they’re taking to the prom who made this happen–not the boys.

In fact, I got the biggest kick out of a text the other twin got from his date the other day: “Tell your Mom to buy me a corsage.”

I’m ready for this adventure. I’ll keep you posted on what I learn.

Tweet this: How did/do you handle dating with your cognitively impaired teen?