Son with Aspergers (Colorado Springs, Center: professionals, military, store)

[davdoug]

Hello! I wrote an earlier thread and buried this question in the middle of the forum message so thought it might be better to give it its own thread. My wife and I are considering the Colorado Springs are for retirement in the coming year but I have a 23 year old son with Asperger's. We are currently in CA where he is working with the state Dept of Rehab as well as seeing a psychiatrist and psychologist. I am trying to find out what services are available in the Springs area. Are there many mental health professionals with Asperger's experience? Are there state services available? Lastly, are there any adult Asperger's social groups. He has been reluctant to seek those groups out in CA but needs social interaction so I am hoping such groups exist in the CS area should we move there. Anyone with a loved one with AS knows they are likely to have anxiety and depression as well as being socially isolated except for immediate family. I am crossing my fingers such support exists in Colorado as we really love the area.

Thank you so much in advance for any information you can provide.

Take Care

[suzco]

I have no personal experience with it, but a quick google search pointed to Autism & Asperger Connections as a good starting point. Their support groups include:

Autistic Adult Social Group (Ages 18+)
The Autistic Adult Social Group is a group designed for adults on the autism spectrum. The group provides a safe, supportive environment where those on the autism spectrum can make friends and explore common interests with others on the spectrum. . .

Asperger’s Support Group (Ages 18+)
The Asperger’s Support Group is a group for parents, family members, caregivers, and adults on the autism spectrum to discuss Asperger’s-related issues. . .

[TCHP]

I do not know about the level of professional support in the area, but with half a million people ocally, I'm sure there is a selection to choose from. I do know that local job store outlet, Pikes Peak Workforce Center, has some work programs with a number of local companies for high functioning Aspergers and Autism young adults to help them gain interaction on a business level and gain work experience, along with a paycheck, to improve social as well as practical skill sets.

[Nothere1]

Almost anything has to be better than CA. I couldn't barely find any adult groups in that state. I hope you find something good, I was afraid when I moved if I didn't find a good support group I would go right back to being a lone drunk again.

[Sotired88]

From my experience : COS is the worst place to be if you have health or mental issues. You're totally screwed if you have tricare. Son has autism and we haven't found a spot for him in any of the support groups tricare found. I have mental issues going untreated for this same reason -on top of my deteriorating health. After a year! My body still hasnt gotten used to the altitude. I also have suspect my son is struggling as well. He has a lot more episodes here than anywhere else. Body needs oxygen! Wouldnt be here if the military hadn't placed us here. Either they move us, or we gotta leave the hubbs behind for awhile. Hate it here.

[DoodlemomCoS]

We've found it better than Albuquerque, NM. We have a special needs kid and there are far more resources here than New Mexico. That's my only comparison though.

[Sotired88]

Update: Son finally had a Developmental Behavioral appt set for this month. They called us up three weeks before his first appt to tell us he's been rescheduled for several months later. They didn't even give us a choice. Now we're going on a year of waiting for this type of appt.

[ThePerfectHologram]

Originally Posted by Sotired88

From my experience : COS is the worst place to be if you have health or mental issues. You're totally screwed if you have tricare. Son has autism and we haven't found a spot for him in any of the support groups tricare found. I have mental issues going untreated for this same reason -on top of my deteriorating health. After a year! My body still hasnt gotten used to the altitude. I also have suspect my son is struggling as well. He has a lot more episodes here than anywhere else. Body needs oxygen! Wouldnt be here if the military hadn't placed us here. Either they move us, or we gotta leave the hubbs behind for awhile. Hate it here.

I am new to the forum and to Colorado. Is COS Colorado Springs?

[TCHP]

Yes. COS derives from the airport designation airlines use to identify luggage bound for our airport.

[ThePerfectHologram]

Originally Posted by TCHP

Yes. COS derives from the airport designation airlines use to identify luggage bound for our airport.

Thanks, THCP.