An unusual idea

[dfh]

Hey all, I think I've come up with a rather unusual idea, but I thought I'd share and get some feedback from folks who are into the lifestyle. My husband thinks its strange and&nbsp;impractical&nbsp;but I don't think so.<div><br></div><div>I've been thinking lately how things are getting much harder and how financially its probably going to take the country a while to get back into shape. And then, who knows when the next recession/depression will go.</div><div><br></div><div>While thinking of all this, I think about my son. He's high functioning autistic and I fear for his future. I think one of the most important things he'll learn in life is how to be independent and how to, if needed, survive on the road. He is quite capable of taking care of himself, but like all parents I worry how he'll get on when I'm not around.</div><div><br></div><div>For his 16th birthday, I'd like to get him a van, and over the next couple years I'd like to build it into a camper van with him. So he'll have his first vehicle, but god forbid, if he ever became "homeless" he'd never actually be homeless.</div><div><br></div><div>Most parents dream of sending their kids to college and seeing them get a great career and family. I want all of that too, but I don't know if that is in the cards for him.. so I think for his well being, this would be good preparation no matter what happens. I know I wish my parents had thought outside the box for me.&nbsp;<img border="0" align="absmiddle" src="https://vanlivingforum.com/images/boards/smilies/wink.gif"></div>

 

[sl1966]

I think that's a great idea. I wish my parents had helped me prepare for the bad times like that.<div><br></div>

 

[yesican]

sounds like a great idea you have but start him out with your supervision.&nbsp; Be the mother duck--get your child wet in the water but under your constant direction leading him until he has the skills to go it alone.</p>

 

[dfh]

Its nice to see I'm not the only one thinking this way. I feel better lol, now I can show my husband the thread and say see, I'm not the only one&nbsp;<img border="0" align="absmiddle" src="https://vanlivingforum.com/images/boards/smilies/smile.gif">

 

[Seraphim]

<p>Anything&nbsp;one can teach&nbsp;one's child will add to the foundation of his future. And one day they may even appreciate it lol.</p>

 

[lampliter]

Check out Temple Grandin---high functioning autistic with a PHD.<br>

 

[VanTrekker]

<p style="margin: 0px;">I think this is a good idea!&nbsp; There is nothing more therapeutic than having your own living space.&nbsp; I think this would be something he would enjoy and treasure.</p><p style="margin: 0px;">&nbsp;</p><p style="margin: 0px;">I'm amazed at how many people there are who think a camper van is cool.&nbsp; Some will condemn the idea when in a crowd, but one-on-one,&nbsp;many will tell you they wish they could do it.</p><p style="margin: 0px;">&nbsp;</p><p style="margin: 0px;">Cool idea!</p>

 

[cyndi]

Autism is NOT developmentally challenged. It's <span class="st"> characterized by impaired social interaction and communication. There is basically nothing an autistic kid can't learn to do. As a matter of fact TONS of autistic kids test very high on standard intelligence tests. There is NO reason an autistic individual wouldn't be able to change a tire, even in a snow storm! Communication and social skills can be developed in various ways.<br><br>Ha! I'm not autistic but am still challenged by my (lack of) communication and social skills. As are, I would guess, many of the introverts living a mobile life. And I can't change a tire, on a sunny day!<br><br>Go for it, DFH! the more skills any child (or adult, for that matter) can earn can do nothing but better their chances to excel in the life they choose to live.<br><br><br></span>

 

[Phantom Blooper]

I retired from the Marine Corps and knew a young man that volunteered with the Disabled Veterans that retired from the Navy.<BR><BR>He was autistic.....<BR><BR>He was able to perform and function well in all aspects of his life....<BR><BR>He was a genius when it came to computers and electronic gadgets.....<BR><BR>Anyone is teachable.....I say go for it and let the young man decide for himself...whether or not he wants to live this life.....<BR><BR><BR>Best of thoughts&nbsp;the parents and him!<BR>

 

[owl]

<P>@dhf, I applaud you and your attitude. I'm with cyndi and phantom, GO FOR IT!&nbsp;There isn't a person on earth that doesn't have some challenges. You know your son better than anyone and if you think he can do this my bet is he can. I have found that being positive is so much better than being negative in all aspects of life. Any way I can be of help, don't hesitate to ask. Know you and your family are blessed.</P>

 

[dfh]

Great feedback all around. I too thought of the things that Steve brought up, so no hard feelings there. Autism is very complicated, and its easy to have fears about what could happen, what he can and can't accomplish, hell, even what he wont want to accomplish&nbsp;<img border="0" align="absmiddle" src="https://vanlivingforum.com/images/boards/smilies/smile.gif">&nbsp;He's stubborn like his mother lol.<div><br></div><div>Its an experiment to be sure, but I'm going to do my best to go for it anyway. He is great with schedules and lists, so the maintenance doesn't worry me. Its the actual building that he may not like, but we'll have a while to work on it, so I'm hopeful.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>Thanks so much for all the feedback. I'm looking forward to it, and when that time comes hope we'll all still be around for the progress. In the meantime, I'm sure I'll learn a lot here to pass on to him.</div>

 

[lampliter]

I worked with autistic people for a couple of years.<br>Nothing is impossible.<br>Keep your face turned toward the sun and you won't see the shadows.---Helen Keller.<br><br><br>

 

[Crisscrosses]

Good idea for many reasons. A project you can work on together, something to look forward to (traveling in it when it's done), he would probably remember the time working on it for the rest of his life, as a backup. Too many people try and think positively and don't prepare backups.

 

[Captain Logos]

I'm not autistic, but I do have challenges. As a kid and teenager, and even into my mid twenties, I was very mechanically UNinclined. I was bookish.<div><br></div><div>Then I became a mechanic. Don't ask me why. Maybe I just didn't like feeling vulnerable towards vehicles. Or maybe I realized this trade is relatively recession-proof compared to construction, which is my original love. Yes, I'm a slow learner, but I did learn. I'm a year away from being a certified mechanic in a four year program. Two years away from semi-retirement at the age of 33, and one month away from full-timing.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>I've got a university degree. The most important thing I learned from university is that only a small handful of degrees can actually land you a job, and only a few of them will pay you respectfully for your four years of education. In other words, it is HIGHLY overrated. College for the trades is the way to go. Mechanics, plumbers, electricians, carpenters, gasfitters, pipefitters, and so many others are the ones that make the real money, and can find jobs if they're willing to travel if necessary... all the more reason for a mobile style of life (and without a student debt). Mortgages and university degrees will soon be seen as "the way of the sucker". Sending your kid to college/university is a waste, imo, unless they want to be a nurse, doctor, or business owner... although it doesn't take a degree to own your own business. I could go on. Point is: majority of university degrees are not worth the paper they're printed on. Sending your kids to university and automatically having them graduate as successful members of society is a sick and disgusting myth. Graduates are guaranteed NOTHING but the potential fact that they wasted four years of time and debt.</div><div><br></div><div>Your plan seems valid and sound... not to mention, VERY practical. You might also want to consider a strictly plant-based diet, mostly raw for your son; it has done incredible wonders for myself and thousands of others, both physically and more importantly, mentally. It cleanses both physical and cognitive/philosophical impurities in ways you wouldn't imagine until you try it. Protein is good, but overrated as well, and can be found in healthier alternatives derived from non-animal sources. Meat is not the only source of protein. And milk... well, lets just say we've been lied to. It is simply bad for you in all kinds of ways. Just google it. &nbsp;There's no doubt about it in my mind. Makes sense that I have been so clear-headed and free from illness since dropping animal products from my diet.</div><div><br></div><div>Best to you and your son. Keep it simple and practical. "Higher education" is best obtained the hard way, through experience, not the classroom. I've got a degree in philosophy from a university, but I learned more about philosophy and myself while in Afghanistan. Call it the School of Hard Knocks if you want. Best school I ever attended.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>Hope this helps.</div>