My Perfect Family: When Parents Had Their Autistic Son Arrested

With their severely autistic son in crisis, the parents had no choice but to have him committed. It was a heartbreaking decision, but now they’re focused on giving him the care and freedom he needs. They’re building a safe, loving home for him to thrive in. It’s a bittersweet journey, but they’re determined to give him the wings to fly. 🦋

Overview 🧩

Maray Alexander and her husband have a severely autistic son, Steven, who was diagnosed at 2.5 years old. After a year of struggling with his behavior, they made the difficult decision to have him arrested.

Early Signs and Care 💡

The first two years of Steven’s life were wonderful until he got a virus, after which his behavior changed significantly. Their understanding of autism helped explain Steven’s unusual behavior. He brought much joy into their lives, but his anxiety and aggression made it difficult to cope.

Steven’s Early Years

Steven’s Increasing Struggles 😞

As Steven grew older, his need for a regimented and orderly life became more pronounced. His anxiety led to destructive behavior and physical outbursts, leaving his family feeling helpless and scared.

Unwanted Aggressive Behavior

• Nightly destructive behaviors
• Unrelenting anxiety and frustration

The Decision 🤔

After a night of unbearable aggression and self-harm that put Steven in danger, the parents called for professional help. Despite being told that there was no support available, their desperate search for care eventually led to the drastic decision to have him committed.

Conflict and Heartache

"It just seemed so wrong but there was nothing else we could do."

Quality of Care 🏥

Steven’s time in mental health facilities was distressing for the family. The lack of appropriate care and understanding of Steven’s unique needs led to further struggle and heartache for the family.

Challenges in Mental Health Facilities

• Unsafe environment
• Lack of tailored support

A New Path Forward 🌟

Despite the challenges, the family was able to find a more suitable environment for Steven in a facility called Spectrum. Here, they were met with a welcoming and understanding care team.

Positive Turnaround

• Steven’s improved experience at Spectrum
• Tailored care and support

Embracing Change 🦋

The family has come to terms with the fact that their home is no longer the best environment for Steven. It’s been a journey to accept change and forgive while paving the way for Steven’s independence and happiness.

Accepting Steven’s Needs

• Providing appropriate care
• Giving Steven wings to fly

Conclusion

The Alexander family’s experience highlights the challenges of caring for a severely autistic child and making difficult decisions to ensure their well-being. Their journey, though filled with struggle, also shows the importance of finding suitable care and embracing change for the benefit of their child.

Principaux enseignements

• The journey of caring for a severely autistic child is fraught with challenges and difficult decisions.
• The lack of tailored care in mental health facilities can exacerbate already challenging situations.
• Acceptance and forgiveness are essential in paving the way for independence and happiness for individuals with autism.