Where Will Andy Live When He Leaves School?

[@povvy1]

Anna seems so much happier and more confident since she started streaming, really nice to see

[@avagreenall4671]

It took years to get my sons supported living placement - he was on the waiting list from the day he turned 18 till he was 22. It then took 6 months to go through the transition process. We even moved house to an area with access to better services for autistic adults. Hes 24 now and finally able to live the life I always dreamed he could have. I did have to really crack down on myself for things like giving him devices to keep him occupied or doing things for him like washing his plates (he went thru 5 16 place crockery sets in 1 month when he started!!) He broke every door in the house, smashed his bedroom windows 3 times and I dont even know how many electrical items were trashed all because of meltdowns connected to the changes needed for him to be able to live as independently as possible. It was worth every bruise and smashed item though. It felt like torture at the time and I seriously thought I was losing my sanity. I visit him twice a week now and he visits me on a friday for fish and chips that he buys on the way. His support workers have been amazing gradually taking literally half a step away from him every week till now they stand outside whilst he orders, pays and carries the food out. Sounds like such a small thing to have achieved but to him it's like winning gold at the Olympics. You guys will get there too with Andy and itll make you so proud!

[@imaginaryenemy2565]

This is a lovely comment I'm glad you and your son are finally there services aren't perfect and transtions are messy and stressful and do take time but as you've shown with determination and patience in the long run it pays off I was going to leave a comment about how many of them gain new skills after "moving out" sometimes even doimg things their parents never thought were possible but you've already done a great job explaining what maturity and independence can look like for young adults with disabilities they don't stop learning just because their out of school adulthood often brings new skills for them

[@harryroberts2630]

A very powerful story. Based on the videos, that doesn't sound like a dissimilar journey that Andy will take. Definitely worth sticking a pin in this.

[@blackcherry3148]

This made me smile.

[@JCR-]

Nice too see Anna smiling 🙂

[@oscar6890]

IKR

[@tillyadby1652]

I was thinking the same 👍😀

[@seannyt-b]

I agree with Kevin and Anna on this - they don't have the time and ability to work to pay the bills and give Andy the care and support he needs at the same time once he leaves school, especially as he is getting stronger and more determined and becoming an adult. It doesn't mean they don't love him or that they don't want what is best for him, but exactly the opposite - they do care that much and want him to be as independent and happy as possible, whilst being supervised as much as he needs. The sooner he can adjust and settle into his life and routine going forward the better, especially when Kevin and anna get older and might not be physically able to care for him 24/7 or if anything were to happen to them.

[@camiioan822]

Hope whatever happens with Andy long term he will be happy as well as you and Anna.🙂 You are both amazing parents for Andy!😊

[@damianjosephbridgeman9770]

Thank you. For being so open..

[@puggycool]

Best of luck to all of you!

[@robbogallagher3398]

Love you both. Everything will be better than you could ever imagine. Andy will be awesome in a couple of years I'm sure of it

[@jewelsevers6856]

Hi guys I can relate just going through this myself Stay strong and hang in there You guys keep me going

[@jasminepattinson5969]

You guys are amazing, you are both brilliant parents to Andy xxxxxxxx

[@aidanbrent]

Excellent vlog gutted I missed Anna's stream hopefully will catch the next one

[@RCLeahcar]

My girlfriend's younger brother is also severely autistic. He's around the same age as Andy, and his behaviour has been really challenging recently (we think he's struggling to cope with puberty and the hormones that go with it). For a few years now he's been going to a specialist boarding school which is also like a supported living environment; he's there 6 days a week and comes home each Saturday. It was a difficult decision for the family to make sending him there, but it's worked out as a really good arrangement for everyone. The school are absolutely brilliant with him - they give him 24-hour care while also encouraging him to build his independence skills, and he still regularly gets to see his family. Beyond school, he's going to be transitioned into adult social care with a similar setup. I think a setup like this could be beneficial for you, Anna and Andy as Andy becomes older, where he's got a regular schedule of supported living and home visits.

[@CassyCat4]

Annas looking extra lush today :)

[@jowood3541]

Hi Kevin and Anna! Anna u look much happier!

[@brianfleming2474]

Just a thought (and only because I had the same internet issues after moving)-- how about a powerline adapter? Assuming it's the same electric throughout all 3 floors, You can use the power to carry your ethernet signal upstairs, from there into the spare router. You would then also have the potential ability to run ethernet cables into his consoles for more stability. When we transitioned to work from home during the pandemic, I had a weekend to rig something together as my work phone is VoIP so I needed a hardline ethernet connection and wasn't going to run hundreds of feet of cable downstairs. 15 months now and it's still works just fine. Maybe worth a look?

[@SlartiBartfast2469]

Sounds like a good idea 💡

[@BenKlassen1]

Try powerline but, if that doesn't work, ethernet over coaxial is far superior. Search for a "moca 2.5 adapter." You can have reliable ethernet speeds of up to 2.5 Gbps. If the house is wired for coaxial, and most older ones are, as long as you don't have satellite TV, a Moca adapter will work. They have other coaxial adapters for those with satellite TV that aren't as good but work OK. Having the home pre-wired with ethernet ports is best but there are options out there.

[@goktor5507]

Convenient My Internet has been in a shambles recently as well

[@annalevermore7857]

Growing up with aspergers syndrome I was told they don't have support for Autism past 18. Sadly I had not much support before that either. I hope Andy gets the support he needs

[@andrewmorton395]

Same with me

[@xeniabear]

Hope you’re all having a good day!

[@natashaallwood3958]

Dear Kev/ anna When andy is going to his next step in his transition Anna can be there but wean her off of how much you see him like see him all the time in the frist month and then go down to 5 days a week where you two have the weekend and slowely go from there.

[@zachsaroo3136]

I live in a semi supported living complex that houses mental health, Autism and LD folks. It's a brand new build and I think one of the only places in the area I live in that has this sort of accee. Staff help with meal prep, medication, community support and anything else that is needed in the care package but it is felxable, so if your needs change then so can your care and it's very person centered. It isn't as high dependency as other places I have lived in, what I would say is that you need to make sure that whatever care company you go with that you do a full background check and maybe try to speak with other parents that have their adult children in care. My mum had to push for me to moved due to abuse happening in my previous placement. Andy will most likely qualify for a lot of help as an adult, it's just funding that would delay thigns (As you already know) I wish the best of luck to you all.

[@gemmills8988]

Have you heard of a place called Derwen College? It could be great for that middle ground between school and moving out. I'm sure there are other places out there but I visited Derwen with my job and honestly it's absolutely fantastic.

[@andrewmorton395]

My support, for my Autism is shocking, i have had 5 different support companies in 3 years, i fear for Andys future.

[@JackPuttock]

The Asus AI Mesh is brilliant, people have managed to achieve ~900mbps locally in certain three story conditions, obviously your milage may vary but it's certainly more solid that the BT Router/WiFi Access Point(s).

[@finlays-crazy-life]

The FTTP (Fibre to the premises) by BT is in beta. & it might be that you might have dynamic IP turned on. Basically dynamic IP changes yourIP every so often. And sometimes it disconnects certain devices

[@twilliamspro]

If you Contact your Gym and Tell them you've had a heart diagnosis they will likely suspend your membership

[@donthaveaname4879]

100 download is amazing i wish i had that, lived in my house six years and the best signal ive ever had is 1.4mb download

[@cozcalconcozcalcon7802]

I understand why they don't want you to exercise. I had a heart attack when I was 34 and I didn't have any of the problems that cause a heart attack. Plus I tell people that my heart is made of ice and my blood is the Arctic water. That is why I am cold hearted and then I tell that I really am nice but not to tell anyone. Stay healthy.

[@ghostwolfdogLUFC]

My advice is don't plan ahead with it and my brother had bad autism but not like Andys autism he was more angry we decided that he should move him to a house and he lived in a care home for a year and it made him go worse and at we all decided that he move back with my family and he is doing better now

[@Rob_FortyTwo]

Anna : you should feel ansy thinking about Andy's future! Fight for the best possible situation for his future!

[@annalevermore7857]

Did you watch the show with Katie Price looking for supported living for her son Harvey?

[@turquoiseturtle7664]

Maybe you can ring up your gym to ask them to extend your gym membership without paying extra for those months missed.

[@andymanser2523]

I can imagine you getting the starlink broadband one day. Apparently that's quite good but really expensive.

[@gliderdan3153]

Not actually as fast as the speeds gets on his computer atm IIRC

[@mumblingsole]

Can you tell me what 3rd party roughter you are going to use please as need it to stream

[@Heather.0508]

The system is so flawed, I truely hope you guys figure a good plan over the coming years. My father is disabled and my mother is his carer...for anyone reading this benifits is not "a good screw", it's an incredibly hard way of life, sadly one my family could not avoid. Help and support is there for families in need and any parent or guardian ridiculed for using resources for their child, please move on to another channel! Lots of well wishes you to you guys xxx

[@oscar6890]

How you doin’!

[@simeonyves5940]

Hello Sir. I hope the Day Trip to Drayton Manor Went well! I hope we will have a Vlog for it :) I am sorry the Internet went down *again* . So changing to the Old ASUS Router has Fixed everything? I wonder if You had a Faulty Router? We had one Once that kept Disconnecting! I really do think Andy might have to have His consoles downstairs, So You can keep an Eye on Him! As well as the better Signal! 100 Down is still Quick Enough for Game and DLC downloads. I hope the New Router works even better :) Big Gaming Router? I hope Andy does really well at School Next Week. Are You sure its a good Idea to tell People Your Wi-Fi name? Cyber-Security is Important! I am sorry the care agency has let You down again :( that is Awful, I hope You find a much better one! Ooh! a Day-care Centre? Nice! I hope Andy has a tonne of Fun and makes a Lot of Friends there! Ahh, Yes, the Care Home. I am Sorry that Anna went into a Panic :( I hope the Plan goes well, as, Indeed, Adult Care is not as good as Children's Care, nowhere near :( I hope the School will keep Andy on until He is 19. Given Andy appears to be only around 4 or 5 Mentally, and You Yourselves have Stated that His Independence is Limited, I think a Residential Care Home will be the Best for Him so He has the 24/7 Care and Supervision that He currently gets at Home! I know, Carers allowance is no-where *Near* Enough given the Challenges Involved :( it is Below Minimal Wage! it is Not On :( Exactly, Constant Supervision, a Residential Home is about the only Place that is available, so I think that will be the best Option for Andy. Ooh, PO Box! A full Family Present? Nice! I hope Anna does get a great I was Diagnosed at 15. I would have really Loved to have gone to an SEN School, but, nope, I had to Struggle at a Mainstream School as there was not any SEN School Places available! The SENCO tried Her best to get Me into a SEN School, but, there just was not any Spaces :( Yeah! it sounds like Andy would Love Chesterfield! Take Him :) I Hope You can use that Book if the ECG goes well! You '"ave a Dickeee Tickerrrr" - Monsier Alphonse.. I hope Anna likes the Bath Bombs that someone sent Her! I am Glad Anna has stopped Biting Her Nails. Anna is Right, Google is very Quick to Shut Videos Down if Certain Words are Used. Nice to See Anna nice and Happy and Laughing Again! Sorry You had bad Weather. Well, take care then Guys, Bye Now.

[@emmabennett2371]

Hi kiven and Anna and Andy

[@shadowfayfurry1323]

Even if your both not working only 1 person can claim carers allowance

[@thatbeautylifekatie4096]

I am assuming the social worker may have already brought/suggested this but just Incase they haven’t.... Andy would be able to be referred for assisted technology which if the referral is accepted they council pay for it not you. I am almost 18 and have adhd and I’ve had so much help. It opens up so much independence.

[@shadowfayfurry1323]

Sometime booster n extenders do more bad than good Maybe try a powerline Internet adapter

[@matthewcattermole5718]

Only getting 100 download...here I am rural almost breaking five

[@hdtube7]

Where did you get that charizard tee Kevin?

[@gliderdan3153]

Qwerty i think

[@danielonn2002]

Supported living apartment is a better option

[@gliderdan3153]

You can't possible know that - only Kev&Anna know whats best for Andy

[@danielonn2002]

@@gliderdan3153 i actually have a background in working with people with disabilities and know that supported living apartments are more flexible as some group homes have mixed disabilities that makes is hard for them to focus on the needs of Andy.

[@gliderdan3153]

@@danielonn2002 My point still stands

[@victoriat8481]

@@gliderdan3153 so does Daniels 👍

[@shadowfayfurry1323]

If internet keep cutting off n going down yr inttle to compation

[@gliderdan3153]

What

[@jackjoyce__2654]

I saw you at Drayton manor today it was my half brothers birthday he’s 9 I walked past you a couple of times but I was scared to say hi and didn’t want to bother you 🙂

[@kevinchapmanvlog]

If you ever see us again, don’t worry about bothering us, we’re always happy to say hello!

[@charlottevicarage1331]

I do not mean this horribly but this goes out to Anna (I know people will have a go at me for this, but regardless, it needs to be said): Anna, listen to Kevin as he is right. Andy is not a little boy anymore. He is a grown man who is nearly 18 and needs to be independent from from his parents, as do all children. All children grow up and become independent from their parents eventually, it's a fact of life that happens. I appreciate it's stressful, and you'll always see him as your baby, but remember that he is an adult now and his future needs to be planned, you knew this was coming. It's not healthy to live at home forever and it will have consequences if it happens that way, such as the last few videos demonstrated. If your mum had that same attitude to you when you were 17, how would you have reacted? He needs new places and experiences, and most of all, independence. Think of it this way, you'll no longer have broken equipment and you can go on adventures with Kevin.

[@gliderdan3153]

I think you're totally misinterpreting Anna's attitude. She knows that Andy has to move out eventually

[@deerogerson1886]

Our bank had only 1till open close doors 1customer allowed in ? Queues long mad 😡 understand

[@rdmgamester8932]

Install a secret camera Job done 😃

[@Rob_FortyTwo]

My Wifi network's name is "NSA Surveillance van #415" (NSA is an American spy agency). I hope my neighbors have seen it.

[@mcbenman1793]

Don’t you think it’s a bit early to move Andy out when he’s only 19? Also enjoy drayton manor, I hope Andy enjoys Thomas land.

[@imaginaryenemy2565]

The sooner the better it gives him ample time to get adjusted as a young adult instead of him being a middle aged man plus they can make it seamless where it almost seems like it's apart of his schooling graduation and then assisted living facility/work and it's not like their abandoning him I'm postive they'll visit him often and take him out during holidays

[@gliderdan3153]

Not too early at all - it's best that he gets transition into his new form of living when he becomes an adult so that he gets used to it

[@kevinchapmanvlog]

Any time he spends living with us between leaving school and moving out is time when he’ll spend the majority of his days just lying on his bed watching KZbin videos on his iPad - like we said in the video, we can’t care for him full time indefinitely because we have to work! So it’s best for him to transition straight from school into whatever is next.

[@eboniz]

if they thought that then they wouldn’t do it.

[@charlottevicarage1331]

No, not really. There are plenty of 16 - 18 year olds who move out at that age.

[@danielonn2002]

100 down is smashing

[@hanmc0053]

I won't lie to you, transition to adulthood in social and mental health care is awful.

[@andrewmorton395]

I totely agree, its shocking, the support for adults with Autism

[@NZ73200]

Anna I was same the stuff to stop u butting ur nails I would still bite tho. Love vlogs from Essex. I’m physically disabled n moved from child services who I had careers with after my parents died n moved to adult services n I’m now 30. Try not to stress Anna I know it’s easier said than done u will get right team in place for Andy. Kev what r the names of small camera u got? X

[@StaceyEllis1968]

For the love of God get a mesh

[@deerogerson1886]

Stop and grow

[@gliderdan3153]

What?

[@victoriat8481]

☑️☑️☑️

[@staceycatherinesmyth24]

Im have autistic