Andy Has Moved Out: Our Autistic Son and His Journey to Independent Living

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We knew this day was coming - a couple of weeks ago Andy moved out into supported living, a massive step in his journey towards independent living as an autistic adult. In this video we talk you through the process, how everything worked, and give some insight into what happens now with this KZbin channel!
The previous video about Andy moving out 👉 • Andy Is Moving Out...
Check out the previous video 👉 • My Autism Diagnosis at...
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ABOUT KEVIN CHAPMAN
I used to be a daily family vlogger but now all my kids have grown up and left home and I've found myself at 40 years old with a lot more spare time on my hands than I was used to - so it's time to see the world!
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Andy Has Moved Out: Our Autistic Son and His Journey to Independent Living
Andy Has Moved Out: Our Autistic Son and His Journey to Independent Living
Andy Has Moved Out: Our Autistic Son and His Journey to Independent Living
#autism #autistic #asd

[@andrewchandler625]

You guys have been amazing with Andy, and it’s been a real honour and privilege to see how he’s progressed. I really wish him all the best for the future

[@BMarie774]

Man, you can tell Anna was REALLY struggling here just from her face. I feel for her. I can’t imagine having to be THAT responsible for someone for so long, to see them go. Even neurotypical kids, it’s terribly difficult seeing them off.

[@marcellagamble6633]

I agree, I couldn't do it

[@S_J_banana]

It's sad to see Andy go, but I'm glad that you two can now live your lives childless for the first time in forever :)

[@irenesprinkle6962]

This is wonderful news. So happy for Andy. I hope he does well for the next chapter in his life.

[@lukehayes3799]

Andy will be fine Anna. This is the next stage of his life, adulthood. New friends, more independent and most important he will be looked after. You are both amazing parents, and Andy has a loving family. Please keep us updated on his progress. Andy will become a fine young man. Please take good care of each other.

[@rebeccalowery2681]

So glad to hear Andy is settling in to his new home well. I saw Anna’s post regarding empty nest syndrome, and I just want to give her a huge hug. You’re both fantastic parents. Well done to you both. Will the through Andy’s eyes channel be continuing and will Andy ever be featured in future vlogs?

[@Rob_FortyTwo]

Go Andy! (Hugs to Anna!)

[@itsemxoxo]

Silent watcher here, met you in 2018 with Amy and Lucy but never commented that much. I just want to say that I’m super happy for Andy! Thank you for sharing his journey with us over all these years, watching him grow into an independent young man has just been amazing! Best of luck to Andy and lots of love to Anna. Enjoy your “you” time the both of you! ☺️

[@sarahbydpacleaders1518]

I am a mum of 2 autistic boys and one autistic girl and you guys are amazing- it’s been an honour to follow your journey over the years and realise that nobody is alone in this, I wish Andy all the best for his next journey into adulthood xx

[@mrpscorpio]

Don’t be sad all you have done to prepare him for this has been positive for Andy preparing him for the real world. I know it must be hard but what you have done for Andy is amazing and you should be so proud of yourselves

[@katiekawaii]

What an amazing accomplishment, getting Andy to this stage in his life! You should be proud. 💜

[@charlottevicarage1331]

As I told you before in the last video, Anna, think of all the adventures you can now go on! That Haunted Mansion ride at Disney! Billund, Tokyo, America, Germany, France, London! All of those and more! Even that surgery. If you want a motivator, think of all the times with Andy refusing to go to school, the times during the pandemic when Andy was proper struggling, and whether you would cope with all this again. All this is why Andy needs his independance.

[@SowingPantsPlays]

Bless Anna. You can see mumma bear has lost her cub 🥰 much love to you all

[@Purds-jw5wx]

this is amazing, i am a support worker for adults with autism and i’m so happy to hear this story

[@charlenex6096]

I’m so glad Andy’s settled in well in his new home! And I look forward to this new journey with you both and all your travelling adventures! Happy and safe travels! And with the torn meniscus unfortunately rest is the best option until surgery, my sister had key hole surgery to fix hers but she did wait nearly a year for the surgery

[@thebestwillow]

Looking forward to seeing your travelling and to seeing Anna finally find herself. It's okay to cry, Anna. Always.

[@madtingz2288]

It’ll get easier Anna! ❤❤ you’ll still see Andy all the time and it’ll be so good for him!! He will thrive and you guys will have your free time to live your life. Best of luck to you all!

[@SUSIEPIP]

I just want to send Anna a huge cuddle. Her little face is full of sadness. xxx

[@RandomHuman91]

Big ups for Andy, its sounds that everything went according to plan in terms of that Andy is comfortable, i won’t keep talking but i must say that Andy and you both are remarkable, of course anyone experiencing big changes it will be challenging and absolutely the plan looks like it will be successful.

[@debbieblincoe9880]

Sending lots of love and hugs - so so proud of Andy. Hope you come right real soon Anna!

[@bobjuh]

It's amazing to see hor far Andy has come, I've been watching for years now. We've seen him grow not just physically. Best of luck to Anna with both all the physical problems and with her now not having anybody to car with, I am sure in time she will find a way to deal with her and a way to spend her time now

[@acehole7147]

All the best to Andy in his new place - I'm sure things will go well for you all

[@andrewmorton395]

I wish Andy all the best luck in the world, sad to see him going, hugs to Anna

[@matsmad7]

Hi guys, what a achievement for Andy so happy for him to being moving onto his next chapter, your videos over the years have really help give guidance and advice when looking at the future for my autistic son sonic. From one mother to another I can not imagine how you feel Anna but know you given Andy everything and your amazing. Thank you for sharing your family with us all been a privilege to watch you all grow. Char xx

[@fionascheibel977]

So glad to have found you again. The algorithm lost you and i thought you had stopped doing youtube stuff. I always thought about how were you guys and how was Andy. So i feel better now i have been updated.

[@tvvrt1071]

It's amazing how we have seen Andy grow and has now moved out! I used to watch your videos ages ago and it's so impressive to see how much he's grown.

[@bidhanchan]

You guys have been amazing parents to your kids. Enjoy a bit of independence, you have deserved it ❤

[@chloeann2641]

Anna your so so brave its hard to see a child move out even nurotpitical you have loved and suupurt andy so so well for so mnay years and im sure andy will love having his independence and own space and will never ever forget what u both and expecially anna has done for him ❤

[@maybeitsmeonline]

I have been watching you guys since 2017. I am SO proud of Andy! You are amazing and I just know he loves his mum and dad very much and knows you guys have done the best for him ❤️ Such an inspirational family xxx

[@mrsdiana324]

As a mum of a now thirty year old autistic son who lives in supported living I feel for Anna even when you know you have done everything you can to provide for him when you are gone it's still so hard to let go you are an amazing mum and that doesn't end now good luck Andy

[@jamesdunn6636]

Must be a big step for you Chapman Family, I know someone that I used to go to Special Needs playground back in my childhood. Known him all my life and same age together, and lives miles away now. I hope Andy is settling in and hope you guys are coping ok. Hope to still see occasional vids of Andy and you amazing family. Your brave Kev and Anna, Keep strong 🤍🙏🕊

[@BenningsWhu]

Great family and amazing role model you have been to him Kevin. Not a lot of men can take on someone else’s son and be as influential as you have been. Hats off to you both

[@WillSwainUK]

Great work you guys, and good on you Andy. I'm sure it's a bittersweet time - happy for you all that Andy can explore his independence, but it's always sad when your child moves out and into the next chapter of their life. Being a parent is the strangest thing - your job is to get to a point where your child doesn't need you anymore, which is so counterintuitive because they are the most important thing in your life. It's even more acute with a special needs child. You've both done an amazing job and you should be very proud of yourselves.

[@momzillainnova]

I remember driving my 18 year old son into the middle of the city of Richmond and dropping him off at VCU university and then having to drive away. He is completely neurotypical and capable of taking care of himself and communicating his needs, driving a car, etc and I was an absolute MESS. I cant imagine how hard it is for Anna to have Andy move out. It has been an absolute honor to have you both sharing your life with us and allowing us to watch Andy grow into the young man he has become and I am so proud of you both. It is time for Anna to take care of herself as well, so please do that! Andy will always know and trust that you are both there for him and his needs but it is amazing to see you be able to have a little more freedom to do more as a couple and just a little breathing room. You are outstanding parents and as an Auntie of an autistic child I have learned a lot watching you and your journey together with Andy.

[@momzillainnova]

PS, maybe look into renting a motorized scooter for Anna during travels? I use them in all our theme park adventures and absolutely could NOT do it without one. An MCL takes a long time to heal if ever fully heal without surgery. There are some great PT suggestions here on youtube you can start with but Id seriously considering the motorized buggy rental during travel. They arent too terribly expensive and it is life changing when you realize you CAN enjoy travel and not be in pain.

[@ThomasTherobloxwoodentrain]

Best of luck to Andy and his adventures!

[@laurie4944]

Happy new chapter in your life Andy and happy new chapter to you both!!!

[@miaemily2411]

It’s obviously sad that Andy has moved out but now you both can live your lives to the full and lots of exciting things are happening which is great

[@craigavonvideo]

Great to hear that Andy has successfully moved on to the next chapter of his life. I'm sure he'll be fine as he goes into adulthood.

[@Ellasnaps]

Loving the teacher Kev appearing at the end😂😂 but so so true

[@elenadelawder6913]

I hope Andy is doing great Kev & Anna 🙂

[@h0rsefuneral]

Ive watched since the beginning and being autistic myself I've loved seeing Andy's journey congratulations Andy!

[@Kiddly3000]

I hope you had fun on your trip and trips to come.

[@gmuzz]

Well done Andy. Big hugs to Anna, and happy travels to you both.

[@pgerman05]

The time has come I guess, its been a pleasure watching him and seeing him grow up, I hope guys are doing good, and I wish y'all the best!

[@DogLover1718]

Good job Andy and you two did such a good job and Anna here’s a virtual hug 🤗 also I’m sure Andy will visit u and u and u can visit him

[@ChibiVillage]

I've been with you guys since i think Andy was about 10! I can't believe the time has come!

[@torontokat54]

I am so happy for both of you. Now you can really enjoy your life together as a couple. Have amazing adventures and I look forward to seeing your travel experiences.

[@HarveyMcclean-bm6qu]

Been looking for this channel for years, finally found it again

[@danielonn2002]

So proud of Andy. I am one of your early Followers and am so happy for Andy!

[@PatLadsChan99]

Nice to see you guys again haven't watched one of your videos in a while. Good to see some familiar faces. Been watching your vlogs for a few years now

[@Laurenmaivlogs]

Its obviously a big change for you guys but its been a great journey to follow along and I look forward to all the new travel vlogs especially Disney! Thank you for keeping us updated on the channel, lots of love 💜

[@chriskerr9822]

Well done both of you. Seems like you've almost done TOO good a job! It's great to hear that Andy ended up pushing everything forward himself, probably makes it harder emotionally on you (Anna in particular) but makes it all easier on Andy as he feels in control. Good luck with everything coming up.

[@thomaswhitney123]

Can't wait for new content kev I'm looking forward to seeing the new Direction on the channel

[@katiedavissst6520]

Looking forward to see your travel videos

[@elainewhitelock5347]

You have done the right thing for Andy although heart wre ching for you at present. Time heals and you will always be important to him.

[@yvonneajackson]

You can get lightweight folding zimmer frames, look for folding walkers they are the same thing they just fold. I've got some at other peoples homes so I can go visit in my wheelchair and there's a walker there for me to use, they are great.

[@CassyCat4]

Bless him, super proud of all of you! It will be a learning experience for the carers but they will work stuff out sooner or later. My advice for Anna's knee is to spoil her as joints are absolute buggers to heal.

[@supercreeeprstar5459]

I’m going to miss andy😥 I’ve been watching since the start I hope to see him in a vlogs every now and again

[@jojo_lfc7432]

wow!! how amazing. well done to you all xx

[@pcplod2973]

I use to watch you guys all the time when I was younger. Crazy to everything.

[@trinityrhino]

Huge hugs Anna.

[@DanielleBlake600]

Anna your very brave ,time will make it easier as you both get used to a new way of living

[@EmmaJones925]

Looking forward to your next chapter, being housebound and unable to travel, look forward to seeing different places, Sad Ievs collectors videos didn’t rate as he seemed to enjoy it

[@harryy5008]

If Anna is good at caring then she should get a job as a carer for people like Andy’s or a job as teaching assistant for people like Andy’s

[@Peach_VOxo]

Proud of all of you ❤️

[@patriciahowellcassity767]

My love and blessings for you Anna. I have a special needs son, know how hard it is in being.

[@TheTekSone]

I am in the US and not sure how you would go about getting this care...I will start off saying there are different types of meniscus tears, a doctor would need to see you to see if it will heal without or with treatment. I am not a doctor and my suggestion in no way should be used in place of seeing your GP first. The only thing I can comment on Anna's torn meniscus is the right stretching techniques (physical therapy), NSAIDs, keeping in a comfortable position (usually propped up and straight out) with a combo of RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation), I think they have stabilizers that help the meniscus stay in place so you do not hurt so bad. If all fails, surgery.

[@yorkshiretea7620]

Mean this with love but Anna looks heartbroken bless her

[@anmichele3829]

I love travel vlogs along with family vlogs:)

[@the.evilducky]

been on this journey with you guys since 2017 and wow, what a milestone. I look forward to the new direction of change now you lot are empty nesters ROFL

[@elizabethspring4783]

Cant wait for the travel content

[@travisdickey7639]

you guys are awesome

[@TJackson-lz1lj]

I torn my meniscus and it all swelled up within an hour or two. thankfully my parents payed for my surgery private and within 10 weeks it was fine. if I waited on the NHS then it was 6 months. in the mean time ice is the best option to bring the swelling down however besides surgery there is nothing you can do to fix a torn meniscus

[@trevor1940]

Been watching every video since beginning you comment on your q And a on comic con London when you come down I was volunteering there so proud of you guys what a lovely family i used to live in supported living

[@charlottevicarage1331]

BTW, Annecy houses some of the biggest film festivals.

[@YapMMA]

Torn meniscus but Anna’s still got 20 bravery💪

[@AutismandTouretteSyndrome]

Awww. I just wanna give Anna a big hug! Congrats on your new adventure Andy! Well done!!

[@BangaBuseslad]

I loved watching Andy, but all the best to him 😊😀😀

[@harryroberts2630]

I miss these

[@2EzFletch]

Love the vids and i hope andy is ok with his move! :) :)

[@BMarie774]

Watching this back I just wanna scream to Anna “ANDY’S GONNA BE FINE!”

[@Mattstar91]

@ lollujo You guys are awesome love all your videos games and things like this actually hit me close to my own heart as my daughter is autistic. Thanks for all the videos❤🎉

[@benrowe5319]

Will we still see Andy every now and again I’m happy for him 😊😊 was Andy happy that he moved out?

[@kevinchapmanvlog]

He’ll still be in videos sometimes. He’s in one later this week.

[@powsser]

Anna, I know you don’t know me from Adam, but I would really encourage you to seek out therapy to help you through this transition. I can’t imagine what a massive life shift it has been for you. Therapy was absolutely life changing for me during periods of major shifts.

[@charlottevicarage1331]

I 100% agree with this.

[@salexa171]

Well in Andy. Must be tough on you both,you must be proud though

[@fieldofscreams9498]

To be honest they're right leave Andy alone he's in a good spot but people that go "ooh he's from youtube" and such let the guy be or have the police on you plain and simple really

[@eatinghealthy2893]

❤ great

[@ossyshaz]

The travel vlogs sound good Kevin so happy Andy is sorted he needs his independance

[@caitlinlyons8376]

I can feel that this is really hard for Anna the second I clicked on the video

[@steffipeach9405]

Are you going to MCM London in may? I’m only going on the Friday though. For Anna’s knee, knee braces ( the arthritis targeted ones are better) knee tape and cura-heat patches

[@sueg3937]

Oh Anna. You look so sad. It'shard to let go, but you'll gradually adjust. Since he wanted to go, this can be mostly good for him. And you. Hang in there,

[@Harryb90]

I think he will struggle but good luck to him

[@pricelessppp]

Has he learnt to drive yet? I’m on the spectrum and live on my own but am nervous of the thought of learning to drive for real.

[@Harryb90]

Andy don't drive

[@jamydodger556]

I don’t think that’s something that would be likely for Andy but who knows maybe at some point?

[@jplay1i973]

Good news! Let's travel and have fun! And, you have been warned already, LEAVE ANDY ALONE!!

[@michaelgay7789]

Switzerland ❤

[@andrewmorton395]

Would love to go to Switzerland.

[@rotorwash4731]

Love you kev

[@DontworkThespace-jt9zw]

You can tell who influenced this decision for andy to move out

[@Bonkers38]

I'm dissapointed to read some of the comments along the lines of "you can go on adventures now" and "you can now live your lives" - it makes it really feel like people see Andy as a burden thats been put onto someone elses plate. I don't think I've seen Anna quite so unhappy before :/

[@charlottevicarage1331]

That's not it at all. 🙄 You can be dissapointed all you want but they actually have said, multiple.rimes in the blog that they wanted to travel and there were a lot of difficulties as well. We are just reminding them of what they wanted once the kids left home. Plus, it's called looking on the bright side.

[@charlottevicarage1331]

Try reading those comments properly.

[@motherwar.]

I feel the same way, as an adult with autism who lives with my parents i feel the burden daily of ‘being in their way’ or stopping them living their daily lives, i struggle with agoraphobia and chronic pain and i hold them back from doing stuff outside of the house because i cannot be left alone. I already feel awful about it and seeing comments about how you can enjoy live etc etc, now that Andy is moved out is really telling, and upsetting.

[@anmichele3829]

I’ve felt this way since I started watching them years ago and they said those things back then. But a lot of people have this mentality:( I still love watching the vlogs and love travel vlogs but yea I agree with you

[@kevinchapmanvlog]

Facts are facts - we haven’t been able to travel the way we want to whilst Andy was living with us because he can’t cope with it. The travel we have done with him in the past makes this clear - he can only be out of the hotel for 2-3 hours at a time, doesn’t like to be away from home for more than a few days, and only wants to do the things he wants to do when we do go away. Andy deserves to live his life the way he wants to, and so do we. This is the best solution for that. Everyone is happy with the overall situation, but obviously it’ll all take time to get used to and there will be moments of sadness.

[@trainzhub]

Go andy great to know he is doing well where is Dave the dog