3 Years without a job, My mother is a diabetic

[rocklee24]

Hello, my name is David Pedemonte-Forte, and I'm autistic. when I was five, or three, I was diagnosed as profound autistic. My mother, Gloria Pedemonte, is from Centeral America, so she knows nothing about autism until after the doctors explained to her about my diagnosis. While she was an intensive care nurse, she was in hiatus grieving for 3 weeks straight thinking that I don't have a future. But being the strong woman of God that she was, and still is, she prayed relentlessly to help her help me. After she is done, the commercial from "Hooked on Phonics" appeared on the television. She then
had an intervention. She immediately ordered it, and worked with me with it. When I was about six or seven, I attended my first elementary school and started reading at a fifth-grade level. At that time, I watched alot of cartoons. There, I discovered my passion for drawing, mind you I still didn't comprehend yet. From elementary, to high school, I have attended art classes and passed all of them with flying colors; no pun intended. I was a straight A and an Principal honor roll student from middle school to high school. The school I attended is Coral Reef Senior High, a straight "A" school. After Coral Reef, my mother enrolled me to American InterContinental University. After three years, I have graduated with a bachelor's of Fine Arts in Visual Communication, PLUS an award of exceptional achievements from the Dean of the University. I was 20 years old at that time...


Right now, I am 24 years old... and still without a job. My mother can't work anymore because she's a diabetic. She recently had two strokes and a seizure driving me to school that's 40 miles from our home. It started to overwhelm her, and she ended up in the hospital for a week. Right now, I am a freelance graphic artist making $190 whenever they feel like they needed me. Me and my mother relied on her social security office that gives us $600 a month. However the bills are so expensive that the only thing we had is $90 for groceries. We can't even afford to go out for enjoyment anymore. It's been like that for THREE YEARS.

I felt like it's my responsibility to take care of my mother, but job hunting at the same time. My mother is very weak and very desperate. We argue sometimes about that, but no matter how strong my skills as an artist is, personally, I'm desperate, too.

She is a strong believer, but I'm still struggling that i felt like I've lost track of time with having a relationship with my Lord.

Well... all I'm asking is to please leave your comments and whatever... And I'm not asking anyone to help me here. Just respond...

[Midori]

If you keep seeking God, he will not disappoint you. Don't give up! I know there are many people at CAA with autism or Asperger Syndrome who you can talk to (myself included). Even though we can only be blocks of text to you, we'll pray for you.

[Mr. SmartyPants]

It's gravely upsetting that our country does very little to those that are in genuine need. Instead we focus on other matters.

I pray that you can find a steady source of income to support yourself and your mother.

[rocklee24]

It's gravely upsetting that our country does very little to those that are in genuine need. Instead we focus on other matters.

That's why I'm counting on President Obama to change all that. My mom has.

Other than that, the other thing that's extremely frustrating is that when I go to a job interview, they ask me what's unique about myself. Then the word "Autism" comes to mind and out my mouth. After that, I have not received a call back from them ever since.

The world is hard enough as it is, now I have to deal with heartless people who have the power to hire you.

Ironic, isn't it?

[Midori]

Well, you are where you are, if you know what I mean. You do your best, and if people won't accept you, you look elsewhere. Don't lose your joy of drawing, even if nobody pays you for it.

Speaking of which, do you want to post some of your pictures in the gallery (if you are able to do that)? I'm sure many of us would love to see them.

[rocklee24]

Well, you are where you are, if you know what I mean. You do your best, and if people won't accept you, you look elsewhere. Don't lose your joy of drawing, even if nobody pays you for it.

Speaking of which, do you want to post some of your pictures in the gallery (if you are able to do that)? I'm sure many of us would love to see them.

Thanks. Well, I do have a link on the news segment they did on myself and my mom. I have my work and more about myself. If you want.

http://www.justnews.com/news/19169076/detail.html?taf=mia/

Please click on the "video" tab when you enter the site.

[Mr. SmartyPants]

So out of curiosity, how is the job search going?

[Phantom_Sorano]

Mr. David, you story deeply touches my heart. I understand what it is like to have to take care of a loved one and worry about bills. Autism is difficult to deal with, but you cannot let it control your life. Instead of looking at it as this defeat that is preventing you from finding work, look on it as a unique trait from God.
I myself have some mental problems, and I too worry about it affecting my ability to find work...but don't give up! It is hard to believe in God when everything is awful, but remember God won't put you through more than you can handle. Start speaking encouragement on your family and finances.....I believe that you have the intelligence, perserverance, and the ability to get through this. I'm praying....and fell free to PM me anytime.