A West Shore couple is doing all they can to secure a positive future for their son with autism.

Joyce and Clarence Lazaruk moved to Langford two years ago with their son Tyler, in order to live close to their oldest son, Chad. The two parents have provided full care and support for Tyler, who is now 37, throughout his entire life.

Tyler is non-verbal autistic, however, he uses a small keyboard to communicate with others when necessary.

B次元官网网址淚t crosses my mind, and I think it crosses TylerB次元官网网址檚 mind too, what we will do in the future. Chad has offered to look out for Tyler when we die,B次元官网网址� said Joyce. B次元官网网址淪o we decided to move out here now, so Tyler can get used to living here.B次元官网网址�

Tyler was the third born of four children, and was around two years old when signs of autism first presented.

B次元官网网址淚t was really tough,B次元官网网址� said Joyce. B次元官网网址淵ou always had to focus on Tyler. There were things you couldnB次元官网网址檛 do, places you couldnB次元官网网址檛 go. I breast fed my youngest until he was three, so that at least I could be holding him, if my attention had to be on Tyler.B次元官网网址�

While raising their family in rural Manitoba, Joyce said she and Clarence were advised by social workers on what to do with Tyler, but often the recommendations wouldnB次元官网网址檛 work out.

B次元官网网址淎t the time, there werenB次元官网网址檛 really any good school programs. There wasnB次元官网网址檛 much training or knowledge around autism, and being out in the country probably made it more tough,B次元官网网址� said Joyce.

In the summers, Tyler would receive visits from interaction specialists, which would spend time and go for walks with him. The family also prioritized spending quality time together, often exploring the outdoors, camping, travelling long distances in their motorhome, ice skating, riding bikes and going swimming.

B次元官网网址淭yler loves nature,B次元官网网址� said Joyce. B次元官网网址淲hen we were coming back from New York, we stayed at a bed and breakfast out in the country near Black Creek. There was no traffic, it was nice and hilly, and Tyler wrote, B次元官网网址楾his almost makes my autism go away.B次元官网网址橞次元官网网址�

Since moving to the Island, Joyce, Clarence and Tyler frequently go for long bike rides along the Galloping Goose Trail.

B次元官网网址淲e are lucky our oldest son lives near by because those bikes need an awful lot of maintenance,B次元官网网址� said Joyce with a laugh.

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While preparing for the road ahead, Clarence and Joyce are hoping to receive a government grant so they can enrol Tyler in a day program, where he can participate in more activities.

B次元官网网址淗e would also be really happy to work more,B次元官网网址� said Joyce, noting she has heard of an organization in Alberta which finds jobs that are perfectly matched to people with autism. B次元官网网址淚 would like to see Tyler suited to a job. He loves fitting things together, so maybe he would enjoy something like working on bicycles. But he would always have to have a mentor there.B次元官网网址�

Currently, Tyler has two paper routes with the Goldstream Gazette, and one of his parents goes along with him every week to help with delivery.

B次元官网网址淲hen the newspaper bundles come on Tuesday night, he keeps running to the door to see if they are there. He gets everything absolutely ready, and then first thing in the morning he is awake and canB次元官网网址檛 wait to get going,B次元官网网址� said Joyce. B次元官网网址淭yler loves to feel useful. HeB次元官网网址檚 smiling the whole time he delivers the papers.B次元官网网址�

Both Joyce and Clarence have concerns for what the future will hold for their son, and hope that they can find him more support, and transition him into a living situation where he feels safe.

B次元官网网址淭he biggest challenge is going to be when we die, he is going to have to live with someone else, and it is a big worry about how that is going to happen,B次元官网网址� said Clarence, adding they would like to find housing for Tyler through a program called Safe Housing B.C., which pairs people who have special needs with a family to live with.

B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 a worry because it takes time. At some point we have to let him go and start looking for a place, but when he moves I know heB次元官网网址檒l be missing home.B次元官网网址�

Joyce added that itB次元官网网址檚 her dream to eventually set Tyler up with a family housing situation, because he wouldnB次元官网网址檛 feel comfortable living in a group home.

B次元官网网址淲e have a very close relationship with Tyler, and understand him,B次元官网网址� said Joyce. B次元官网网址淲e just work on trying to improve his life, and make it as good as possible.B次元官网网址�

To read more about National Autism Awareness Month, go to goldstreamgazette.com/tag/autism-awareness-month.

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Do you have a story tip? Email: vnc.editorial@blackpress.ca.

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