Why I Give My 14-year old Son with Autism an Allowance

Did you get an allowance growing up? If you are parenting a child or adult with Autism, do you give them an allowance? I truly didn't even think about giving Dominic an allowance until about a year or so ago when Dominic's private speech therapist suggested it. My first thought was, "will he understand the concept of "earning" money for chores?" Dominic still struggles with knowing how much money is worth and how much something costs, so getting an allowance was the perfect way for him to continue to learn. We kept a chart with the date, his "chore" and the amount given (we came up with $2.00). I also kept a clear mason jar on the kitchen counter and every time he did his "chore,"  he got $2.00 and he put it in the jar. That way, he could see the money as it accumulated. I also printed out a picture of the Lego kit that he was working for from the Target website and attached it to his allowance sheet. Dominic is very visual, so seeing the money in the jar and having his sheet where we kept track of the money was VERY helpful for him. Just a few days ago, he had enough money saved up to get the Lego kit from the Target. After his private speech therapy session yesterday, we drove over and found it on the shelf.

I let Dominic carry the Lego kit and his $30.00 that he earned up to the front of the store and we stood in line. When it was our turn, he put the Lego kit on the conveyer belt and handed the money to the cashier. I told the cashier that Dominic earned the money from getting an allowance. The cashier thought that was pretty cool. Can you tell Dominic was happy?!?!?! Take a guess what he did as soon as we got home?

Dominic watches three shows every evening, the NBC Nightly News with Lester Holt,  Wheel of  Fortune and Jeopardy!. When it was time for me to turn on the television, around 6:30 p.m., I said, "Dominic, it's time for Lester Holt!" He shook his head no. I then said, "do you want to keep working on the Lego kit and then put on Wheel of Fortune at 7? His response was, "Yes!!" It takes something REALLY special for him to deviate from his nighttime television "viewing." Dominic learned SO much from earning his allowance. First, he had to learn to be VERY patient (it took six months to earn enough money to get the Lego kit). Second, he learned if you work hard, you get an allowance. Lastly, he learned that when you get an allowance, you can use that money to buy something you really want!!