I don't know anything about the Wisconsin system but just wanted to let you know I read your post and care. I am saying a prayer for all 3 of you. I know it is a tough road.

Have you considered job to do from home. Try and evaluate your skill set. I too have an autistic son but he is 18, and it's not easy but keep floating. I was reading an AllYou magazine about jobs from home. You can work from home as a technical support representative, they call them at home advisors. Try scanning websites like Apple, Dell, or a customer management company like Cloud 10 or Convergys. You would be a tech support person helping people by phone with their tech problems. If you think you could do that kind of work start scanning the websites.

If you don't have any medical background, you can take a quick online course for $50 at universalclass.com then go to medscribe.com or mtjobs.com and see if you can get hired as a medical transcriptionist and work from home.

There's this new job from home that is trending and getting popular called virtual assistants. You can register with an agency like eahelp.com or Zirtual.com. You need some basic computer skills like Microsoft office.

Having had twins I know the cost of childcare when you work and it appears the child care vouchers you need are out of your reach without the job. Scour Craigslist for jobs everyday and look for new postings, maybe you can see something pop up that you could do. Post an ad yourself that you are looking for work and sell your job skills, maybe you would be the perfect for for an employer who might be scouring craigslist too.

Look for Autism services for your son like social skills play groups and organizations that advocate for Autism. Usually when you get involved, you can meet other parents and build a support system based on your commonality which is a child with autism.

I am sorry I can't offer up more, but I will pray for you too. We are all struggling and sometimes just typing that fact on here takes a little pressure off. You are not alone, please know that. We are all broken, and trying to pick up pieces to go another day.

Have you applied for SSI for him? Also check into low-income housing.

I ma very sorry for what you are going through. It is a long tough road. I also live in Wisconsin and I think Psalm34amen has some really great ideas. I will pray for all of you!

Thank you, everyone.
I have managed to get started on his care-- SSI interview is scheduled for the 10th. This is the week of Doctor visits, court, and surgery, so I've been under more stress than normal. (Little guy is having his trigger finger fixed-- he will FINALLY have mobility in his thumb!)

I recently discovered that there is a YMCA that we can get to via bus, so I'm hoping to get him down there soon-ish, enrolled, and let him have at it there, as the only place nearby for him to play is a school... so basically evenings after 4p and weekends.

And, you're right. Sometimes, just getting the feelings out can be a massive relief. I couldn't do it on facebook as my family and friends don't agree with my staying with my child's father despite what happened.

Contact school district and ask if they have any early intervention programs for your son.what are of Wisconsin are you in if I may ask.

Psalm
The big problem with the school districts here is that they require my son to be on the waiver list for autism, which is almost impossible to get onto unless by some miracle. I've been trying to get my son on the list since January and am having no luck because the lady who heads it gets notices to me literally the day of her "orientation", leaving me no time to find a ride to get to said orientations. Its little more than a cruel joke.

I'm in Milwaukee, WI... and its just... awful.