One of my big fears, as I slowly let go and let Sam have his adult life, is that someone will come into his life and take advantage of him. Sam has pretty good defenses. But they aren’t impervious.

I learned today of a scenario I never considered — he needs more than a defense against a manipulating co-worker, a neighborhood con artist, or a really bad girlfriend, but a solid radar when someone close to him has crossed the line, too.

Even us without autism have a tough time going against someone who purportedly loves us and “wants the best for us,” but is an expert at justifications and rationalizations when it comes to taking care of their needs first.

Oh, new things to think about.