smiley

I can identify with this hun, i worked with specail needs children - and i knew my son was different - but it took a woman from CAMBS to make me take a step back from my situation and realise just how much. We adapt as our childrens needs change, as a mum, that's natural. But this does sometimes mean we are too close to see things. The turning point for me was reading up about Aspergers. I would sit - jaw on floor - thinking 'M does that.........and that.......AND that'. That was when i began to be able to help him. It can be scary - give yourself some time to adjust to it all. And have some of these <'> <'>

............ ...........love them! When meeting my very long dreadlocked and tatooed and pearced friend.............my sons comment was......"WHAT are you??"..........

<'> <'> <'> <'> <'> <'> Have some more hun. I can remember that feeling - and it can still hit now .My way of looking at it is - without that amount of passion - i wouldn't have the fight to stand up for my little one.

Oh, and the half-penny black jacks - tasted like the inside of the coal bunker - but they made your teeth go black . Was it just me, or did everyones mum make shepherds pie of a saturday - and if you were REALLY good - she'd wheel it into the lounge on one of those 'orrible gold trolley things ........... no matter how much i begged - she refused to let me tie the dogs lead to the front of it and race down the road ..............

You are crying over this because you don't need to be 'super mummy' when it comes to a couch! It's amazing what we can drag ourselves through for our children and not seem to be affected - but it does come out - like now for you. Last week i burst into tears because the kettle wasn't boiling quick enough i really, really wanted a cuppa I know how you feel, you are not alone hun. <'> <'>

Another quick update - just got a call from a lady at Parent Partnerships - she was lovely and is coming with me to the meeting at school I'm so relieved. She will also help with statementing, DLA forms, finding support....... . Have got everything crossed that she will do what she's said.

Well Done!! Don't think i could do that!

Bit of an upsate for you all - Firstly, thank you sooooo much for all you advice, i would loose my mind without you all I've decided in the end to see if he would complete it - i popped it on the table and said 'could you finish this for school'. M plonked himself down and did just that (he never fails to amaze me!). I didn't help him - and to be honest, i can't make out a word of what he's written, but he was happy to do it. Now comes the sneeky bit - i've put on it 'work completed at home' and photocopied it for my own notes. Im going to have another word with the teacher tommorrow and tell her my concerns. If she doesn't come up with an answer i'm happy with - i'll complain to the govenors. I didn't want M to get into trouble for not finishing it and i want to give them the idea that i want to help. Ive contacted Surrey NAS (think your spot on about north hants karen!), and have a few more contacts for support with the meeting. I'm also going to phone the Ed Psyc to see how his assesment went - last year she was always happy to speek to me - might give me an indication of whats going to be said at the meeting... And Malika - i totally understand your frustration - his teacher has said 'he makes fantastic eye contact - so we don't need to worry about that'. It drives me crazy - i've spent the last 5 or so years reminding him to look at me and re-positioning his face to get to this point. Stopping those little reminders now would be disasterous for him All have one of these <'> Mary xx

I agree with you Nellie! I can't keep up either! But i'd just like to add my own thank you....i don't often post - kinda lurk about in the backgroup a bit - but the advice i have found on here - just reading through threads - has helped me, my son and my family <'> Ta xxxxxxxxx

hiya Helen, i'm in north hants - right on the border of Surrey and Berkshire A friend has suggested Parent Partnership....anyone have experience of them? Im having a look at the SEN sites to see what exactly he's intitled to - go in with the knowledge if i can - 'bout as clear as mud at the moment!

Hiya, i'm in Hampshire.

Hi all, I'm after a bit of advice on two things. Firstly, when i picked up Michael today the teacher asked to have a word. She wants me to get Michael to complete a piece of work he didn't do today. It's a piece of work that need to be used towards his SATs. Surely this piece of work needs to be done at school to show a true reflection of his capabilities in the school environment??? This got me to thinking....how much work has he actually completed at school? She obviously needs this done for the SATs. I asked her if i could see other pieces of work he'd done in the three weeks he's been back at school - got a blank look and 'well, it's all packed away now'... I asked how he had been that day. She said not good - i asked i what way, she said 'just wandering around, rocking, not really with us today....' I asked what strategies they'd put in place, she said 'oh, we've tried everythin' then rolled her eyes. Each time i made a suggestion of something to try, she plainly ignored me. I pointed out that the strategies need to be up and running for a couple of weeks before they reduce his anxiety enough to enable him to work - how could they possibly have 'tried everything' in just three weeks. She said 'hmmmmm suppose' and then she turned to talk to another parent. At this point i was either going to wallop her or burst into tears, so i left. Should i be getting Michael to complete this at home. Is this good 'evidence' to prove they are unable to give the right support to him (might help with getting him statemented)? Secondly - the Ed Psyc went to see Michael last week - there was a letter in his bookbag inviting me to a meeting to be held in a few weeks to discuss Michael. With me, Ed Psyc, Headmistress (Miss 'oh, we don't do statementing in this school'), and his teacher. Is there someone i can take who will back me up? I get the feeling i will be railroaded into something. Are there people about who support parents - and stand up for the children??? Michael's 6 and has been diagnosed with Aspergers AAArrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrggggggggggggghhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!! Oh, that's better

Thank you Kat for the info - hope you haven't broken the rules - Its amazing the amout of places i've looked online and out and about - guess you just have to know where to look! <'>

Hi all, I've been looking around for a support group for myself and a social skills group for my son, whos 6 and has Aspergers.... Are any of you from around my area? Do you know of any groups etc that you can give me info on?? Im right on the borders of Berkshire and Surrey, but am actually living in Hampshire. Any help would be excellent - <'> Thanks xxxx

Don't know if this will help - but when my son was still little and at home all day, i searched everywhere for something i could do from home. The 'filling envelope' thing really didn't appeal. In the end my friend put me in touch with a lady who runs an ironing service, she drops the clothes to you, comes back in two days to collect them. It can be a bit of a mind numbing job - but once you get going its ok, plus you can do it any time you feel and will fit round your children. Another bonus is if you look around, some companies offer you up to �7 an hour. xx

12 right!! Not bad considering i guessed most of them

Hiya, I'm loving Lost too, when i remember to watch it! Re-reading all of Torey Hayden books at the moment. Read them all years ago whilst doing my training but re-reading now, making more of an impact now i have a son with AS - just can't put them down! (She's a special needs teacher in the US, writes about some of the children she's taught) Facinating stuff..

Thank you hunni Once the shock wore off i was ready to kill.....maybe just as well i didn't have the chance to think about it.....................

I'm with you on this one Tylers-Mum!! My little lad asked me 12 questions before i opened my eyes this morning (i really did count them! ) count to ten.....if that fails.......make it one hundred! Keep smiling xx Mary

Thank you for your relpies, Still haven't found anything local to me (i'm in Yateley). The PARIS site has quite a good list - might be worth you all taking a look. CAMBS have suggested i start my own - in my sons' school - I'm going to put leaflets about and ask around, to see if there's a need. And with my third pair of hands.........................

'Best' comment i recieved....... Little man got his knee stuck in tesco's - between the wall and bar thingy (thingy there to stop your trolley bashing wall.) Three people got to him before me - he hates people touching him, especially people he doesn't know. So bellows his head off as soon as they get to him - just before me. I had to explain (very loudly, he was BELLOWING,) that he doesn't want to be touched, that he's Autistic and thank you very much but could you please not touch or speak to him............ They all meant well, i'm sure of that, and one fab security guard helped me free little one's knee, after telling M he wouldn't touch him etc. Turned to go (without shopping), once again thanked them, still appologising for my son (why do i feel i need to do that???!) and the woman - with a very sympathetic voice said - "You really shouldn't bring him out dear - he might upset people". I was so shocked i just wandered off - son clinging to my neck - without saying a word.

Just beautiful - thank you for letting us read your poem xxxxxx

Thanks Karen, i will take a look at the site

Hi all, I've been waiting to hear from my sons consultant about a social skills group in our area. It sounded fantastic, would suit him down to the ground etc etc. Just recieved a letter today saying the group had been closed . Do any of you live in or around hampshire? If so, do you know of any good support groups/social skills groups etc? Thanks, Mary xx

Hiya Viper, My son has a huge reaction to aspartame, it sends him hyper, unable to have a conversation (he forgets words mid-sentence) and makes him feel sick and grumpy. It is a nightmare trying to find juice/squash without any in it, however, some of the high juice drinks are ok and there is an organic squash called Rocks thats free from everything - although you have to hunt for it (One of the more expensive shops by me sells it....don't know if i can say name! Begins with a 'W' !) Happy shopping! Makes a big difference to my little boy