MumTee

Please explain 'co-morbids' - am new to all the terminology and have heard this but dont know what it is. Thanks in anticipation

No, I read it and searched on the internet but could only find a dutch website (cant speak dutch!) so drew a blank - I'm interested too.

Thanks for the tips - have asked for reconsideration and spent ALL DAY chasing people up to get support letters and starting a diary. Is it me, or is this just a completely draining, demoralizing and innapropriate process for someone to go through when they need all their energy for their child? Are there any campaigns around to try and make this process better for parents of autistic children? I dont have the energy to change the world by myself right now but I'll jump on a bandwagon if I can find one.......

<'> Thinking of you LKS - my cousin has very severe epilepsy and had to be monitored in intensive care when she reduced some meds so I really feel for you <'> all I will say is to trust your own instincts and if you feel you are being pushed in any way, take a bit of time to think it through and dont be afraid to question every decision the professionals make until you are completely happy. Also, make sure all this happens at a time that suits your whole family if possible - you'll need your strength up because you'll have a few sleepless nights worrying even when it all goes perfectly! Though your Docs are fab - to them this is a review that is due, for you its going to be a big deal and not a little bit scary I would guess, <'> all the best to you <'>

Hmmm, fish are cold blooded and have gills so they get their oxygen through water. Birds though.....still have all the same organs etc....maybe its just because they fly? Orgasms.....thats a different thread entirely! Are you doing homework or just pondering the mysteries of the universe?

Hi Elun, I too have 2 children with a 2 year gap - one at school (NT) and one at nursery part time (ASD). To begin with I was working with a small business - the work was very flexible, could be done at the office or home and I was PA to the owner of a small business 20-30 pw depending on what was needed and an occasional day in a friends shop. I was constantly stressed and finding I couldnt switch from one thing to another but I had money to spend to make me feel better about it! I got made redundant from the main job and scaled things down for a while - cut down nursery to 2 half days minimum, cancelled all possible household expenses. Within 2 weeks the whole family was more relaxed and happier, the childrens behaviour improved, we ate better (you should see my hubbies face when he comes home to real food!). HOWEVER, I find it really hard not having my own money and interests (hubbie and I are a great team but I have been independent since the age of 16 and just dont like having 'housekeeping' money), I also hate housework no matter how many times I read Kim and Aggie and I feel under pressure now not to go back to work - because it will make me feel better but not everyone else. The other thing is that the other 3 people in my family love and need routine and I crave change and chaos. I still do an occasional day here and there for a friend. I dont think there is a definitive answer - maybe its great to be home mostly and have a little business on the side if you still have the income for childcare, a gardener, a cleaner and a health club membership - but for us mere mortals I think balance is a myth? Everything including being a parent and partner these days is performance related and everyone has an opinion about how you can be doing it better - I've read two things recently which are keeping me sane in my imperfection - one is that to be a parent your job is just to love your children unconditionally and everything else is a bonus, the other is to be in a relationship is a 'competition of giving'. The work thing though.....it's a toughie - do let me know if you find the answer....

Just got our letter to say we've been turned down for DLA - I know I've seen good tips on here for going to appeal - in particular, has anyone got good experience of a body I can go to for some support? Or some of the latest buzzwords? I expected to get turned down, but it was still a blow - I've searched on some of the threads but cant seem to find what I need - any help appreciated

Videos - mostly on rewind - Toy Story 1 and 2 (jumps and flaps for Buzz), Pingu, Winnie The Poo (this video has a flicker but he loves to watch it) Watching the credits Pouring: Sand, water, stones, buttons, pasta Throwing in the air: All above plus balls Currently there is an advert which has lots of coloured balls for a TV screen or something - he'll run from wherever he is in the house when it comes on. He's only a wee chap so I guess I have lots of new ones to look forward to!

packed lunches are a nightmare arent they?! my boy (AS) is currently only eating stewed apple, chips or biscuits - not very lunchbox friendly!! my daughter (NT) I've put onto school dinners as I am finding she will try much more at school than she would for me. I still give her another full dinner in the evening so that if she doesnt eat very much she still gets some calories. Sometimes you just have to do what it takes to keep yourself sane! Is your child motivated by anything in particular? We have star charts galore in this house - the current one has a snail going up a path as it earns stars and ends up at a poster to represent a day trip to the oceanarium. When that doesnt work sometimes 10p for every new thing tried going into a pot ready for Christmas shopping (my daughter just loves money....!) If you get your child to try one new thing a month, thats progress - I do feel for you though, its very wearing preparing endless healthy meals and then scraping them into the bin! <'> a few of these <'>

Received this email from NAS today - they are doing a new survey so, for those of you who didnt fill in the first one, here's a chance to have your say about autism and education. Hope the link works!! ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ AUTISM 2005 - The FIRST National Survey ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Help us learn about autism and education Our recent National Survey on Autism went extremely well. Thank you again for your invaluable response. One message in particular came across loud and clear - that you share our concerns about the lack of resources for autistic children at school. That's why, during 2006, we will be running a clearly much-needed national campaign on education and inclusion, based on our members' experiences. I was wondering if you would be able to help us again today - by completing a short follow-up survey, NAS surveyfocusing on education. Your views will lend weight to this important campaign and help ensure its success. Please click here NAS surveyto add your voice to this important survey. It shouldn't take more than a few minutes - and it will help us give autism the voice it deserves. Thank you Vernon Beauchamp Chief Executive

Oh Bev <'> <'> <'> <'> My mother-in-law on Friday: "well I spoke to a man in the paper shop who used to be a Headmaster and he says it doesnt sound like autism"........ oh. ok then, I'll write to the Paediatrician, speech therapist, portage nurse, SENCO and every other professional thats seen my boy and CANCEL everything! Aaargh! Then she said "isn't it about time you got him out of nappies?" (he's 2 and a half and non verbal) Did you ever watch Scrubs? In my head I was whacking her round the head with a casserole dish but I took a deep breath, smiled sweetly and made her another cup of tea! I couldnt cope if I didnt have this forum thats for sure

Hi Mali! Welcome <'> My son is also on a working diagnosis over six months. To begin with I was lost, so I read everything I could lay my hands on until I could settle my own thoughts. I found one minute I was 'what if it is?', the next minute 'what if it isnt?' and it took a while for me to trust my own instinct. Now I have a bit more certainty in myself about what my sons needs are, the diagnosis feels less important than it did to begin with. You're in a good place here and there's always someone about!

Hi all, just found this website while I was surfing for something entirely different(!), although geared towards schools there are lots of handy bits and pieces/presentations etc which might be helpful to anyone running out of inspiration - have a look: http://www.inclusive-solutions.com/ If you search inside the site there are lots of items specific to inclusion for autistic children which could be printed and handed to SENCO's or teachers.

Me too!! In fact when we are with portage or speech therapy - if they upset him by entering his space he comes over and whacks me for it!!

Welcome ! <'>

I know a few people who've had a sudden onset of vertigo recently, probably due to an inner ear infection? Best get it checked out. When I was pregnant with my second I couldnt walk through shops with strip lights because they made me giddy - not quite the same I know!

Cant think of what to add to all that fabulous advice, so just to say someone else recognises exactly that feeling, I think of it as circles too - dont be afraid to just close the door and keep things simple for yourself every now and again. It's an unfortunate fact that there usually is one person in every family who is like the 'buttons' and holds everything together - here's permission from all of us to do something special for yourself x x (Can you remember what it's like to be a human 'being' instead of a human 'doing'?!)

Wishing you all the best for tommorrow.

Teaorcoffee, I told you - I'm turning into my gran, hence the urge to censor the word fart - oh, now I've said it!!!! We say 'pop' in my house (my kids are still under 5!!), no doubt we'll move onto new terms soon enough. I suppose 'trump' is completely out of fashion by now.....perhaps we should do a poll

Did you know that if you use the herb 'savory' with beans and lentils you'll f**t less? Must stop reading Good Housekeeping, am turning into my gran.

Good luck with your appeal

<'> <'> Sending a few of these <'> <'> Because I know EXACTLY what you mean about that yo-yo feeling 'what if I'm right' 'what if I'm wrong'. I hope you get a useful outcome to the meeting. Try not to worry too much about the wording - sometimes typists are advised to put disclaimers on things as a standard measure, but hopefully it means the right folk will be there. Good luck.

<'> <'> Just sending you and your daughter a hug>< <'>

Just being nosy - where are you and the village?