babymithel

My daughter is about to turn 18. She has been at college for 2 years since leaving school. She had the option of doing another year at college, but me and my husband have advised her to try and find a job, as we think the college has been holding her back somewhat. She has a few friends there, but they have probably more difficulties than my daughter, and i feel that her expectations of the future have been lowered somewhat. Her best friend's Mum told me that her daughter would probably never have a job, and i feel this has influenced my daughter, and she thinks she is the same, and is apprehensive at the idea of working. I have helped my daughter to apply for a few jobs online, its really hard trying to find something that she will be able to cope with. But i'm sure she is employable. Every time i write something about her aspergers though, i feel that that will instantly put off prospective employers. Am i right? will it? It would be nice to avoid mentioning it, but its not something that you could do, as if they found out at a leter date that she'd lied, she'd probably get the sack!! lol In the mean time, do i get her to apply for income support or job seekers? would the jobcentre be able to find her a job, as she has a learning disability? Also, she has talked about driving lessons. I don't know that she is really the driving type. If i let her do lessons, she may get on great and then have problems doing the theory test. Would she be allowed more time to do it? or be able to have someone read the questions for her?? I am trying to be a good Mother, and make life as easy as i can for her, its soooooo hard to know what to do. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Hi, i'm new on here, My Daughter has Aspergers, she is almost 17yrs. Whilst growing up, she never had a best friend, a few friends here and there, who would usually end up not really being true friends! When she was 13 i encouranged her to join the local air cadets, to get her out of the house for a few hours. She really enjoyed it, although the friend thing didnt improve, at least she was socialising to a degree. She got a paper-round too. She goes to a club fortnightly for young people with aspergers, which is great, she can be herself without being mocked. She now also is a volunteer at a Saturday club for young autistic children, and gets a bit of pocket money as expenses, which goes down well. Also volunteers at a local mother and toddler group on her college rest day! These experiences have helped her confidence soar, and she thinks nothing of getting on a bus to go shopping (by herself ) occasionally! I would love for her to have a circle of mates to hang out with, but its just not gonna happen overnight, it definately gets better with age though. maybe you could look into any local groups in your area?

My daughter wouldnt entertain the 6th form. She gets a bit of stick from certain idiots at school, who are in a similar position to her surprisingly!! I think the change of scenery will deffo do her some good. Its scary to think she has to go out into the big bad world. Bless her, she will still be 15 when she leaves in the summer, her birthday isnt until August.

My daughter is in the middle of her mocks at the moment. Bless her, its all a bit too much i feel. She is having real difficulty with her revision. I'll be glad when this school malarchy is finished with in the Summer, it stresses me out!! let alone her! We have just put an application in to do a college course in September, its a Pathways course, specially designed for youngsters with learning difficulties, it is adapted to the children individually. The benefit too, is that she can get the bus around the corner, and get off almost opposite the college, and i shouldnt have to worry too much. Also they have a scheme now, where they pay them to go to college, its means tested, so if you're not that well-off, they give them up to ?30 a week, for attending all their classes.

Hi my name is Dawn, my eldest child has either Aspergers or Autism!? She is 15, we are in the middle of getting her re-assessed. She was given a Statement at the age of 7yrs, and i was told she had moderate learning difficulties, and short-term auditory memory problems. But that was about it??!! Quite recently, i was reading the newspaper, and there was a story about a boy that had Aspergers, and while reding it, i realised that my daughter had a lot in common with this boys problems. I took my daughter to the GP and got her referred back to get re-assessed. So far, she's been seen by the Ed Physc, and observed by an Autism Specialist Teacher, i'm waiting to hear about our next appt. I thought it would be helpful to get a proper label for my child to use, as she will be heading into the big bad wide world very soon, and hopefully people will be able to give her a break if they understand that she has these problems.