spectrumlady

What experiences do people have of getting support in college for socialising/peer mentoring at breaktimes ? My son is 18 and has just started, but is very anxious. He manages the work OK, but breaktimes are a nightmare, and he has already been "set-up" and called a nerd

Hi, I had this issue with my son when he was about 14yrs after he nearly choked too. I used to mince up EVERYTHING and made no fuss whatsoever ! entire roast dinners were minced up as that was the only way he could eat. Gradualy, this were "less minced" and slowly he returned to normal. the fact that your daughter says she would like a bacon buttie is great, say thats great, and then mince it up for her, but don't stand and watch her eat it, leave her to it as tho it's a perfectly normal thing to do ! Good luck

Many thanks Ian, do youknow of anyone in Scotland ? there appears to be a lack of expertise !

Does anyone have any tips/strategies for a 13yr old with DSD who would dearly love to learn to read ?

Hi You could get your parents to e-mail me at ann@lorntyglen.org.uk and then we can have a chat and see if we can organise something.

Hi, The club is in Blairgowrie, so it could take you a while, but not impossible ! I run it every fornight on a Saturday afternoon. Age range is from 14yrs upwards. Feel free to pm me with more details if you feel you would be interested in coming along.

Hi Justamum Have PM'd you

Hi Justamum, At least he has something to do that he is enjoying. Feel free to get in touch anytime. Ann

I moved to Perthshire in February, and have started a youth group for young people with Asperger syndrome or higher functioning autism. The group is run through common interest, assisted activities, and meets every fornight on a Saturday throughout the year. I ran a similar group in Buckinghamshire for 5 years, and am hoping to have the same success in Scotland. For further details please contact ann@lorntyglen.org.uk

Yes, they have to sign a form, and there has to be a risk assessment done, and everybody, including you has everybody else's contact numbers in case of a problem. As long as thats done it should be OK Good luck

My son had full time 1 - 2 - 1 support in school, and so he had the same for his work experience. The same TA went with him to his work experience placement, and as a result he managed very well. If your son has 1 - 2 - 1 in school on a statement, then he has the same rights as part of his work experience, otherwise he would be unable to access what the others in his peer group are accessing, and is therefore being treated "less favourably"

no words can express adequately - we'll be watching Dr. Who God bless <'>

My son sleeps too much ! He is aged 16yrs and falls asleep at school. After he has had a sleep, for about 20 minutes or so, he is bright and more willing to enagage. I have taken him to the doctor and he will have some blood tests on Monday. The best she could offer tho' was send him to bed at 9.00;pm !?!? It is referred to as somnolence, which is different to fatigue apparently. He goes to bed at 11.00pn and sleeps through till 7.00am, has a very good diet, all organic, chicken, veg, oats fruit etc. Does anyone else have this problem, and what has been the result ? Ann

My son has just turned 16 and has full time support in his statement. Does anyone know how this is likely to transfer if we move to Scotland ?

Hi Greenman, I run two groups in High Wycombe and Aylesbury, also two youth clubs. www.autismbucks.co.uk

Lufty, tried your suggestion but it still doesn't work !!!

Yes, I keep having to give name and password, it was OK before, whats happened ??

I withdrew my son out in year 9 and went to tribunal to get him into a ASD unit attached to a mainstream school, in another County. I withdrew him as he was sinking into severe depression, and was not far short of going on mediction for it. After 18 months in the right environment, he is excelling in everything, and enjoys going to school very much. I think he is a classic example of how things can go wrong, and also, of how much difference the right environment can make. I would say he has now "recovered" to the point where he was when he first started at senior school, and is showing every indication of continuing to do well.

Brilliant ! I will be directing people here. there is a great need for this section. Ann

< Hi fairly normal, I think you should trust your instincts here, although you obviously need to be making some kind of decision. Why don't you try a staggered approach ? he could go for an overnight stay several times, and gradually extend this when some trust has been built up. <'> <'>

I run two specialist clubs for adolescents and adults with Asperger or HFA in Buckinghamshire. I was registered as a charity last year. I started the first club 4 years ago. We have approx 30 youngsters every fortnight. My website is www.autismbucks.co.uk. Everyone says it's a great atmosphere and is very calm. Social skills are demonstrated "through" whatever acitivity they are doing, (there are lots !!) The Spectrum clubs are well known in the South and have referrals from all service providers. Visiting parents and professionals are always welcome to come and have a look, and there's even free coffee and bics !!!

Try putting some of the litter tray contents outside where you want pussy to go !! it worked for ours

>Hang in there, have you thought about respite care for a few hours at least ? < <'> <'> <'> <'>

<'> Well done The Neil. You've written an excellent piece, very informative to the layman (or woman) without being overbearing. I would certainly like to use this for parents I work with and also professionals. Well done you !

Well done Baddad for raising the issue, I couldn't have done it better. TOTALLY agree with you, and good luck to Pete too !