georgie

Thanks for the advice Kathryn. Yes it was a fantastic moment when he spoke and even now, my heart nearly bursts when he says 'goodnight mummy, sweet dreams'. After 6 years of complete silence, I thought it was never going to happen. I think I will arrange a meeting with the school next term to review where we are at. I was reading his statement from a few months ago, and it doesn't sound like the same child. The provision in our area is not great - we have one asd special unit attached to a primary school to cover the whole LEA which only takes 7 children and is always full, plus its such a long way away. The special schools are all closing down in 12 months, and we are supposed to be getting new schools, but I'm not holding my breath as they have been saying that for at least 2 years. My other son is 7, he also has autism and is in mainstream and doing really well - mainly because he has the right support in place. I think if you get that right, its half the battle. I just think if he can have a chance to succeed in mainstream, I want to give him that chance, and the longer he stays at special school, it will be harder to leave. I'm fully in support of special schools and it has been the right place for him to go so far, but now I'm just not sure. Anyway, thanks again for the advice, much appreciated.

Hi My 6 year old son attends a special school which is mainly geared towards children with autism and SLD. He's been going there a year and up until recently, I've been quite happy with the school. A year later, he is a different little boy, mainly due to the fact that 2 months ago he decided to speak. I think the last 6 years worth of information has all been stored up and I'm now realising what a clever little boy he is - he can read and count, and has an amazing photographic memory for routes and maps. He is also a whizz on the computer, although cannot write. I'm now worrying whether the special school is the right place for him - there are so many children there with a lot of behavioural problems, and although my son can have his moments, he is quite manageable, especially now he has the increased communication and understanding. The amount of time he actually spends learning is quite limited, a lot of time is still spent on play and going outdoors, visiting parks, donkeys, swimming etc, which is all lovely, but I don't think he is being challenged or stimulated enough now. Don't get me wrong, he is no where near the level of a 'typically developing' 6 year old child, but he seems to have so much potential. He doesn't really suffer with any sensory problems, and although socially he's not overly interested in making friendships, he does play alongside and tolerates others around him. I was just wondering if anyone had any experiences of moving their child from a special school to mainstream, as I have often read about people going from mainstream to special, but not the other way. The thought of moving him from this 'comfort zone' worries me to death - but in the long run, I want to give him the best chance. Sorry for the long babble! Thanks

Hi My 6 year old asd son has been watching it and I've really noticed a difference in him over the past week. He keeps making reference to people being happy, or sad, which he never commented on before. He also loves the quiz. They have been watching it at school too. My 5 year old who is non-verbal, but loves trains, is not interested in it in the slightest, so doesn't appeal to everyone! G

Hi Just going through the process of my son's statement being put together (diagnosed with ASD, he is nearly 4 years old). I have been through all this before with my other child, but felt really disappointed with some of the reports that were put together, in particular by the S&LT. They seem to be based on what they could provide based on how little funding was available, rather than what my child actually needed. Was wondering whether it was possible for a parent to obtain an independent report for a S&LT and how you'd go about getting it. Also, should I request a report from an OT - this has not been mentioned so far for my child, and I'm not sure whether I need one? thanks in advance for any advice you can give

Hi I know exactly how you both feel - my 5 year old son recently started school and I felt like I suddenly had all the other parents looking at me and my son and wondering why he has a support assistant or why he pretends to be a dog when the other children say hello to him. When he was first diagnosed, I suppose it took me a long time to come to terms with it myself, and I didn't feel like I could share it with others. I don't like to admit it, but I suppose I was a little embarassed and just wanted my child to be like others. But now, over a year later, I really don't have a problem with telling people he is autistic, as I accept now that is just him and who he is. Increased awareness and understanding from others around him, can only help. If it is a stranger, or a confrontational situation, I do use the NAS cards explaining 'this young person has autism'. But with people I know, or other parents at school, or in shops, I do explain. I always remember seeing Luke Jackson stand up and speak, and say, 'its cool to be different'. I'm proud of my son and who he is and now don't have a problem with explaining why he is different. Georgie x

Hi Sorry I know this has been on here before, but I can't find the posting. Just wanting links to some websites for special needs toys and there were some really good ones mentioned on here before, which I can't find using google. My ASD kids are 4 and 5 and am getting stuck for christmas presents. Thanks

Hi all Quite new to the forum - have enjoyed reading everyones posts - some really interesting stuff. My son is nearly 4 (diagnosed with asd) and will be starting school next year. I've been to look at the nearest specialist school in our area and it is going to take nearly an hour by taxi each way. My local school is only 2 minutes away, but I really don't think they will be able to meet my son's needs. I'm a bit worried at the length of the journey - its going to be a long day for him. Just wondered how anyone elses kids coped with this? thanks

Hi My son goes into school through a separate door too as he got too stressed in the tiny cloakroom with 30 other kids. He now has got into the habit though, of asking his support assistant to take him to the toilet as soon as he arrives at school. Am sure he doesn't need to go - just a delay tactic! Georgie x

My son won't dress up either. In fact he's upstairs playing his computer and has no desire to go out in the cold. He does quite like his pumpkin though and wants to take it to bed tonight. Should be interesting!