MarieM

Hi Justine, My son has always had a problem with tiring early. When he was younger it was not unusual for him to have to go to bed at 6:30 as he was so tired. He has built up his stamina now (he's 17) and can stay up later but still takes himself to bed at 8:30 on a school night. He is also Dyspraxic and it is not uncommon with these kids to get so tired. Apparently it is because they have to put so much effort into everything they do. I suppose it is the same with ASD/AS. The mental effort to concentrate etc must be tiring. When he was younger (up to 8ish) we used to put him to bed at the weekend if he was tired or if he needed to stay up late for something. Hope this helps. Marie.

Divide

I agree with Bid. You are being so brave and strong. Marie x

Very sorry Tally.

Very sorry.

Very sorry. I hope she, and you, get all the care and support she needs.

Thanks, yes we did get photos. Bit of a traumatic day today as he actually left his school. Tears and hugs all around! Sad for them all as they've been together for 5 years. He's off to another special school with a 16 plus group in september. It looks good but it will be hard for him starting again. Am sure he'll be fine, fingers crossed!

Today was my son's school prom. He has been excited about it for so long, to be honest the excitement started building after last years Year 11s left. Anyway, we dropped him off, so excited he was very nervous and actually shaking a bit. When we went to collect him his headteacher told us that he had been voted prom king! There he was, drenched in sweat from all the dancing with a crown on his head! He can keep that until tomorrow. One of the girls told us that they had all voted for him "cos we love him"!! Well me and the headteacher had tears in our eyes. He went to bed saying to himself as he walked upstairs that it was the best day, the best prom and that he's prom king. We can't stop smiling! Just had to tell you all. xx

Really pleased for you all. I must be a huge weight off your mind. well done and have a lovely birthday!

I was told by an Ed Psych when my son was about 7 that he would be able to read words but never understand what they meant. He is now 16 and with a lot of work and perseverence he can understand what he is reading. I am not sure if it is connected to his ASD as he also has learning difficulties. He is by no means at the same level as his NT peers but he gets by. We found if he is interested in what he reads it helps. Football and biographies are his thing, Match of the Day magazine, Sky Sports News, Who was series etc. Also school found he came on really well when he started reading the Wellington Square books. I don't know how they are different but apparently children who struggle to read find these better. He certainly did. Hope this helps, sorry I couldn't be more specific re ASD.

I've had an interesting few weeks about my son. He had a new ed psych assessment a few weeks ago and she told me she thought he was on the spectrum. I was a bit confused as he's 16 and I've been told for years that he has both Dyspraxia and ASD. It turns out that he has never officially been diagnosed as ASD by a paediatrician, just its a probability. I have spoken to the school doctor who is referring him for a diagnosis. The thing is he also has learning difficulties and she said it is really hard to diagnose someone as having ASD if they have learning difficulties. She thinks he might just have a "Dyspraxic brain"! Still confused!!!

That sounds just like my son Enid. With itunes we buy him vouchers so that there is a limit on how much he can spend. My son is now 16. When his new DLA claim forms arrived I put in that he is not capable of looking after his own finances. They sent an assessor, who agreed with us. I now have an account for his DLA in my name. I can give him money or pay for things we feel appropriate. It means there is some left!! The charity shops would think it was their lucky day otherwise! Rachel, it really is worth reapplying. There are things your son can't do independently and needs help with. That's what you write in. Just think of his bad days and how much help he needs. Good luck. xx

Hi, how long is it since you moved house and school? I'm just wondering if the moves have been too much for Roo to cope with at once. Hopefully you will find he starts to calm down a bit once he's more settled. I know my son's behaviour tends to deteriorate and his fears increase when he is stressed. Its good that the new school have recognised his needs and you are getting an assessment sorted so thats a real positive to hold onto. Hope it all settles down soon for you.

The same happened with us when my son turned 16. The lady came to the house and asked a few questions. Had a chat with him and said she would appoint me. The form is really different to the child one isn't it? It seemed inappropriate in places as he was only 15 at the time. It was difficult thinking of him as the adult they were talking about. When they come to meet with you you will need to give them details of a bank account in your name that only the DLA goes into.

We went this morning at 9:30. There was hardly anyone there, which was really good. The kids really enjoyed it though not entirely sure my son followed it all.