pepper

Congratulations! and all the best sorting out your chosen voluntary work also

sounds good news ..well done everyone. Still awaiting my sons official grades. I have always been amazed he was never allowed to type up on a laptop/pc as i cant read his writing at all - although teachers reassure me its not the worst they have seen as long as examiner can, im grateful!

I am amused about womans cat allergy.............

its a start........heres hoping a start to much better things to come eh! Thanks for update and fingers crossed for you xx pep

Ohh! good luck, hope everything went as you hoped. Good news that you havnt had to wait as long as you expected. Its probably better that you had date thrust on you - no time to worry!

thanks for your personal input, its very appreciated. I have had another chat with him to discuss the plusses to liverpool uni and option of commuting from home...and he's not totally against the idea as liverpool was placed 4th and 7th in Guardian and Times newspaper for Physics in 2009 (why are there so many different listings? confusing!) The main thing is he can probably get a place on ABB which i feel is more attainable. I cant get him to continue the Biology A level, hes just not interested although hes looking at a B at AS. Its not just financial that i'd prefer local uni, I certainly cant see him managing life skills well, as you say he cant multi task at all. He will have to learn but im trying to sweeten him up to the idea! I cant get my head around the fact that a 4 year course will leave him at least 20 thousand pounds in debt before he even starts looking for a job. Plus if he wants a part time job, I can probably fix up something locally and i'm not an interfering mum, he's got a door key and certainly socialises- he's sensible enough for his age as hes still only 16 He did apply for additional time during his O levels and he was tested, and deemed capable and no extra help or time was given so i cannot imagine he would be able to apply for disabled student funding. But i would like to know if they have anything in place like a learning mentor to checkl he was keeping up well with his course. I will have to look into it more. If he does decide to go away for uni, i will jsut have to hope he chooses Manchester as its about an hour away and at least he can get home regularly

Hi, may i ask for some advice, as son is in lower 6th and planning his university choices - and i am clueless! no one in our family has been to uni and i dont know where to start. After a swift reading up i just feel queezy! He's confident and happy and well assured, functions very well at his selective grammer with no specific support but a dx of ADD & AS. He had major stress in year 7 settling in, he doesnt really recall, but i do! it was fairly horrendous. Hes been fine since and seems a cheerful lad who has freinds and decent grades (if a tad lazy) Basically he got 1 A*, 7 A, 2 B, 1 C at 'O' level. Doing Math, Higher Math, Physics and Biology at AS (seems to be heading at A,B,B,B for AS results) Those are based on zero revision....hes now looking at Uni options and isnt impressed with my careful suggestion of Liverpool, local uni, and commuting from home, fancies flying the coop! He still cant decide at present to continue all 4 through to 'A' level, i've asked him to ask teachers - i dont know if its the done thing? I've pointed out that i'm happy but he will need to work harder to achieve better grades if he wishes to go to other universities that have piqued his interest, and he'd better learn to cook and wash own clothes and work! He fancies physics - masters? and focus on quantum physics. I am concerned that he doesnt seem to be getting any advice tailored to his needs - school dont tend to treat him as SEN pupil, its good that he fits in, but hes still in need of support from time to time surely? what can i expect from uni ? im not sure how to help him with his further education He recieves low rate DLA and middle care component. We earn just over the threshold for course fees, although after a read up we may slip under as have two younger children and willing to quit my part time job? the costs seem outragious and im worried about him dealing with social/ life skills angle, any links/ advice anyone can offer - i would really appreciate. Hes a bright lad but rather youngheaded, confident enough at present and i dont want to stress him when he shows enthusiasm at leaving home for education financially, I am worried we may end up out of the loop as he doesnt inform us well of setup, tends to mention as an afterthought, what if i miss application dates or something? school is useless! and if we mess up with fund applications as hes very unorganised, will he lose his chance? I will obviously try my best to get more up to speed, i just didnt expect that he had to apply so soon! help!

'BIG' and 'SMALL' is totally dependant on where you live............for example - inner city, at primary 500 pupils and below is small, and at senior - anything under 2,000 is small From a personal point of view, when its come down to my aspie son - I've erred on smallest school I could find - which *touch wood* seems to have worked out well, aka, primary 200+ and senior 800+ (which is remarkable for where we live) but, as much as he moans that 'everyone knows his business, i think its the safest option because they at least 'know him'

.if its any help Loubee, I think you have almost described an average day wih my NT 12 year old hormonal daughter and as for 'vino' it keeps me sane LOL <'>

oh yes, Cheryl, VERY MUCH I know we find it more than frustrating At school, after 5 years, some teachers still dont seem to understand son at all, if i had a penny for the comments, akin to > 'BUT he's a bright boy and acts so immature' blah blah etc - i could be rich its always a slap in the face reminder than so many of the teaching staff havnt grasped the nuances of AS/HFA Thankfully my son is logical, and mature in many ways and accepts this is how it will be, hes surprisingly well rounded LOL and shrugs off the snitty underhand comments from certain members of staff

yes J, my lad is 16, an articulate and academic student, Luckily he is small for his age as looks about 14 as his emotion and social ability is probably more akin to a 12 - 13 year old. He gets on well with his peers at 6th form, but that could be more because they are used to him and his quirkiness. He prefers adult company and conversation though, if given the choice

Hiya, not sure if topic is relevant or if anyone has familiarity - feedback? in that, im pleased he's deciding for himself, and i know many parents dont hold with any medication - but this is our life, and son has coped exceedingly well so far in mainstream (with very little SEN support) and gained surprisingly decent 'O' level grades (on meds) He has recently moved up to 6th form, in a local selective grammar school with good reputation, which has ended up being the best placement for my boy - i could have hoped for..... he now says that meds dont work for him................. he has aspergers and ADD, and although we had a recent apointment at child phsyc, who was happy to continue meds, he feels that concerta isnt working - and i've accepted his descision. I've also asked he goes to bed earlier, and have upped efforts to help him focus and concentrate though have just been told hes forgot some chunks of homework (this isnt unusual though) As a parent I'm worried about how he will cope and if his exams and study will falter am i being dramatic?> looking at AS/A level exam timetable, many of his modules start in january and carry over to exam results not much time to test the waters.....is it? does anyone have any advice? thanks!

from a personal point of view (and its casual observation) methinks that probably matches my sons.....for the past 6 years!! I can only recommend you go in, have a meeting and shake them out of their complacency - as i think its a typical text book answer SENCO's copy from ! lol

my son has just entered 6th form (year 12) so hes completed exam year you are both mentioning. You can apply for your child to be assesed for additional help and time. My son and a few pupils at his mainstream grammar school were assesed one morning well before mock exams. He has an IEP and diagnosis of AS/ADD but was graded as able to cope in allotted time. Thankfully he did well in his GCSE's and we were all thrilled. We had had difficulties in previous tests, but your children will experience many exam like situations in this year and I'm sure teachers will guage from reactions if any additional help is needed, you can definately get 20% extra time, use of a laptop and/or a scribe in certain situations and someone to prompt or reword questions for pupil. I dont know about anxiety strategies as my son seemed so laid back he was almost horizontal ?! I suppose I should be grateful.... i probably panicked far more than he did

I know alot of the firms on wirral - and last one i worked for - had a selection of car seats for airport runs LOL (i surmise they may also be transport dept supplied LOL chances are......) I'm not as familiar with bus runs (my idea of a nightmare trip) OH *looks at time* have to go ---- work calls

bless, your the type of mum i'd adore - i work for dept and i have, over the years, got emergency phonecalls / no facts/ no background info/ and have to dash off to collect/deliver children with no idea of childs/childrens needs. Its awkward to tentively ask a new parent on the doorstep 'is there anything i need to know to make your childs journey to school comfortable' Ive escorted children in the past that i've found out later are epileptic for example, so it can be frustrating and worrying if i am unaware of a childs basic needs for their safety I just had the worst 1 hour of my working life yesterday - some warning from education dept would have been nice!! sometimes, i really dont like my job............

you are ACTUALLY correct in that assumpion also lisa

I will say in their defence - its BEDLAM at beginning of term - all the swapping and changing of contracts and marrying escorts to jobs etc but they arnt known for their adept organisation skills LOL I'd maybe suggest playing hell with bus firm too - because they want to keep contract so if you complain to them as well they will run out and get seats pronto rather than lose contract ( its 3 strikes and out rule)

shocking!! (i see ur in my LEA) .... ah, the joys of the transport dept O Basically, the tender for school run goes to the lowest quote - which alas, is normally the worst taxi company ever LOL (i can almost work out which one you had!! ) Hence the swap and change drivers - its a nightmare. Id be more disgusted by pupil escort - shes been trained to know all the rules and regulations, so Its her that needed reporting. I wouldnt start on a job without checking childs ages and guaging and checking car had all correct facilities - Any child under 9 is going to need a booster seat at the very least. And her attitute....Id be spitting in temper too

*cries* did someone mention beds??? i think im actually physically exausted, was just getting 15yr old aspie son to try on some school pants as he seems to have suddenly shot up and he sighs, glances at bunk beds and muttered 'why do i have to have bunk beds AT my age?' and i realised, hes almost a man and.......it is a bit babyish when he said 'i cant even sit up in bed and read' i felt like heartless, thoughtless parent of the century! next moment im there with allan key, screwdrivers, juggling a million bolts at 7pm @ night - have just finished at...*checks watch* almost 10pm May I proudly announce he is now tidying his room (thats a miricle in itself) AND has a nice normal single bed - sisters have bunk and single (one floor up) and i'm not sure i'll ever be able to stand straight again Anyone ever moved furniture with AS child? DONT DO IT!! he may be a wee bit bigger and stronger than me, but my brain is FRIED! (and im not sure i can fix the bannisters) tomorrows another day

definately dont EVER feel that you are not working when my children ( 3, eldest AS/ADD ) were younger i had 6 p/t jobs, all was fine if they were well......but as we all know - nothing ever runs smooth - i never want the amount of stress in my life like that again. I'm amazed im sane ( alledgedly PMSL) Im happy to hold one small p/t job now, i can get cover for if any child is ill, the fact we have very little disposable income is my choice, on balance, my children have 100% of my time ( ok 50% as im on the pc a fair bit LOL) and i'm happy and more relaxed and hopefully so are they - mine are all older now and it does get easier - ALOT easier - just hang in there chanting that mantra to yourself - and go see if a family member / good freind - could mind the kids for an hour now and then? even if its so you can have a long peaceful soak in the bath - ( something im still waiting for as only one loo here and my bathroom can be like paddington train station! ) xx pep

my almost 15 year old is in mainstream grammar, bar a ropey year 7 with diagnosis and finding his feet hes coping well since - in year 10 now, the first year was horrendous and he was very stressed and upset but as time has gone on hes grown in confidence and is far more assured within the school day. accademically hes high flying, has a few casual freinds, hes content and seems to be accepted by his peers - as far as hes concerned anyway! There are glitches, i dont think theres any adaptation made for his emotional immaturity and weak social skills but i think its a case of everyone, staff and pupils being used to his quirky ways now Im sure theres a fair few things that could be done to make his life easier, but hes willing to adapt as best he can and hes happy and enjoying school so his school enviroment is the best local option and hopefully it will stay this way *fingers crossed* He understands that the education system isnt naturally geared to his way of thinking and he has to try and deal with it, and find angles to work so he can cover the syllabus as best he can. When he finds a career path it may help. Heaven knows what that will be!

Hev, my dear, my AS son is 'no bother' i still get so stressed and driven insane running after him, my thoughts are with you, HEY im in cheshire too!!! can i post my little sod tya? JOKE..........gawd arnt kids exausting ( im meaning my NT pair now *weeps* )

im not overly sure if its ICT learning? but i do know that listening skills for son is an issue, and visual aids are far better - so in the main computer skills are visual and also its more a skill of thinking outside the box, which generally suits aspergers kids far more sons at an academic grammar school which is very set in its ways and ICT is one subject that isnt set in stone, no boundries - a subject he can do at his own pace and own style, in the main? but then ive always found ICT as a subject to be one of teh few that isnt encompassed by all round ability, many pupils excell regardless

we all do ! regardless of our childrens range of disabilities, we are in the same boat, i dont actually think there is such a thing as a perfect school LOL more - whats the best that our kids can gell along with and fit in.... i oft feel out of kilter as my lad - almost fits in ( on the surface ) ....*cough* all i can say is - i think - u get a gut instinct when a school is 'almost right' - I generally feel that our children wont ever 'slot in' but im all for inclusion when its accepable and child can cope, after all - we want our kids to fit into life....and school life is part and parcel of the genreal lifecycle- with the issues of social intergration - i personally feel - it starts here, unless its affecting confidence. |I have to say - my son is at a mainstream selective school and bar the 1st year - hes been accepted - as an individual *cough* and wink .... hopefully u can find the right schooling fror ur boy