wilson

Hello, Bad mothers? You both sound like saints. I only have two and there are times when they drive me to distraction. However, it is those special moments, like today when the little one told me he loved me more than the world and all of space, that I cling on to and remember.

Hello, Thank you. Your replies show just how ambiguous terminology can be.

Hello, For some considerable time I have been convinced that my son has Moderate Learning Difficulties as well as Asperger Syndrome. Now, the term has been used officially. My problem is that my (perhaps misinformed) stereotype of people with Asperger Syndrome being of average or above average 'intelligence' (I hate using that word!) has being challenged. Is there a stronger correlation between Aspeger Syndrome and other, more global, learning difficulties than I assumed, or is H an exception to the rule? Thanks

Hi, It is a shocking story, and all the more painful if we remember that not so very long ago people with learning disabilities in this country were treated just as cruelly. Thank heavens we and our children are here and now.

Hello, My husband almost certainly is on the spectrum. Unfortunately, years of misunderstanding and negative life experiences have left him with cripplingly low self esteem. Perhaps a formal diagnosis would help him make sense of some aspects of his life.

Hello, This is just a quick question. Is there a link between ASDs and other disorders such as AD(H)D, OCD? Thanks

Hi, care may mean concern, consideration, genuine feeling or to look after, nurture, provide support. Sometimes the meanings become clearer when we think of 'to care for' or 'to care about'.

Hello, H is fascinated by animals, so the countryside wins hands down with him. However, his younger brother seems to prefer the town. We are fortunate enough to live in a small town, between two large cities, with weekly access to my Dad's farm. So I suppose we've got the best of both worlds.

Hello and welcome to the forum, My husband (undiagnosed AS) retired from his job over ten years ago on the grounds of mental ill health and for two or three years he received Incapacity Benefit. However, he was reassessed and the Benefit was stopped. We appealed, but lost the appeal. At that time, there appeared to be a government drive to try to reduce the number of people claiming Incapacity Benefit by targeting those with chronic mental illness. He is unable to work, but has his own very part time business and cares for our children whilst I am at work. He has expressed feelings very similar to yours. Please see your GP and tell him/her how you feel.

Hi, I have contacted our closest support group, although I will not be able to attend many meetings due to work committments. thanks for the information.

Hello, I am really sorry about what has happened to you, but so glad that no-one was hurt.

Hi, Homework is an issue in our house for both our AS elder son and his NT (but struggling) brother. To be honest, I am very uncomfortable with some aspects of the education system in this country. I feel that too much pressure is put on children to perform, far too early and homework, if not managed properly, can be a negative pressure (as Bard and Elun have pointed out) on children with Special Needs. Furthermore, homework can accentuate the difference between disadvantaged children and their more comfortable peers. That said, we have to operate within the system as it stands. Often my children will not do the required reading and number work, so we make use of the embedded nature of these skills. In our house any reading is good, and any opportunity for counting and taking away is used fully. Finally, I am in no way criticising schools or teaching. I am more than aware that we have some wonderful and dedicated teachers. It is just that, in our house, learning takes place despite homework not because of it.

Hello, Sara and Shona I have so much empathy with you. My partner has Asperger Syndrome and so does my eight year old son. Until three years ago my partner received Incapacity Benefit for depression. Because he was still unable to work (largely due to his difficulties in social settings) I supported him. He now receices DLA, Carer's Allowance, Family Credit, Child Benefit etc. In a nutshell, he is extremely difficult to live and perhaps not the best person to be in charge of our sons. So, if he left us, or if we divorced (and I have considered this seriously), I would make sure that the boys came with me, even if it meant giving up work, moving and so on. I am sorry if I have gatecrashed this thread, but sometimes my husband is the greatest challenge.

Hello OCG I can remember the shock that I felt when I first read of your situation, and I remember the unaminous support you got from people on this forum. This forum is made up of people who have first hand and expert experience of ASDs. You still have that support. Your son wants to stay with you; you want him to stay; you have done nothing wrong. In my opinion, it is shameful that your Local Authority is acting this way. Contact your local paper and give them your story.

Mumble, You are a truly remarkable human being. You have your supervisor's full support, and you have so much determination. One day, I am sure, we will see you posting here as Dr. Mumble.