Debs

seven year !

Hiya jomica For lead professional you can also say Keyworker. I know that a lot of areas are now putting into place this way of working. This professional will co-ordinate the package of care that each child receives, the other key word here is 'integrated' as in integrated support or services which means that the lead professional will co-ordinate across all agencies that have an input into your child - health, social services, education, connexions, voluntary sector. This professional will do as much or as little as you want them to, and also you will have a say in who this person is, it is in the interest of the different organisations for the parent and child to be comfortable with their lead professional as this will aid smoother interactions etc. How the lead professional works is up to each area, this person may already be a professional who is known to you and has the most input into your childs care but they will retain their primary role as an OT or Social Worker or SENCO etc or, as is happening in some areas the keyworker/lead professional is a separate role and will only be a lead professional/keyworker. Within my professional life I have been working with keyworkers for quite a while now and have only had positive outcomes, they know who is involved, where to signpost families, who to chase up etc I see it as a way of taking some of the pressure off families. HOWEVER, it has to be done well and with the right commitment behind it and with the child and family at the heart of it. Hope this explains it!! Debs xx

provocative

"DELIVERING HOUSING ADAPTATIONS FOR DISABLED PEOPLE: A GOOD PRACTICE GUIDE " Chapter 5 Having just looked at it I'm not sure how helpful it will be to you as a document on its own. To others out there needing a separate bedroom because of challenging behaviours/ sleep disturbances then I use it alongside the Disabled Facilities Grant legislation to prove entitlement where necessary.

This is just a quick reply and I will give more detail later. With regards to council housing, housing association property and adaptations to properties there is some information about 'Best Practice' on the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister (ODPM) website re; Housing Needs and autism, challenging behaviours and learning disabilities. Basically it talks not only of the impact for the person with the disability but also of the impact on other family members. I have used this extensively when recommending adding bedrooms to properties or supporting families moving to bigger properties to allow the child with Autism/ASD to have their own bedroom. It may just help as evidence in your situation. I have the exact page and paragraph reference for the document at work, if I get a chance I will look on the web tonight and post you the link. Debs x

And they wonder why he was excluded!!!! Am absolutely horrified that I'm not suprised by this story...

Anna Do they have to have an 'official' diagnosis? Debs

I wish!

Timmy (the dog!)

No - mainstream Yes - Special School (LEA)

Excellent, plenty of potential. Wish I lived in Dorset!!!!

Hiya all I'm looking for a good place to stay in the Skegness area this weekend. My son and I are having mother/son time and this is where he has chosen to go for, as he calls it, "our peaceful break"!!! I don't mind how much I pay (well within reason) as long as it has a decent TV to plug his PS2 into and the dining area isn't too large. 'Fancy' food is not an option, unfortunately, but I really want to spoil him and let him experience something different. Any ideas? If you have ideas for anywhere else in the country I would appreciate them also just in case Skegness isn't an option. I've been surfing the net for ages now and can't seem to see anything thatis just right. Thanks. Debs

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