morgan and alexandra

Hi Bluefish I just had to reply to your post as my DD has done the same thing, she also likes to roll down the stairs, run in roads, lie in roads and on and on it goes. I just have to watch her like a hawk and re enforce what is dangerous ALL THE TIME. I have found that the more stressed she is the more she does it. Just a couple of days ago she was trying to put her hand out as moving cars were approaching. She is particularly stressed at the mo as it's the beginning of the new school year and she has a new teacher so Im having to watch her constantly. Good luck and sorry cant be of help but just wanted to let you know I know how u feel <'> >< <'>

Hi Athena I have been reading your post with interest, just wanted to let you know that our DD 10 can point out happy, sad, cross but that is about it. We have tried all sorts to help her but to no avail. Luckily our SALT tried different facial expressions as well as the happy, sad, cross ones and also asked her about her feelings, what would make mum happy, sad etc and my DD could only answer the ones about herself. She didnt give two hoots about what emotions I had. It was extrordinary to watch as before this I really had thought I'd cracked the facial expressions ...lol. Anyway my point is maybe you could ask for it to be done again....if u r brave enough, I think then it would become clear to SALT and she may well change her opinion. Good luck Helen

Hi everyone All that worrying and WE GOT IT....YAY. Middle rate for personal care and lower rate for mobility. Thank you all so much for your help xxxxxxxx

Hi Venusdoom I just wanted to let u know you that my DD 10 interprets things we have said the wrong way and then accuses us of saying things we haven't said. It can lead to major meltdowns. I have found in the initial circumstance that trying to engage with her at these times only makes the situation worse. If I leave her to calm down then the meltdown is much shorter in time and when she is ready to talk then I try and explain in a way she understands what was said. It IS very time consuming but it does work for me. Hope this helps.

Thank you all so much for your tips and help, I will let u know how we get on.xxx

Thank you, I must admit I found the forms daunting, my step dad helped me fill them out as his son needed DLA. I just not confident about it all as until we moved here nobody believed us about DD. Thankfully her new school have helped a lot towards her dx and have been really supportive. Just feeling a bit overwhelmed. Thanks again

Hi everyone Our DD was diagnosed with ASD in May this year and have finally got round to applying for DLA. So far we havent applied as I thought it would be better to wait for dx. Just wondering if u think it is likely that DD will be entitled to it and how does the appeal process work if she doesnt get it. Ive heard that people usually get turned down for DLA the 1st time they apply. Thanks Helen

Hi Jill My DD 10 has trouble when she comes out of school. She tries so hard to hold her ASD in when she is there and then erupts when she comes out. I would have to let her run it off in a safe area and her school were quite accommodating in letting me do this with her. It was for her safety really as I never knew what direction she was going to run off in and how bad her temper was going to get. Once she had got the initial feelings over with she calmed down enough for me to either take her home or to the park. Hope this helps Helen

Hi Enid Yes I think it is although there seems to be some debate as to whether it is or not depending on where u are, but they have found she is more AS and Autistic than they previously thought.

Hi All Sorry I haven't posted for a while but just wanted to share our recent news. Our lovely daughter recently got a new diagnosis of ASD with features of both AS and Autism, having previously been diagnosed with PDD. I feel so relieved that we finally have an answer and North Devon CAHMs have been superb in their support and help. When we lived in Dorset we had a terrible time with DDs previous school and I was just wondering if any parents out there have made any complaints about schools and what responses you got. Do you think I will be wasting my time, making a complaint. The previous school tried to make out all DDs problems were all in my head even though she was on school action plus and classed as SEN. They wouldnt back up anything they said and made diagnosis difficult for the consultant. Thankfully since moving to Devon, her new school have been very supportive and we finally have a diagnosis and DD is getting all the help she needs. Would be very greatful to hear what your views are. Thanks Helen

Hi Peaches I have sent you a PM xx

Hi Peaches My DD 9 yrs cant stand using a knife and fork although she can use them. She has sensory issues with her mouth and fingers so although I ask her to use her knife and fork she rarely does. However, every now and then she will just use them and when she does we give her praise. She is also extremely messy with her food and most of it ends up on the table or on the floor!! I have been advised by CAMHs to discuss this with consultant when we go as she also gorges on food and steals it so if I get any answers I will PM you but it could be a while xx

Hi jordansmum We have only recently had a diagnosis too and friends and family of ours have had the same attitude. Ive tried giving them books to read and leaving literature about and talking about our everyday trials but we always get the same glassy look of boredom or the usual " she just being naughty" etc. I think the main problem is that my family and friends spend limited time with my DD so dont see all her traits. I went away for a few days though with my mum and daughters and it was only then, that she realised how time consuming DD is and how bad her traits are. She was devastated, but she still hasnt bothered to read up about ASDs and rarely has our daughter to stay unless we are with her. On a high note, I recently went shopping with my friend and all our children and she really tried to help, she wasnt judgemental in any way and watched how I dealt with DD in difficult situations. To give me a little break, my friend tried out the techniques on my DD and was really helpful. I was so choked as this is the first time one of my friends has tried to help me this way. What a star. There are some good friends out there

Hi all I just wanted to share something positive for a change. I went shopping with a friend and our kids yesterday in Exeter and it was busier than usual. My friend doesn't have any knowledge of ASD but has obviously been watching and listening to what I have been saying about DDs needs and how difficult it is when we go shopping. DD started off badly before we even got on the bus, but I managed to calm her on the bus by scratching her head, it really seems to work for her. However, once there she couldnt contain it although she did quite well to start with and I ended up on my knees talking her through a rough patch as she was screeching, grabbing out at things and starting to go into meltdown. My friend was watching from a distance( I did not know) and picking up tips. She managed to calm daughter down by scratching her head and talking calmy to her. I was so overwhelmed, not even my family bother trying to learn techniques. I was really touched by the kindness my friend was showing to us both, and the fact she was trying to help and not judge us and the quiet way it was done. It's rare but there obviously are some good friends out there.

Our DD now 9 wouldn't get out of her pushchair till she was 5 so shopping wasnt really too bad then as she couldnt do anything much and we could rush round the supermarket quite quickly. Now however, It's a nightmare, I am often on my knees walking her round the shops and talking her through and trying to distract her by getting her to look for things in the shop. It has proved to be quite useful if I'm with my hubby as he can shop while I distract. If we are on our own however, Its a nightmare, she screeches, runs off, touches everything and loses her cool very easily. We went to a DIY store recently and DD wasnt coping well so we let her climb into the trolley, the staff were great but a woman (customer) had a go at our other daughter who was just watching her while we looked at paint. I was furious that they didnt have the guts to come to us as adults and would prefer to have a go at a 13 year old girl. We get all the stares and a friend has said she doesn't know how I remember what to buy in shops as she saw for the first time what we are up against....lol. I dont really care what people think as our DD gives us a lot of joy too and I think that if we protect her from things like shopping or going out in public places then it will make things harder for her in the future. My role as a parent is to equip our daughter with as many of lifes skills as I can however hard it is and if other people dont like it then its their problem.