mossgrove

Where does the time go? I will have been here for 6 years on Wednesday, does that mean I have even less of a life than you? Simon

Fingers crossed here too! Simon

As you have found out you should never stop any anti-depressant suddenly, however good you are feeling! I am currently taking 40mg of Citalopram for anxiety and depression and it has helped a lot. It does have side effects (especially in the early days) but the benefits are worth it. On thing to be aware of is that it can take a couple of months to start working fully. Many people seem to give up after two or three weeks having decided that is doesn't work for them. Simon

Mumble I hope it all goes well for you. Simon

Bit late to this thread, sorry! It has been a long and ioften difficult journey for bothof you over the last few years so I am thrilled with your news! Simon

Melatonin has never been through the drug approvals process for children in the UK (not sure about adults) as it is not a 'drug' in the same way as entirely synthetic compunds. Out GP does provide us with prescriptions, but only under the direction of our Community Pediatrician. Simon

Sorry to hear your bad news. Simon

Welcome back! I hope things get better for you soon. Simon

Welcome to the forum! It is not too late to start the assessment process. Problems often come to a head at around year 3 when a childs peers seem to progress in a way that an Autistic child does not, and it is quite a common time for diagnosis to happen. It is certainly something that you need to talk to your GP and school about. If your son is Autistic it is a lifelong condition that does not 'go away' and he is likely to need ongoing support as he goes through life. Accessing that support is far more straightforward if you have a diagnosis. Simon PS We have four children (Two Autistic, two not) who all play Club Penguin. We even have the toy puffles!

Welcome Back! I am really pleased that things appear to have turned a corner for you. Simon

For me there are two main groups. People who don't have a clue but know that they don't and are willing to listen and learn are not a problem. People who don't have a clue but think they know it all are best avaoided, even if you cause offense by doing so. Simon

There is plenty of stuff out there is you google, but be wary of leaping to conclusions. Most observers put the incidence of Autism at around 1 in 100, while (depending on who yopu belive) incidence of FragileX at between 1 in 1500 and 1 in 3000 children, so it's best not to wotk yourself into an absolute panic in advance of your the formal assessment as it is more likely that your child does not have FragileX. Simon

Sorry to drag this thread back on topic when you were all having so much fun, but when someone suddenly discovers Autism or Aspergers only at the point where they want a legal defence in court it worries me. I don't know the man concerned and it is possible that what happened was at least partially related to an undiagnosed condition. But it is also possible that Autism is being used to justify wrongdoing, and it certainy wouldn't be the first time that has happened. Simon

There is no need to feel stupid! Most of the members here who are parents of Autisc children strated out on this particular journey with only a hazy idea of what Autism is an knowing hardy any of the specifics. Please don't be afraid to ask as many questions as you like here or worry about seeming stupid if ask the professionals involved with your son. Simon

The difficult thing about diagnosing Autism is that there is no test. The Blood test and MRI may be happening to rule other things out, but they cannot tell you if a child is Autistic or not. Diagnosis can only me made via observation and talking to parents, carers etc. to see if a child's behaviours meet the criteria. I can be a scary and bewildering process but it is important to remeber that your child isn't being taken away and replaced by an Autistic one. They are the same special child before AND after the process. Good Luck! Simon

I am no doctor either but there are a number of explanations behind your concerns and Autism is only one if them so I think it is probably too early to say with any certainty that your daughter is Autistic. Simon

I am sorry you are going through this. My mother died of cancer a little over two years ago and it is a very difficult time. Have you tried contacting your local hospice to see what services they can provide? Many hospices provide outreach services and may also be able to put you in touch with someone who can help to talk you through all the things that are happening around you, you deserve support as well. Simon

I am closer to 18 stone than I would like to be, and I do have two children with ASD's but I very musch doubt that anyone would like to see me belly dancing..... Simon

Any idea when it will be coming out? Simon

There often-quoted poll by the NAS that said that only 5% of people with Autism worked. The sample was very skewed because they only asked members of the NAS who were also parents Autistic Adults, and not Autistic people directly. They then concluded that because only 5% this sample woked, it means of all adults with Autism work, but I ssuspect the true poportion is somewhat higher than that, albeit well short of 100%. Simon

CAMHS support is a lottery that depends on where you live. The service can range from proactively looking for new and better ways to support children with ASD's and their families, through to offering no meaningful services at all. Our experiences have been good and it seems KarenA has had good experiences, but sadly it's not alwats as good as that. Simon

Hi Jan, a belated welcome tothe forum. We are just over the water in Birkenhead and also have 4 children, aged 5,7,9 and 11. The eldest two are on the spectrum and go to a special school. Simon

Hi Bensmum I can see you arein a very difficult position. I suggest you contact IPSEA and ask them for advice about where you stand legally. Their helpline does get very busy so don't be discouraged if it takes quite a few attempts to get through. Their web site is at http://www.ipsea.org.uk Simon

We have been there and done that. Ultimately part of the solution was to move our son from mainstream to a special school. he was so stressed by the mainstream envionment that he didn't really learn anything. He is now in year 6 and after 3 years in a special school he is faring much better. Simon

Can I just remind everyone to stick to the subject under discussion rather than address remarks at each other! Simon