bevalee

Hi Francis Mary My son was 14 before he got a statement, actually nearly 15. With the mental health problems he had and the AS/ADHD, i was also told i wouldn't get a statement. So don't give up! <'> My son goes to the same residential school as Bid's son, and its a wonderful place for him. He didn't want to go away to a residential school either, but when he visited the school he couldn't wait to start! Lots of <'> <'>

Hi Frances-Mary The very same thing happened to my son at 14. He couldn't cope any longer in mainstream school. He was also very abusive. He had to see a psychiatrist who diagnosed him with severe anxiety/depression which had turned into school phobia because of his AS. Have you thought of looking at specialist AS provision for your son? My son started a specialist AS school in April this year, it was a long fight but he is enjoying it so much and is in school full time now. And has improved already. Have you consulted your GP or your local Camhs? I do hope things improve, i know how you feel <'> <'>

I voted yes, but the same as Bid and Karen. He is in a specialised AS school with a 24 hour curriculum.

Hi George Welcome to the forum!

That's wonderful news! i'm really happy for you

Hi Mike I know its hard. My son has been at his residential school now for 5 weeks, and i miss him very much. He came home for Half Term, and in that short time the difference was amazing. Anxiety levels have dropped, he is happy and after being out of school for 2 years he is doing really well. Thats when you know you've done the right thing! John will go from strength to strength.

Good Luck! I hope it goes well for you.

Welcome to all of the new members

I'll be sending her everything i have as well.

Hi Bid Don't know if its any use to you. But have you tried Ultralife? My sister has a problem with her little girl. She is severely anaemic & under weight because she won't eat a thing. She will take the shake and its dairy free and suitable for all sorts of people with dietary problems. www.ultralife.uk.com Give then a call, the number is on the web page. They can answer all of your questions then.

I hope so. But still keep a close check on things, because they can easily slip back. Gook Luck!

Thats great news for you both I am so pleased. Well done!

Desparate So sorry <'> <'>

Hi Hev I'm so pleased you've found a school for Stevie at last. Have you moved yet?

Hi Sharon I used to live just outside of Fareham, in Stubbington. Its changed alot in 10 years.

HI I've just got this through from the Jessica Kingsley Publishers. Thought it might be useful to some of you. This fully photocopiable resource offers a flexible framework for the assessment and measurement of the communication skills of children with autistic spectrum disorders (ASDs). Packed with practical assessment and planning sheets, it enables teachers, educators and other professionals to observe and record how children use and understand language, and to follow their progress over time. The completed assessment record is an accessible summary of a child?s individual communication style, identifying strengths and weaknesses and the ways in which he or she is best assisted and motivated to communicate. It focuses on how children express themselves in everyday situations ? for example, how they make requests or gain attention, the words they use most frequently, and how their communication is affected by different people and places. Most importantly, it provides a diagnosis of where communication skills can be developed and improved. Using the communication curriculum, educators can set appropriate targets, linked to work in other areas, such as literacy and science. A separate thinking skills curriculum aims to develop the skills and confidence necessary for social interaction, from making simple choices to understanding humour and abstract ideas. Originally devised for use with children with ASDs, this toolkit is equally effective in identifying communication problems in other children, and is an invaluable resource for teachers and speech and language therapists. Assessing and Developing Communication and Thinking Skills in People with Autism and Communication Difficulties A Toolkit for Parents and Professionals Kate Silver, Autism Initiatives March 2005 80 pages ISBN 1 84310 352 4 Paperback �19.95/US$35.00

Hi Mrs Q I live in Croydon, Surrey. With the worst LEA in the world! Nice to meet you.

Hi Jo Saw you had been posting alot, didn't realise that you were new. Welcome aboard <'>

This is terrible. We saw the LEA Ed Psych 3 times and he still didn't put my son forward for a statement. Why do we have to go through the process of private assessments, not everyone can afford it. The LEA still refused 3 times to statement him until i had O/T and Psychiatric reports as well. Keep fighting and don't give up, you will get there in the end.

Hi Mike I haven't really got any tips for you. I went to tribunal 3 times and each day was different. But good luck, and i hope you get what you want.

I've just tried the link aswell - didn't work.

Hi Hev I'm really pleased things are going better for you at last. Is the AS school residential or a day placement? I'll keep my fingers crossed for you both

My son was given Prozac to help him with anxiety and depression when he was in mainstream. I can't honestly say that it helped him. He was signed off from school because of his dep/anxiety and he calmed down alot because he was taken out of the situation. I think really it depends on the child.

Hi Hev I am sooooooo pleased for you. Its so nice to hear good news and you and Steve really deservve it. <'> <'>

Hi Welcome! Glad you found us. I know how you are feeling. My son is 15 AS/ADHD/Dyspraxia/Dyslexia. Very verbally abusive. There isn't anything that i haven't been called. He goes to a specialist AS school on Weds, i just hope that they can help him. He won't accept his diagnosis or any outside help now. Although we didn't really get any help from them anyway. Some times though, i do wish i had someone really near me who was in a similar posistion.