Stella63

Hi I don't know how to do a link but thought I should share this. One of the young guys who works with my DH brought in the Metro for him to see an article written by a 24yr old AS guy - his 'real life experience' - there is an address reallife@ukmetro.co.uk - not sure if that gives you the link but some clever soul will sort it out I'm sure!!! Stella x

Hi Enid, He's on 85mg currently and his weight is around 11 stone. Stella x

Hi Mandie Sounds suspicially similar. AJ is 15, dxed AS when 14 and now dxed ADHD at 15. School and home have been a nightmare for as long as I can remember - struggling now to just keep him in school for the last year! He also is either glued to pc or out with the 'hoodies' getting into trouble - currently under the youth justice service as well!! Oh the joys....... Stella x

Hi Enid AJ was put on Strattera in January after finally being dxed ADHD at age 15. The psychiatrist said it would take about 8 weeks to see the full effect and he was right. I started to see changes in his body language, more relaxed less fist clenching etc, better eye contact and a willingness to sit and talk. The anger issues definitely better but not gone away. School initially improved, he wasn't getting thrown out of classes so much. However, i do feel that it reached a plateau and his behaviour is deteriorating. I need to make another appointment to check whether anything needs to be changed (but at �160 per hour I admit Iam stalling!!). He hasn't had any side effects with the drug apart from losing some weight and not having the voracious appetite he used to (although thats not such a bad thing!). Hope this helps but pm me if you want any other info. Stella x

Hi, Allsetuk, you are absolutely right. The ladies OJ was spending time with were talking to and understanding him on a completely different level - he was telling them about his AS and Tourettes but they didn't need to understand what it was because they just saw his heart and soul and saw him for who he is - something that is very rare here!! Flora, that really made me laugh as I can just picture it!!! We only managed Pompeii, which was totally amazing but just too hot!! We had to bribe AJ to come out with us and that worked but we couldn't trust him by himself so had to minimise trips accordingly! Would have liked to go to Capri but it was expensive and we have decided that we will go again, out of season, when the kids are older...... maybe????!!!!! It was just so nice being in a town with sooooo many lovely restauarants able to accomodate OJ's dietary requirements eg pizza with no tomato - well thats just a white pizza - no problem! spaghetti with butter and cheese - no problem.... lovely...... Stella xx

mmm... not sure I like this!! My new name is Crusty Pottyfanny Aaaggghh!!!!

Hi we have just spent 2 weeks in Sorrento - what a lovely place!!! Feel slightly guilty as we didn't really explore the area but it was really hot and we ended up in a private villa with our own pool so just chilled out big time!! AJ was happy to sleep all day, eat lots in the evening and had only 2 angry outbursts (that is a record on holiday!!). OJ found a ceremics shop and adopted a lovely Italian lady as his grandmother (and vice versa) infact she adores him so much she is coming to visit us in the winter. He dropped all his rituals and apart from continual verbal diahroreah (no, still can't spell that word!) he was quite relaxed in a different environment. I have to confess I read 5 books, got a sun tan and really chilled out, apart from getting a cold, getting bitten to death by mosquitos and eating and drinking too much. DH much the same! I think it was the best holiday we have managed for many years!! Plus I still have 5 weeks before I go back to work - can't be bad!!! Stella x

Mumble I really don't understand what is going on but you have been such a support for me and many others and just wanted to give you lots of <'> <'> <'> <'> <'> <'> and more than a few followed by a few and some of Warrens favourites Stella xxx

Hi Jsmum, You have hit the nail right on the head!! I am still struggling to get my head around the whole ADHD thing as AJ wasn't dx'd until he was 15 and by that time he has gone through virtually the whole of his education labeled the 'naughty boy' and lives up to the expectation of those around him. His teachers aren't interested in his dx as they have had enough of him and aren't willing to even try and learn how to adjust their teaching and attitudes (apart from maybe one or two). He is now under the youth justice service for an offence he commited and it is only now that we are getting any kind of support and understanding for him and for us. As part of the 'package' we now have a parent support worker who knows absolutely everything about ADHD and has been a godsend. She not only gives me strategies but is offering to go into school and give advice to staff. Incidentally I was invited to an ADHD workshop last week which was given by a lady who has ADHD and has worked with many children, teenagers and offenders. She was so inspiring and I learnt so much about AJ and also others that I work with. She offers workshops in Surrey but because she is the only one doing this her waiting list is incredibly long. She is writing a paper at the moment trying to prove that if intervention is given when children are young, the money saved later would run into millions (ie to help keep teens out of trouble and out of the criminal system). I was amazed to be sitting with 20 or so parents, all with teens who have got into trouble and all had the same problems we have had since AJ was little. I have always known that there was more to it than just bad behaviour and listening to them confirmed this big time. For the first time I felt that I was not alone with all the problems we have had to deal with (and still are) but this lady said exactly what you are saying - people need to know what ADHD is all about otherwisw nothing changes. Stella x

Hi This brought back instant memories of AJ about the same age had the TRex roar down to a fine art from Jurassic Park! He then progressed to the velociraptor and used his his hands as claws, imitated it perfectly! Don't know about the AS - I was obsessed with dinosaurs when I was little so thought it completely normal for my two to go through that phase (and it lasted a long time!!!!)I was so envious that I hadn't had those films when I was little! Stella x

And thank you Simon for sorting out the link thing for me - couldn't figure that out at all!!! Stella x

Damn Baddad, you spotted my deliberate mistake!!! I was told by OJ to 'get the audience going' and didn't realise until it was too late!!!! How embarrassing!!! Still, glad you guys enjoyed it and I am just so proud of him - I wasn't sure whether he would make it in mainstream secondary but he has gone from strength to strength, mainly because of finding his voice and the support he has got from the other kids has been amazing! And, before you say it, he hasn't inherited his singing skills from me!!! Stella x

Hi I've posted before about OJ discovering he could sing in his first year at secondary school. The school do a Stars in Their Eyes every year and he took part yesterday AND WON!!!!! He wanted the video on Youtube so here's the link (except it might not show as a link cos I'm rubbish at things like that!!) http://www.youtube.com/josephmyst3r Stella x Edited link to be clickable! - Simon (Mossgrove)

Hi Exactly the same with OJ and again I'm the same with wasps!! We invested in one of those zapper bats and OJ will take control of the situation by zapping them. Works in the house but agree it is difficult when you're out. Stella

Hi Enid, I know its the wrong way of thinking about it - the worry and stress that he caused- but it could be that you will now get 'in the system' and if you get a decent social worker, you may now get some real help. We called ss when AJ was at his worst at xmas and we were at the point of throwing him out, they have been useful although I have to say they, like CAMHS, are limited by resources and funding etc. Since AJ was arrested earlier this year he is now under the youth justice people and part of what they offer is a parent support service which has been simply outstanding!!! I can honestly say that the lady who comes to see me (and, yes, she is there just to support ME!!) is so knowledgable about ADHD and AS and has given me some brilliant strategies as well as offering to support me in school with meetings with teachers. The sad thing is that I have been crying out for years for help with the kids and it had to reach this low before the right help was offered. Sorry, that sounds a bit bleak and I didn't mean it to! Stella x

Hi Kala, I'm also in Surrey Heath area and work with special needs kids (when I'm not dealing with my own!!) Would love to hear more about your club. Stella x

Sciencegeek, that made me laugh, you remind me of my hubbie (undxed but obviously AS) he has many collections but his favourite is gramophone needle tins.... very useful!!! stella

Hi OJ is exactly the same and I've noticed at school that when they have a 'blazers off' day (on those very infrequent hot days!) the only ones who insist on wearing their blazers are all the AS kids. When I ask any of them why they mostly say things like 'its the uniform so I must wear it' or 'it doesn't feel right without my blazer on' - interesting huh? Stella

One of my all time fave books!!! The one I always remember and have on a regular basis is a Woking - when you go into a room and can't remember what you went there for!!! Maybe its because I live in Woking!! Stella

Hi, My eldest ds sees a fantastic psychiatrist privately, not cheap but worth every penny, Woking area if you're interested. Stella

Hi Have you considered Sunparks in Belgium? We have been going for years now, much cheaper than Centreparcs, more to do in the area, huge stretches of sand, tram rides along the whole coastline, loads to do on site, something for all ages. Stella

Hi Terri, I wish all teachers were like you!! I know there are some fantastic teachers out there but there are many more who still need to be educated about the special needs kids they work with. I'm currently halfway through a post grad in Aspergers and the main issue that came out of my first essay (about AS children at my school) was that teachers need a far greater level of understanding. I have decided that my second essay which has to be work based is going to be to develop a training programme for teachers, ask for several volunteers, deliver the programme and get them to evaluate the effectiveness of it with children they work with. Its a very small step but we have to start somewhere!!! Stella

Hi OJ when he was in year 6 was tested by the SENICT, which in our case was Surrey CC who because of his handwriting difficulties and Tourettes was given a laptap (on loan by County). He used it when he started secondary as we had no idea how he would cope with extended writing activities. He has recently given it up as is coping really well and as soon as my SENCO phoned the SENICT lady she was there like a shot to collect it (which shows the shortage and demand for them!). It is up to the school to request a test (if he is statemented) not sure how it works without the statement. Hope this helps Stella x

What about Madge. Brings back memories of Morris Minor rallies - my boyfriend had a cloud blue Minor convertible - loved it!!! Still get a buzz when I hear that throaty engine going down the road!! Stella x

Oh jsmum I do so sympathise with what you are going through. I have just had the week from hell as far as school is concerned (will write a thread later when feeling more in control) but the bottom line is they are not listening and not understanding the SEN issues that our kids have - they are not being inclusive at all and I am in a difficult position because I work at their school as an LSA so am parent and staff! Going to speak to my union tomorrow and get the legal side of it before my next battle. Just wanted to say you're not alone and it's reassuring to know i am not alone!! Stella x