lorryw

Oh Nellie, I am so going to miss you. You were the one person I could always rely on for sound, sensible advice. We are in the middle of a battle with our local authority which I probably woudnt have embarked without your shoves in the right direction. I fully intend to change things in my area for my son and all the other youngsters who follow him. Things will change as parents become more pro active thanks to sites and people like you. Have a great, well deserved retirement and look in whenever you can. with love and thanks Lorainexx

So, so sorry to hear of your loss. My dear neighbour died suddenly almost 3 years ago. It was a terrible shock and took a long time to come to terms with. take care Loraine xx

That is lovely to hear, well done with the therapy dog training. Lorainex

Hi JsMum, I was just wondering how things are going with your puppy? Loraine

Thanks Nellie, Ive already sent my complaint and paperwork. I had been considering doing it for a while but the latest fiasco pushed the launch button. Im keeping everything crossed for a useful outcome!! Lorainexxx

My local social services department have finally crossed the line. I cant bring myself to go into the details because I dont think anyone would believe it but lets just say my son has been let down and basically ignored for too long now. I have written a formal letter of complaint to the council and nothing has changed in fact they are worse. Ive now composed a lletter to the local government ombudsman. Has anyone else had any dealings with the ombudsman and if so how did it go? Loraine (totally cheesed off)

Just to save money, so short sighted and so, so wrong. Loraine

Not very nice here in Hampshire. Our neighbours fence has gone and all his garden furniture flung around. A bit scarey just walking around, the wind caught me on the way to work taking a short cut through a field. I screamed aloud half expecting to be lifted into the air a bit like the cow in "Twister."

Simon, My thoughts are with you and your family. Love Loraine xxx

So sorry to hear about your dog. Our beagle died last year and it was such a sad time for us. Take care Loraine

Thanks for that Ultramum, I do get so frustrated that most autism forums are all education led. Huge changes (cuts!) are taking place within social care and they are slipping through without proper discussion or comment. Lorainexx

I just wondered if anyone has ever come across a website for parents dealing with the problem of Social Care for adult autistic children. Finding care and knowing your rights is an absolute minefield and I would love to be in touch with parents who are currently undergoing the same thing. If anyone has ever come across such a thing during their exploration of cyberspace I would love to know. cheers Lorainexx

Good luck Hev, write some notes/questions before they arrive and take notes while they are there. Make sure you give them the worst case scenario. Love Lorainexx

David Cameron also has a huge private care package for his son. No having to wait for months/years for a few hours of respite for his family.

Its a replacement of the direct payment system. Several counties are piloting the scheme, in a nut shell a persons needs are assessed using personal centred planning and then given an annual sum to pay for care. My son is on the pilot scheme in our County and I would just like to know if its worked in other areas.

Does anyone know anything about the "in Control" budget project? I would love to hear any opinions or experiences. thanks

Hi Emum, Im so pleased you feel as I do that dyslexia is being wrongly described as a severe learning difficulty. Severe Learning difficulty is the politically correct phrase for mental handicap.

I forgot to mention melatonin. It isnt a drug as such, in fact I bought a bottle for my son while on holiday in Florida. It was sold in a supermarket with the vitamin supplements! Loraine

Hi Melow, Have you been in touch with Social Services? They should have an occupational therapist who can give advice and practical help. Ours is a total waste of space but you may be luckier. My son went through the same stage about 12 years ago. Our OT adviced putting bars at the window....we showed her the door! I know its no consolation at the moment but our son suddenly stopped and never did it again, although he came up with loads of other ways of driving us crazy. Lorainexx

Good luck today. Lorainex

Dont hold your breath, its just another eye catching initiative by the Government. It will be quietly dropped. Who these extra teachers will be, how they will be paid from already over stretched budgets and how already dienchanted children will be persuaded to return to school each evening hasnt been mentioned.

Please remember he is still the same little boy he has always been. Nothing has changed as far as he is concerned and please dont start panicking about the future and things that probably wont happen, you will only stress yourself out. Lorainexx

Congratulations on your silver wedding anniversary. Heres to the next 25!! Loraine xx

Loulou, We also rent a cottage in Wales right on the beach, its brilliant. No one within earshot, empty blue flag beach. Our plans for this year have been upset though the cottage is being renovated so we have had to find somewhere else. Fingers crossed our son accepts it. Lorainex

Happy, healthy New Year Love Loraine