Elefan

Right,...call it a soft moment as it is Christmas time, but I can't think of a better time to say a few thank you's. The forum has been on the go for over two years now and has grown into a big bunny!! Such wonderful people on here making the ASD world seem a smaller place and a much brighter one sometimes. Kris,...my dear best pal,...IT genius and loyal supporter to me and my little girls. Without him, there would be no forum. It was his idea! <'> Thank you, bud! Nellie,...The Knowledgeable One! A chance introduction on the forum,..and then realising we live in the same village,..and the rest is history. She campaigned relentlessly with me to help my ASD little one (and her long-suffering sibling). Her watchful eye on the forum, whilst having endless knowledge, has saved so many of us when in despair. Thank you, Nels! Bid,...Most of you know Bids story, but she has been an inspiration and worked tirelessly for her family. I was so touched that she was willing to take the step of being a moderator and help safe-guard our forum. Thank you, Bid! Baddad,...Again, if there is anyone who does not know of Baddad and his invaluable humour and support on this forum,...where have you been!? Always around when you need him, with a wise and funny comment to help you re-focus! Thank you, Bads the Moderator! Lufty,.... <'> You surprised me! Thank you for earning our trust. Persevering when I try and go to ground again,..when I think you would be better off not having the challenges that my little family present. Thank you for putting up with us all,...and showing that it is possible for someone to enter this situation and stay,... You have made our 2005. I love you. Robbie,...for being a cute bunny, regardless of how many times you nibble through Kris and Lufty's cables!! And becoming an accidental forum mascot! My angels,....for being the inspiration to this forum and touching the lives of everyone who meets you. You wont get a chance to read this,..but I love you both with all my heart. And to all of you,....thank you. You should be proud of the forum YOU made! I will delete this post once I have had a caffein intake, when I realise how mortified the mods will be, and realise how uncharacteristically 'public' I have been! Merry Christmas everybody!!!!

We are just being super-safe! Hope you equally understand. We take the safety of our members and families very seriously. Kindest regards, Elefan

I am watching this thread with interest. The opening post may understandably evoke some strong emotions. Providing replies are reasoned and non-personal, then I have no problem. However, we always pride ourselves with being a forum where people can turn to, comment, seek help, and support others. Healthy debate is a good thing, but we will 'moderate' if and when necessary. Kindest regards, Elefan

And the ruling is,.... Sorry folks, but for the safety of you all and the children, no photo's are permitted to be posted on the forum. Kindest regards, Elefan

Ditto! Like clockwork!! Who needs calendars!!? Viper,...I'm sure we started a thread on this last year, and then many joined in! It is something I have never read about though, but definitely seems to exist! Elefan

I am so sorry to hear this, too. How awful. We are all here to help, and I don't doubt someone more experienced will come along with the answers soon for you and Tiny. Take care, Elefan xx

Lucas!! Elefan

Dear everyone new!! A huge welcome and thank you for finding us! We are one extremely large virtual family now! Kindest regards, Elefan

All, My instinct was to close this topic along with the other one that Kris closed. However, I saw that as deeply unfair to Supersec who was looking for a shoulder yesterday. So, I am appealing to you all to put this thread back on track and in the fashion that we pride ourselves on. Support, listening, empathy, and advice where possible. For over two years we have managed to remain largely diplomatic, polite, and with the unique ability to 'self-moderate'. It has made us very proud indeed of our forum. You are the one's who deserve the praise for achieving this. Please don't let things degenerate because Autism, by it's very nature can be an emotive subject with far reaching consequences on the lives it touches,..both for the better and sadly at times, for the worse. We are all on the same side and united by ASD. Kindest regards, Elefan

Congratulations Simon! You have been with us since the beginning really,....and have been a font of knowledge, support and encouragement. Thank you for all 1000 of your posts,...and to the next 1000! Elefan xx

Welcome Lufty! Thank you so much for stepping in to help us. Elefan xx

Remind me to add that word to the list of swear words that can get a member banned!! Elefan xx

Heh heh heh,... As if!!! DW and Robbie! xx

<'> <'> <'> Dear Bid,..... Thinking of you so much. Something I can relate to,..and you have deepest sympathies. Take your time,..and sod the rest of 'em! Give the 'lovely' Jester, Auriel and the rest of the family a hug from me and mine too. Love Elefan xxx

All, Just to let you know that I will be closing the Batcave with affect from tomorrow. Elefan

Hiya, Interesting thread! I am taking my ASD and her NT twin to Karate this Friday evening for the first time. Will see what happens,..it will either be an outlet, or train her so that she is even harder to handle during a melt down! They already rock climb, and she is a natural. No fear of heights,...etc. Elefan xx

Pah!! I come back from holiday, to find that you have all got chummy!! And where were the invitatios for the other batcave dwellers!!? ( Seriously, sounds brill,...and your weather must have been perfect too! Time to catch up on the forum,.... have you all been behaving?!! And, good luck for tomorrow and this week for everyone who has children starting back. Elefan xx

Hi, Sorry to read about your experience. However, as much as a thread like this would be helpful, the moderating team are going to have to advise caution. We are very vulnerable as soon as we 'name' and especially 'shame'. Please feel free to place recommendations (with members noting that they are personal recommendations not endorsed by KrisM), but ask members to PM you for the name of any company you may wish to shame, or describe a scenario with. Hope you understand. Kindest regards, Elefan and Co.

You got me too! Thank you. Elefan

I'm from Berkshire! I have had experience of two LEA's, due to being on the border of both. No comment! Elefan

A warm welcome to all the new recruits! Life is not quite the same after entering the Batcave (under General Discussions folder),..and the world of Krism!! Hope you find what you are looking for. Kindest regards, Elefan

Hi folks, Just a note of caution,....we are watching this thread very carefully as it could easily 'develop'. No problems at all so far, but the issue being discussed could be offensive/emotive, if you have a strong opinion either way. Please be respectful of one another,...agree to differ by all means! Regards, Elefan

Welcome to the newbies who have just arrived! I know you will be welcomed by everyone else too. I'd like to take this opportunity to reassure you all that differences of opinions are allowed on this forum! Sometimes, even encouraged! This gives us a wealth of information, techniques, and methods to try when attempting to make life better for our families. Keep the idea's coming,....take any 'discussion' as healthy chit-chat,...and don't take differences of opinion to heart. Sometimes we have to agree to disagree! We pride ourselves on having a forum where topics don't get personal! Thanks a million to all of you who actively keep things this way. Respect!!! Elefan xx

I am staggered at how many people continue to find the forum,....and take the time to post. Thank you. Welcome to every one of you. You will need to forgive me for my lack of postings sometimes,...like most of you, I go through periods where my multi tasking has to be toned down a little! Only so many hours in the day! Best wishes, Elefan xx

Simon,..that's brilliant!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I love good news!!!! Elefan xx