Zero Report post Posted November 9, 2004 Hi All I'm Zero, I'm 25, F, based in Cambs. I'm not new to mental health in general, having a depressive condition myself (although for the most part that's very much under control), but I am fairly new to ASD's. A year or so back, after much deliberation, and with a depression support website under my belt, I decided that I want to make a career out of helping people with mental problems, and I have just taken a new job - I start Monday - as a support worker in a home with a number of youngsters with ASD's. I shall be reading as much as I can here, and am looing forward to learning more. But I am off shopping tomorrow, and wonderd if anyone can recommend a decent book or books that I should prehaps read, as an introduction of sorts to the conditions and/or working with them. It'd be a great help, as I'm so excited about this new opportunity, and want to give it my all. Thanks in advance, and well done on a great site Zero Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Lucas Report post Posted November 9, 2004 You are working with Autistics? I recommend the Bible; pay particular attention to memorising the Revelation I'm joking. For a good internet read, I always recommend Tony Attwood's Discovery of Aspie, it's quite short but insightful. http://www.thegraycenter.org/discovery_of.htm Here's a link to a library of articles written by Autistics, you might want to read those under the heading of The Autistic Experience: http://www.autistics.org/library/ Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AmyNelson Report post Posted November 9, 2004 Hi Zero, I like Donna Williams' "Inside-Out approach" book. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AmyNelson Report post Posted November 9, 2004 And to welcome you here is an emoticon of a bunny, I just noticed it and its so cute Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Fel Report post Posted November 9, 2004 Hi Amy Nelson. Anything by Tony Attwood is a pretty good bet. I also recently read "Martian in the Playground" which is written by a woman with Aspergers. Good luck with the job and also all the best for you personally. Lucas, you are a wit. You always make me smile. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kazzen161 Report post Posted November 9, 2004 Depends on where on the spectrum they are, and their age. For Aspergers - anything by Tony Attwood For Autism anything by Rita Jordan. It is always useful to read books written by children/adults who have ASD - I love the one by Kenneth Hall - he was only 11(?) when he wrote it, but it is easy to read and quite funny. Look on the NAS site - they have a publications list which describes each book. Karen Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
baddad Report post Posted November 9, 2004 Hi Zero - Welcome to the forum and good luck with the new job. As far as books go, I'd agree with the others here. Like Amy, I have a soft spot for Donna Williams' stuff, but it can be a bit circuitous for a 'first timer'... There are links to various sites in the 'resources' section of the forum, offering some fairly concise 'overviews' of ASD generally. Again, best wishes for monday BD Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kathryn Report post Posted November 10, 2004 Hi Zero and welcome, I don't know what age you are dealing with but I've found: Autism: preparing for adulthood by Pat Howlin to be pretty useful, focusing on adolescents and transition into adulthood; a good overview of the problems they face. K Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Auriel Report post Posted November 10, 2004 there is a thread for introducing yourself. It is called "introductions". Thank you. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AmyNelson Report post Posted November 10, 2004 Auriel I loved that post, it made me smile Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Zero Report post Posted November 11, 2004 Yeah, sorry; I wasn't sure whether to post this here or there.... Anyways, thanks everyone for the warm welcome and the recommendations. The bookshops in Bedford proved to be a little poor, but I managed to get hold of one of a couple of half decent 'beginners guides to...'. The rest I may order from Amazon. In the meantime, I'm sure there is much I can learn from reading and stuff here... Cheers again, all. All the best Zero Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
nellie Report post Posted November 11, 2004 Hi Zero Welcome to the forum Nellie xx Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kris Report post Posted November 11, 2004 Hi Zero, and welcome to our forum I'll move this topic into the Introductions thread Kris Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Pulpculture Report post Posted November 15, 2004 (edited) Hi I'm Matthew I've arrived here in pursuit of more information on MMR. I have a (quickly counts fingers) 15 month old girl and an appointment in two days time for her first 'single' jab. I guess as every parent we only want the best for our siblings and I can't even consider the possibility of her having the MMR vaccine. That said I am still constantly questioning my actions and decision. It really annoys me that the government and NHS (by this I mean from the PM down to health visitors only ever refer to two choices, namely MMR or not. I see it as three choices MMR, single jabs or nothing. I accept the single jabs cost money but I can't put a price on my daughters health. I always liken the 'to MMR or not to MMR' issue to Russian roulette. The gun has a bullet in it somewhere and you don't know if it is going to fire on your squeeze of the trigger. With single jabs you have access to another gun that has no bullets in it! I have been intrigued by some of the posts on this site. Some I have found very enlightening. Regards to you all. Matthew Edited November 15, 2004 by Pulpculture Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
nellie Report post Posted November 15, 2004 Hi Matthew, welcome to the forum, Your posting sums up the MMR situation. You should find lots of information about MMR here and many interested parties. Nellie xx Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CarolJ Report post Posted November 15, 2004 Hiya Matthew welcome to the forum. You have obviously reasearched the subject of the MMR. there is a documentary on it on Thursday Depsatches Channel 4 at 9.00pm although it will be more a character assassination of Andrew Wakefield rather than informing worried parents. This wrangle and sniping about the MMR has left children and parents caught in the middle with the dilemna "who do you believe?" - "who do you trust?". I fully appreciate the sruggles you must have gone through to arrive at this decision. It may surprise some on this site but I am in favour of vaccines (in principle) - but its a procedure would like to see made as safe as possible for all concerned. Okay enough of my innane ramblings, welcome again. An informative site you might want to take a look at is called - The Informed Parent http://www.informedparent.co.uk/noticeboard.html Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
big mamma Report post Posted November 15, 2004 Hi Matthew, There are ways to help boost your child's immune system to help her system cope with the jabs. If you go into your local health store you can get some powdered Vitamin C and Junior Echinicea to use as a dietary supplement , Every little helps ! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Elefan Report post Posted November 17, 2004 Welcome to the forum to anyone who has stepped in within the last week or so. Matthew, how did today go? I take it from your message that today would have been the first injection. As parents, we have to make some very tough choices/decisions. All we ask for is to have options, and honest, unbiased information to help. It shouldn't be too much to ask, should it!? Well done for standing by your beliefs though! The professionals can make us feel very little indeed, sometimes! Elefan Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Pulpculture Report post Posted November 17, 2004 Funnily enough it went so smoothly not only did my little girl not realise she had been injected but neither did my wife realise as both were distracted! I still find it daft that I'm paying �80 a jab when I'm sure the NHS could still buy these vaccines for a few pounds each! Anyway 1 down 2 to go. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kris Report post Posted November 17, 2004 Hi Matt, Welcome to the forum Kris Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Sammie Report post Posted November 17, 2004 Hi everyone Im Sam and I live in Surrey with my hubbie Tony and 2 sons, Colby 8yrs and Harrison 6 yrs old. Harrison has Aspergers and can be very challenging. He can be a funny, helpful, lovable boy but also difficult in the respect he hits and dislikes change. He loves art ALOT and dancing to music. This looks like a website and love to hear from you. Sam Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
nellie Report post Posted November 17, 2004 Welcome to the forum Sam, Your right, it is a cool website. Hope you find it useful. Nellie xx Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
asereht Report post Posted November 18, 2004 Hi everyone, I am mum to a 13 yr old with ASD (have not got this in writing yet hope to in a few weeks).We were first told he had ADHD. Not sure if he still has. Went through mainstream school and had 5 years of hell there between the age of 7 and 12 when someone finally agreed to assess him.Through the years when we expressed concern to family doc, teachers etc, we were told(my hubby and I). He'd settle when he goes to playschool. school, when he's 5,6,and so on. Thankfully he is now fairly ok in school. At home depends on what bugs him. He also has dyspraxia but is very bright.high verbal IQ but lower performance IQ.Very little eye contact (has grown long hair which he hides behind) Very limited diet won't try anything new.Doesn't sit at table with us( I have two older chldren)as he says we make to much noise when we eat! Never comes visiting with us and hates visitors.Tells me he loves me a lot also tells me he hates me,hates his family, teacher,country and if he's really annoyed his life. Well thats the backround on me.I live in Ireland and was 40 recently(going on 90 somedays or when my son is in good mood a teenager again!) Thanks for reading this sorry it's so long.I sometimes feel I could write a book! Read some of the posts everyone seems so nice, hope to post again soon Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
nellie Report post Posted November 18, 2004 Hi asereht, welcome to the forum, its lovely to hear from you. You could always write your book on here. My son wasn't diagnosed until he was 19, like you we continually expressed our concerns. You should find lots of information, advice and support on here and of course the occasional laugh. I look forward to hearing from you again. Nellie xx Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Elefan Report post Posted November 18, 2004 Hi Sam and asereht! Welcome to the forum. Hope you find all the help, advice and support you need on here. Asereht,...do I get points for working out from your logon identity, what your real name is?! Elefan xx Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
nellie Report post Posted November 18, 2004 Trust you Elefan, I was keen to know but I didn't have the nerve to ask!!! Asereht, be prepared you will now get lots of guesses!!! Nellie Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Elefan Report post Posted November 18, 2004 Oh Nellie,....isn't the answer obvious?! Have a 'look back' over the logon name!!! If I'm wrong,..I will eat my hat!!! Exx Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kaz Report post Posted November 18, 2004 lol hey Asereht welcome to the forum Elefan i had to look twice but i can see what you see now Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
nellie Report post Posted November 18, 2004 Have to admit I needed help !!!!! : i should have guessed...the Irish connection!! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bid Report post Posted November 18, 2004 Hi! to all the new members! You've finally come home here <'> Bid Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
hartshayrose Report post Posted November 19, 2004 your not alone there Nellie! had to write it down to work it out! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
asereht Report post Posted November 19, 2004 Clever of you all to have guessed.Really enjoying this forum. Very informative. Find my son and I have lots in common with most people on it in one way or another. best wishes to you all Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Elefan Report post Posted November 19, 2004 Asereht,...I thought you were going to say that I got it wrong!! Elefan Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Fel Report post Posted November 19, 2004 No, she's just going to change it to Fforeggub! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Elefan Report post Posted November 19, 2004 Kris,....we have someone in need of banning!! Though you have a good point, Fel!! Exx Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Fel Report post Posted November 19, 2004 No please!!!! This forum saves my sanity! Just my warped cockney sense of humour. In all seriousness Elefan this is the most professionally run, relevant, supportive forum there is out there. I've looked at many and haven't joined. Aserereht, I'm sure you'll find this forum a great help and will be able help others with your experiences, too. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kris Report post Posted November 21, 2004 Kris,....we have someone in need of banning!! Though you have a good point, Fel!! Exx Eh? Wot? BAN??? Cool, havent BANNED anyone in ages heh heh heh Now, wheres the BAN button gone??? "ROBBIE!!!!!!!!!!" Krisx Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ryanowen Report post Posted November 22, 2004 Hi there, My name is Kay and I am mother to two boys Ryan 6 and Owen my youngest 3yrs 8 months has just been diagnosed with autism. Although not totally out of the blue it has still come as a huge shock to my husband and myself . I think we always thought that if we think positively things would be OK but sadly this does not seem to be the case. We feel so alone with this, we do not know anyone else in our position and are unsure what the future will bring. Any advise anyone can give regarding what to do next would be really helpful. At the moment I just want to gather the family into the house and lock all the doors. This is very unlike me as I am usually a very optimistic, outgoing, happy person. This site has already made me feel less alone, thank you for that. Kind wishes Kay Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
smallworld Report post Posted November 22, 2004 Hi Kay, In january of this year I felt just as you do now. It's hard to believe it's less than a year since my son's diagnosis at 4. That's a big indicator of how much things change in the first few months,reading everyone's posts here has helped enormously in terms of support and practical advice. Back in january I couldn't face telling anyone and would burst into tears just thinking about it all. Our son's dx should have come as no shock but it still knocks you for six somehow. Just accept how you feel and don't let anyone else tell you otherwise. Things do change, obviously quicker than I had realised ! wac. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Elanor Report post Posted November 22, 2004 Hello Kay, and welcome to the forum. Your feelings are not at all surprising - but soon you'll feel less alone. There are programmes (NAS Earlybird), and specialist supporters (education psychologists, health visitors, speech therapists) - you may have to make a lot of the running yourself to start with, but there is support out there for autistic children. Best of all, there are lots of other parents - and you will feel better, and certainly less alone, as soon as you meet with them. The NAS is a great place to start - they'll direct you to local parent groups, and you can't do better than start there - don't be shy! Elanor Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
