baddad Report post Posted August 28, 2004 Hi Pingu, et al... welcome! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
nellie Report post Posted August 28, 2004 Welcome to the forum Mrs. Q, Take your time to read all the information and postings. I hope you have a good sense of humour, some of the topics have gone off the point slightly!! I won't make the pun about forming an orderly queue then!! Nellie. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mabrew Report post Posted August 29, 2004 Hello My name is Michelle, married to Martin and have two boys Matthew aged 6, Thomas the Tank Engine fanatic and general train mad and surprisingly not ASD and Joshua aged 3. Joshua was dx as mild/moderate ASD in March this year. Joshua has limited speech although he is making alot of progress (can now say bic bic and drink amongst other things). He is mainly into spinning wheels and tapping every toy or item he picks up and is quite keen on running up and down following straight lines on the carpet, ceiling, fence etc. He's a very affectionate child which I'm so pleased about and is quite happy to have a cuddle (when he feels like it) and sings alot. He is going to a pre school 3 morns a week, I have been staying with him a fair bit as he is not potty trained and to begin with hated being left. When he starts back in September we are hoping to have a 1:1 helper for him and I will have 3 morns of freedom!! Have deferred his nursery place with a view to getting a statement but have just been turned down for a statutory assessment so not sure what happening at the moment. I'm waiting to hear about my appeal for DLA (been 11 weeks since submitted it) as I've been turned down twice already for DLA. I'm not holding out much hope of getting it and I'm abit hacked off with the whole thing at the moment. Hope I haven't waffled on too much. Michelle Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
nellie Report post Posted August 29, 2004 Welcome to the forum Michelle, You have come to the right place for advice, support and understanding. Your family sound delightful. I?m sorry you have had such bad luck with the statutory assessment and DLA. Good luck with the DLA appeal, I hope it goes in your favour. You will find excellent advice on education and DLA in the resources section. Have you tried getting help from the NAS advocacy regarding your statutory assessment? It seems crazy that you have been turned down. Look forward to ?chatting? again. Have a good browse around, any problems just ask. Nellie. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
nel Report post Posted August 29, 2004 Hello to all. Haven't posted on here for a bit as very busy with kids etc. well, Oliver starts at assessment unit on 06/09/04 next Mon) so am hoping this will be a good thing. Has any-one else had an experience of sending their 3 yr old to school full-time? It is a unit catering for multiple S.E.N but they are v. experienced with ASD's and say they will keep him for 2 terms to do his statement and he can then go to autistic unit which is excellent place (have visited it already). It just seems such a big step, he still seems like a baby to me and he will be out of the house between 8.15 and 4.15. Also, has any-one ever tried Sensory integration with their children? Ol rocks and stims constantly. I don't know if I'm posting in the right place where people will read this post. I'm very very c**p with computers so will just hope for the best! By the way hi Caroline - thanks for your post - I just managed to find it and read it (I told you I was c**p!) I think we've chatted on Babyworld? Ol has also had diagnosis but back in November. You sent me a very kind message after i'd been to a really terrible birthday party with Ol! Anyway, take care lots of love x Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mrs q Report post Posted August 29, 2004 Hi there I am New too! My intro is on page ten of the intro pages.... Welcome to the group and i am looking forward to get to know you all Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mrs q Report post Posted August 29, 2004 Hi there everyone Thanks for the replies.... From what i read so far, it looks like a very friendly and supportive group! Thank you for making me fell so welcome.... Hope in time i can get to know you all Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kris Report post Posted August 30, 2004 Hi there Mrs G, Welcome to the forum Kris & Elefan Forum Hosts Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Solaris Report post Posted August 30, 2004 (edited) Sorry I never introduced myself sooner, I'm 32 and live in Scotland. My nephew was recently diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome. When my family found out what it was, they immediately thought of me and sent me some books on it, I have done lots of tests, including the ones listed in these forums and I'm well in the positive here for showing all the traits. If only this was recognised when I was at school, I'd have had a much easier life! <== I had to make use of this icon because I find it hilarious for some reason. while I'm at it: to the power of Hi Pingu, et al... welcome! what is 'et al' ? "someone's et al my bratwurste!" Edited August 30, 2004 by Solaris Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mabrew Report post Posted September 1, 2004 Hello there Thought I would just say that the day after putting my first post on here and moaning about the DLA I got letter yesterday saying that Josh will be getting middle rate and they've backdated it from Feb so we are really pleased. Now just got to try and get a statutory assessment, have been turned down for this, got to submit some more reports. Keeping my fingers crossed. Michelle x Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
smallworld Report post Posted September 1, 2004 solaris, sorry am never sure if people are being sarcastic (my name is miss paranoia) but put simply ,' et al' means 'and others'. once you start your uni course you will meet abbbreviations like this all the time. believe me, it is well worth getting a good dictionary or guide to english usage. just so you know what all those comments mean on the edge of your essay ,they like to baffle us with a bit of that so up to date language latin ! seriously, it is worth working out all the latin abbreviations used, ie, ibid,anon,etc ,et al,qou vadis !!!!!!!!!! hope this helps. have had to really dredge my already murky memories of academic life ! waccoe Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
smallworld Report post Posted September 2, 2004 sorry, as i have now posted on the introductions thread think i should make one ! hello, my name is waccoe (my name and my nature ) i have 3 chilren, a daughter,age 11 supposedly nt, a son aged 8 un dx aspergers (just from brief chat with paed) and son aged 4(dx mod autism) it is a mad house ! they are all wonderful, if exhausting ! fortunately my partner and i both feel we have traits (understatement, i feel) of asd so are used to chaos. realise I haven't said I am the mother of this family. must say that now i have taken the plunge to chat may have difficulty shutting up ! waccoe Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
lynyona Report post Posted September 2, 2004 hi to sandra and vicki and any other new memebers that i havent yet said hello too .I havent been on the computer much due to the school holidays and a 15 year old computer hog. so all enjoy the board. lynn Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Angus Report post Posted September 2, 2004 Hi we are Angus And Janet. Our son John has recently been dx ASD and is about to go through the statement process. He is 10 and we've been on the trail for the past 6/7 years with one assessment after another. Anyway John is finally accepted as being in need of help and isnt just a rude and arrogant boy. Something his older sister (14) has understood for years. Look forward to sharing experiences and learning as we go, this certainly looks a great site and resource hub. Cheers Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
nellie Report post Posted September 2, 2004 Welcome to the forum Janet and Angus Sorry you have had such a hard time getting recognition, you will find lots of parents on here who will fully understand what you have gone through. Take your time and have a good look round. Nellie. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kris Report post Posted September 2, 2004 Hi there Janet & Angus, Welcome to the forum Kris Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
baddad Report post Posted September 2, 2004 Hello all Newbies - hope to be posting with you all in the near... ANGUS - can you please change your name to Brad, even if just for the batcave - It would make many sad sacks very happy to have an official "brad & Janet" (dammit!) on board!! 'n' Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pookie170 Report post Posted September 3, 2004 Hi Angus and Janet (or should that be Brad?) Whaddya mean, 'sad sacks', Bad? I'm a very happy sack, I'll have you know!! Esther x Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Elefan Report post Posted September 3, 2004 A big hello from me, too!!!! Glad you found us,...hope you enjoy your time here! You're just in time for our first birthday party, too!!! Warmest welcomes, Elefan xx Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kathryn Report post Posted September 5, 2004 Hi everyone. I'm really glad to have found this site; I've already found it really helpful. It's comforting to know there are others like me out there and I look forward to getting to know you. I have a 15 year old daughter who was diagnosed with Aspergers in April. She has never found school easy but recently she's begun to suffer severe anxiety about going and has lost all motivation. She has cut herself off from the few friends she had. The school don't seem to be aware of the seriousness of the problem. Taking her out of school would ease the stress, but this is her GCSE year. I'd really like to talk to anyone else in a similar situation. I also have a 7 year old NT son who is the complete opposite, sees school as one big exciting adventure. having taken the plunge and made my first post, I'm now off to bed! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
nellie Report post Posted September 5, 2004 Welcome to the forum Kathryn I'm so glad you have taken the plunge to post. Sorry to hear your daughter is having a hard time with school. I'm sure someone here will be in a similar situation and be able to help. I look forward to 'chatting' with you some time. Nellie. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pookie170 Report post Posted September 5, 2004 (edited) Hi Kathryn!! It's nice to meet you! I just wanted to make a post that might help your daughter..I say this tentatively, though! My sister's friend , though NT, suffered from School-Phobia, can't remember the correct name for it, but it is a bona fide condition, I assure you. She could not be chivvied into going, the High School cut down her hours and tried to accomodate her needs in quite a few ways but in the end, with medical backing, her parents managed to get her home educated, with home tutors visiting her regularly. Your school should have an appointed special educational needs coordinator (one of the teachers), perhaps you could try talking to them to get some resolution on this. Does your daughter have a psychiatrist/paediatrician? If you could get their backing on this it would be a big help to addressing this problem with the school's cooperation. Does your lass have a statement? I'm thinking that would be of use here too, you see. I'm afraid I don't have any experience of this myself, my AS son is only 6 though when he attended mainstream, there was much wrestling on of uniform and placating of son before school every day! He finally aquiesced somewhat on his then Headmaster's promise that he could sit in his shiny new Vectra every day if he came to school and tried his best. Something tells me that won't work on your young adult though!! Best of luck, Kathryn, Esther x Edited September 5, 2004 by pookie170 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bid Report post Posted September 5, 2004 Hi Kathryn, Welcome to the forum! And a big welcome to everyone else new too! My son is 15 too, Kathryn, and was signed off from school in May due to acute stress because of the pressure of GCSEs. A home tutor has only just been organised by the LEA. I would strongly advise you to make sure that if school gets too much for your daughter, you ensure your GP and preferably the specialist who diagnosed her sign her off on medical grounds. If you withdraw her without medical support the LEA can say you have chosen to do this and refuse to give her any help! I would also advise you to make an appointment to see your daughter's Connexions Advisor at school. They will be able to put you in contact with the local Connexions Advisor who deals with Special Needs. There are actually a number of Specialised 6th Form Colleges just for students with Asperger Syndrome, which you might like to look round. Some of them do not require a Statement for entry...your Connexions Advisor should be able to give you loads of info. We are waiting to see if 2 colleges are able to help our son. If your daughter doesn't have a Statement I would really urge you to think about this. Don't let anyone put you off trying for one. My son wasn't statemented, and various professionals told me it was far too late to get one (this was in May). But this forum gave me the confidence to go for it anyway, and we are now quite a good way through the statementing process. A Statement is so important because after 16 the LEA has no legal duty to help your daughter, but with a Statement they have a legal duty to educate her upto 19. Sorry I've written so much!! I know how much there is to take in...take your time reading the various threads on the site, and don't hesitate to ask anything! Kind regards, Bid Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kris Report post Posted September 5, 2004 Hi Kathryn, Welcome to our forum Kris Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kathryn Report post Posted September 5, 2004 Thanks for the welcome everybody. I've come here for some much needed respite after trying to get Lucy to organise her bag for school tomorrow. We are going to meet with the SENCO this week to talk about the way forward. I was advised by someone from the NAS to go for a statutory assessment so I think that's what we'll probably do, although the prospect makes my head spin. Up until May she seemed to be coping reasonably well with the pressure - the change has come so suddenly. (I expect I should be saying all this over on Education rather than on the Introductions thread, so I'll shut up now. ) Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mossgrove Report post Posted September 6, 2004 Kathryn, Wecome to the forum, I am father to four children, the eldest two (4 and 6) are both on the Autistic Spectrum. Good luck with the SENCO. On the issue of a tatement, go with your instincts. As we are discovering, It's a sad fact of life that many SENCO's will advise parents that a statement is not necessary when a statement is very necessary. Many (most?) SENCO's have less knowledge and experience of dealing with children with Austistic Spectrum disorders than the children's parents do. So come here, join a local support group, join the National Autistic Society, get loads of advice, speak to your GP and consultant, and never ever be afraid to challenge any advice you are given as YOU are the expert. Simon Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kathryn Report post Posted September 6, 2004 Mossgrove, thanks for the encouragement. Our meeting with the Senco is tomorrow. I find it difficult to approach these situations with the right degree of assertiveness but having the right information helps. A couple of months ago I knew nothing at all about SEN provision. At the moment Lucy's anxiety is now so acute she may need to spend some time well away from the classroom. If we keep her at home even temporarily, will it weaken our position with regard to getting a statement, do you think? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mossgrove Report post Posted September 6, 2004 Kathryn Hopefully Nellie will be along in a minute as she is the resident expert on such things. In order to get a statement, you will need some evidence of interventions tried by the school (IEP's etc.) or your clai is likely to get 'bounced' by the Education Authority, so make sure your SENCO documents everything at the meeting, produces a plan of action. follows it up and documents any interventions made. Not sure if some time away from school wpuld harm your case or not. If it's written into the action plan that she needs to have periods away from school it may well help. Sorry if this sounds cynical, but I can't help feeling that some teachers get given the SENCO job in much the same way as one person does first aid, another volunteers to be fire marshall, and someone else looks after the tea kitty. Some SENCO's are wonderful people who do a very good job, others don't seem to have a clue what the job entails,let alone how to do it well, so be prepared to be assertive and specific, and don't be fobbed off. Good luck! Simon Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
nellie Report post Posted September 6, 2004 Kathryn You have been given some good advice. I agree with the NAS, your daughter probably needs to have her SEN assessed and may need a statement. To get the LEA to agree to do a statutory assessment, evidence will have to be provided. The school, parents, professionals and anyone involved with your daughter can provide evidence to show that her needs are not being met. If the school say they will request an assessment you should also put in a parental request. If the school say they cannot put in a request because there is not enough evidence then you will have the right to apply yourself, but be aware that you have to prove it is necessary. There is a lot of information on education resources and I would advise looking though the topics. The following three are probably the most important topics, I have provided links to them. NAS information on SEN procedure NAS information sheets on Education http://www.asd-forum.org.uk/forum/index.php?showtopic=690 SEN Support and Information Services SEN advice, information and support http://www.asd-forum.org.uk/forum/index.php?showtopic=676 Useful Documents on SEN Procedure. For parents of children with SEN. http://www.asd-forum.org.uk/forum/index.php?showtopic=675 It is important to keep copies of any correspondence, notes on meetings and phone calls. Keep notes of evidence of Lucy's difficulties and details of how you think her needs are not being met, you might need them. I would strongly advise you to make sure that if school gets too much for your daughter, you ensure your GP and preferably the specialist who diagnosed her sign her off on medical grounds. If you withdraw her without medical support the LEA can say you have chosen to do this and refuse to give her any help! This is good advice from Bid, it might be worth looking at the topic Home Education in education resources. Well I have probably well and truly overloaded you by now. Take it a step at a time. If Lucy's emotional and mental health is at risk, I think you may want to bring it to the attention of the school and the LEA, maybe backed up by your GP. Good luck, any questions, just ask. Nellie. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kathryn Report post Posted September 6, 2004 Thanks for the advice. (Why do I have that "night before an exam" feeling??) After re-reading the report from the psychologist who diagnosed Lucy, it seems that most of the recommendations she made have not been followed in any consistent way by the school. From what Lucy has told me, some teachers have done some things to help but there is no written evidence of this, at least, none that I have seen, but I'll see what the SENCO has to say tomorrow. To add to the mix, Lucy came home at lunchtime today very agitated and wouldn't go back for her last two lessons ( a combination of bullying and complete sensory overload) I think a break from school on medical grounds seems increasingly likely. As she has been on antidepressants since May I don't think we'll have much trouble getting backup from the GP. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bluebabsylou Report post Posted September 7, 2004 Hello everyone,Barbara here from kent.I have a 15yr old son named Alex with ASD.I am not sure how to go about things around here as i,m new to this sort of thing.I will get the hang of it no doubt,(in time).Just wanted to introduce myself and hopefully get some useful tips and ideas. Thank you for taking the time to read this and i hope to hear from some of you soon.Bye for now. Bluebabsylou. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kris Report post Posted September 7, 2004 Hi Barbara, Welcome to the forum. Dont worry, you will get the hang of it very quickly Kris Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
nellie Report post Posted September 7, 2004 Hi Barbara, welcome to the forum You will soon find your way around, any questions just ask. You should find lots of help and support on here. The Forum is having its first birthday tomorrow, our hosts Kris and Elefan are throwing an online party in the batcave, you can find details here: http://www.asd-forum.org.uk/forum/index.ph...st=0entry8826 The batcave, in case you are wondering, can be found here: http://www.asd-forum.org.uk/forum/index.php?showtopic=391 The Batcave is somewhere for people to let their hair down and have a bit of fun if they want to......I hope you have a good sense of humour!! Best wishes to you and your family Nellie. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mirgaika Report post Posted September 10, 2004 Hi, Sorry if I'm posting in the wrong spot, this is a bit tricky to figure out. My "name" is Mirgaika, or "mir" as I*m known. I'm pretty shy at first, but once you get to know me..... you might wish I stayed shy, just kidding. I wanted to ask, is this a parent only forum, or can anyone post? I am 99.9% sure I have Aspergers syndrome myself, waiting on the "official word" which here in sweden might take 100years...I hate our medical system, wait wait wait. Lets see...I'm 29 soon, fulltime studen, and currently obsessed with anything fire/rescue related... Anything else, feel free to ask. (no promise I'll asnwer...hehe) Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jester Report post Posted September 10, 2004 Hi Mir Post in 'Introductions' for a bigger response...but we all try to keep an eye everywhere to welcome newcomers like you! <'> First of all - NO! This is NOT a 'parent only' forum ...but it must be said that it is mainly populated by parents of AS kids and we look to support each other. However, we do have adult, teenage and young 'Aspies' who post here.. so we don't be afraid!! In fact, you will find that us parents DESPERATELY seek adult Aspie advice on what our kids might be thinking...so please don't be 'shy'. Some sections ... like 'The Batcave' are pure insanity and they often cofuse our Aspie friends; I'm guessing British humour probably confuses the Swedes anyway so...if you find a 'chat' that's mad/bad/or nonsense - don't be upset. Many 'Welcomes' Jester PS Your English is much better than my Swedish...I can manage 'Bjorn Borg, Abba and Smorgasbord' PPS I've a nagging feeling 'Smorgasbord is not even Swedish!?! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Spike Report post Posted September 11, 2004 Hi all. My real name is Justin, but all my friends call me Spike (its a navy thing). I work for the M.O.D as an engineer, which ive been doing for 2 years since i left the Navy. Im Married to Melissa and we have 2 sons. Ethan Wade whos 4 and Taylor Jay whos 3. Yesterday (Sept 10th) Ethan had his First Assesment and after the 2 hours of IQ style tests, we were told that they believe he is suffering from Aspergers and that they need to do more tests to see exactly whats going on. Well up until about 1130 yesterday id never heard of Aspergers. So i did what every modern person would do and jumped on the net, and thats when i found this place.. From what ive read of this site you have all been here for quite a while and all seem pretty clued up (wish i was). I hope to make some new friends while im here and borrow some of your knowledge and experience.... i look forward to talking to you all at one time or another.... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
lynyona Report post Posted September 11, 2004 his spike nice to meet you. this site has smashing people with a great wealth of knowledge and information and they have a laugh too, hang around im sure you will benefit from it, i know i have, keeps me sane especially if i just need a rant or rave about something.But sometimes they can go of the sane lol( only joking guys).Why not visit the batcave and see for yourself.lynn Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bid Report post Posted September 11, 2004 (edited) Hi Spike! Welcome to the forum, and I echo everything Lynn has said...but enter the BatCave at your peril!! You must be reeling from the dx yesterday - how is Melissa feeling? <'> Bid Edited September 11, 2004 by bid Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
nellie Report post Posted September 11, 2004 Welcome Spike, Nice to meet you. How are you finding civvy street? I was in the RAF for four years, (a long, long, time ago) and even after that short time I found the adjustment very difficult. Sorry to hear about your son, you must have got quite a shock. This is a great forum we are a very friendly bunch, always ready to listen. Look forward to 'chatting' with you. Nellie. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Spike Report post Posted September 11, 2004 nellie....Civvy streets okay...its nice to be able to do what i want when i want without having to worry about the consequences.. bid....Melissa's doing allright in fact shes doing better than i am. We got through a fair few bottles of wine and a bit of beer with some close friends last night.. Both had a good cry and got a lot off our chests.. I think weve both accepted it now, and realise that the best way forward now is through patience and education..... Thanks for the welcome its nice to know we arent alone... now im gonna see what this whole batcave is about....see you there!!!!! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
