hi there!

[lorac]

My son has been going through the initial assessment stages for AS - he's just 4 - and we are still reeling from shock over it all. We have always realised that he's a different little boy, but it was brought to our attention by his nursery teacher. We are still not convinced that he has AS as we think he is very gifted, but looking at his dad and his cousin who both show distinct signs of AS, he might just be. He is a delightful little boy, and we shy away from telling friends and family as so many don't understand it.

 

We are fortunate to be in the position where we can put him through a private education, but we have found that many of the independent schools that we have approached are just not interested. We have been horrified and cannot believe it: how many of the Einstein's and Churchill's of this world were AS and therefore able to think outside of the box? Have any of you had a similar experience? And how have you found the state (particularly primary) schooling system have been able to work with those you know with AS?

 

Thank you!

[JsMum]

Hi and welcome, it will be a very emotional journey for me the hardest part was the period J wasnt dx as I didnt have any spersific support or stratagies to support him, pre dx is very draining as well, but in some respects it is very positive that your sons nursery teacher have brought the possibility of AS to your attention so that you can access the right support early, that is where sadly my son was let down, and consequences were that he became very disturbed and additional problems accured.

 

It is vital that early support starts as soon as possible with children with an ASD.

 

As for a private education, I have friends who have gone throw this route too and found it not in the childs favour, others thirve on the small class sizes, routine, better behaviour ect.... it maybe that your sons school just do not know enough about AS and that his needs are not been met, it maybe that they need to try spersific stratagies aimed at AS children, it maybe that he requires a more specialised education such as a Specialist independant school that teach children with AS.

 

National Autistic Society have booklets on school stratagies for your sons school to try and they also have further information on specialist independant schools too, that you could also get throw a statement of Special educational needs.

 

For further information NAS have info on this too.

 

I would take care of yourself as much as possible, looking back I didnt look after my own needs enough, obvously because I had to take care of Js needs so much, but if you can get support then do try as much as possible to take care of yourself too.

 

Your in the early stages at the moment, so take each day as it comes.

 

JsMumxxx

 

Edited January 2, 2010 by JsMum

[lorac]

Hi JsMum. Thank you for your support! Will go on to the NAS website and look at what they recommend re schools. Ta also for advice on looking after ourselves: so often we don't and then we're not much good to anyone, never mind ourselves! Hope your son is doing okay and looking forward to school. Bye for now!