General Chat

I take my hat off to the families of Autistic Spectrum, Asperger syndrome. For the last 3 1/2 years, I have been working with firstley adult that are on that spectrum and now I with young people with all sort of behavoural problems in a secondary school, this includs ASD and more.

nudge

bumping for Nicola.

good luck Julia, please let us know how you get on - we will be rooting for you! Maz. XX

Maz I'm going to have a word with his Senco today Julia

Well done Pat, what a rewarding job and what a huge help you are to the families! Maz. XX

Hi Julia, that doesn't make much sense to me - it is the school who should be applying for the statement, not the doctor. It is a bit like a cheque to the school to pay for the extra help that the child needs in the classroom. You should be speaking to the SENCO (special educational needs co-ordinator at your son's school) it is his/her responsibility to get your son the help he needs. It is a long process, but if your son has a diagnosis of autism then in my opinion too he should have a statement. It is really important that you get moving on this because the statement will also be used to recommend the most suitable secondary school for him. Have a look at the adders site and definitely make an appointment to see the SENCO and the Head Teacher. Please come back or pm if you need any help or advice - lots of us on here have had to fight for statements - I had to go to a Tribunal in London because my LEA turned me down 4 times - got it in the end though! At the end of the day it is unfortunately down to the parents to push for their own child - sadly no-one else will do it for you. Wishing you the very best of luck Maz. XX

I had a good annual review for Paul my son 25 with autism. He is taking fish oil suplements and complan which seem to be having a beneficial effect. His speech has improved a lot during the last year and so has his concentration. He has begun writing letters home again only a sentence or two before he gets bored but better than nothing.

well to be honest I thought that but his developmental doctor has said they are no longer giving statements to children unless they are very severe learning difficulties and need to go to special schools. The problem being we only have one school for children with A.S.D and they need to be at the very high end of the spectrum. Julia

I was thinking that my self on the way to pick my youngest son up, I wonder if they are fobbing you off I would demand a statement and you should get your doctor behind you

Im just curious why Julies child cant have a statement?! BTW everyone with these probs and kids with these probs - do join adders.org

Hi Maz just to let you know John has calmed down a bit at school though he has to write in a behaviour book every day and Damien is getting more help at school though we had to go in and have a word as one of the helpers told him she was fed up with him so he was not wanting to go to school but we got it sorted and so far the past couple of weeks he has been fine

Maz my 7 year old son was diagnosed in Dec with Autism and severe Dyslexia and we have been told that he can not have a statement although we can still go to panel for his special needs and have help in some areas put in. He needs help from speech and langue groups and help with his schoolwork. He should also have help from the out reach team at the local Autistic school. We have been attending a 6-week course from the autistic spectrum disorder group to help us identify and help Andrew with his problems; I have to say it has been a real eye opener and a very helpful course. Julia ps Maz have you tried social story’s with him to help understand what’s happing with his dad?

I thought it was about time this had an airing!! How is everyone doing?? Please let us know!! I am STILL waiting for Jamie's new statement showing that he has Asperger's - unbelievable! We had quite a few sessions with the psychiatrists to help with behaviour and some toilet problems and it was a huge success. The main problem I have at the moment is how much Jamie misses his dad - it comes out in some strange ways. Karen, can you put up here please what you were told about statements and college/6th form?? Maz. XX

Thanks Maz we do have a smoke alarm in the hall upstairs but not in his bed room though I am thinking about it very seriously

Val, have you got a smoke alarm in his room? Maybe you could rig something up to protect it so he can't turn it off - you would then be alerted quickly to the danger. Perhaps the Fire Safety Officer at your local fire station could give you some advice - I think they will even talk to individual kids if asked. Maz. XX

Kaye I am really glad the school is helping you. Damien started Vranch house yesterday and John has started lighting paper in his room once last week and last night as well

Hi Kaye, glad to hear the school are getting their finger out lol! Don't worry - they will soon call you in if there are problems, sometimes no news really IS good news! Maz. XX

nudge for Debs Also - how is everyone getting on now they are back at school? New teachers etc? So far Jamie has settled very well apparently and he has just signed up to play the Clarinet - should be interesting lol!! Maz. XX

Yes he is a lot better and he is 19yr old today and you are most welcome Dotty