It's just that I have been thinking about this a lot to day after spending the morning with the tosser Ed Psych. We talked about possible future placements and developmental issues after I stupidly asked what he thought of DS1's progress or lack thereof. He pontificated how he has assessed and monitored over 500 autistic children over the past 15 years so apparently he was in a position to 'paint me a picture of the future' and apparently it 'helps if you are realistic with what you are dealing with' .
I am quite honestly shocked about his comments. He went on about sheltered accommodation and sheltered housing and how 'some' may be able to hold down a job such as stacking shelves in a supermarket because of their ability to 'show up on time' and 'perform matching tasks'. He said that in these sheltered communities, 'some' may form friendships, even relationships in which case 'you have to determine whether they should have children because it is an inherited condition'. And that we should then consider setting up a trust so as not to financially burden DS1's siblings. He then graciously thought of giving me a 'best case scenario' and went on to tell about a boy who is going to university, 'but this really depends on whether you get his education right from the outset'. Good, no pressure then.
I am upset by his speech, but I don't know what upsets me more - that a professional I am paying is such an obviously fascist wanker or that in 15 years' time this is the kind of life my son will have.
Leaving the issue re: fascist wanker, I am trying to figure out what I am feeling - sadness? Disappointment? Worry? He is only 4 1/2 but every time we see a professional, expectations are being scaled down. This time last year I was being told that 'in a years' time he will be having conversations with you'. He has very limited language (single words). In the tests today he was shown to have a severe language delay and he came out borderline low average/low ability in every test. Except one visual reasoning test (block puzzles), the only test where he understood what he was asked to do (no language element) and he scored higher than average for his age.
I am rambling, I know. But I worry what will happen to him when the education system kicks him out, who is going to look after him? What I have found so hard about this autism thing is the not knowing. Not knowing if he'll speak, not knowing how able he will be when he starts school, not knowing how he will cope with life. Because he is only 4 1/2. I just want him to have a good life. I don't know why I am feeling so sad.
Here are some suggested organisations that offer expert advice on special needs.
SN children
Do you worry about the future?
drowninginlaundry · 23/07/2008 20:11
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