NAS 'Help' course

[signandsmile]

Hi all, doing an NAS 3 day 'Help' course, did first day yesterday it was interesting, (and as dh was there too was especially good, as we rarely get to things together..)

Just wondered if anyone else had done the course and what they thought..

It did seem a bit targetted at HFA/Aspergers rather than where ds is, do you know of any courses offered which are more focused on minimally verbal ASD?

Yes, we did this course about 4 years ago and we both thought it was fantastic.
I have a son with AS though but don't recall it being tilted towards AS rather than minimally verbal ASD - were there more AS/HFA parents on the course?

yeah pretty much everyone else... (which was fine, of course). and it was interesting to see how the same issues play out with different children.

It was just that the examples in the work book seemed all very verbal. I think perhaps next week when we look at communication might be better...

actually now I reflect on it I think I was probably a bit thrown by everyone saying how 'very bright' and accademically more than able their dc's were. (I do know that is my issue not theirs.... ) and I truly don't mean to minimise their difficulties, just felt a bit sad.

That's a shame.
I know some think that AS/HFA is 'easier' but I truly believe that that is not so. We are all the parents of ASD children and all have problems - they are different but no less challenging. I think there was one mother on our course with a minimally verbal dtr but she was quite forthcoming also.
I guess what happened is that participants are invited to share their experiences and talk about their children. Unfortunately, the experience of the majority of AS parents is that the underlying difficulties are overlooked/dismissed because AS children are, generally, of average to above average ability. They were probably relieved to be amongst other who understand the problems.
Fingers crossed that it is more relevant to your circumstances next week.

thanks for that, its interesting but I almost think the AS/HFA kids in a way have it harder than my little chappy, cos he doesn't care. He doesn't fit and it doesn't bother him, cos he doesn't have that concept...

I can understand the parents wanting to share their concerns and worries, but I did feel sad cos they were talking about the conversations they have with their kids etc, and I would love to have that oppotunity...

But I wasn't trying to minimise their experiences at all,

I'm sure this week will be better.

if you can get on the hanen course in your area they are great.
We have the "more than words" one here in Herts and Im only on week 3 and loving it. There is 5 parents on the course, 3 of the kids are completely nonverbal, and 2 who are older and verbal. Im the only one who has a girl though :(

ooo, thanks lisad that sounds interesting, is that NAS run?

Did you wait long Lisa? Am in Bucks and been waiting nearly a year. Apparently cutbucks mean they are running fewer. It's not a NAS course but Hanen which I believe is Canadian?