At end of tether?

[DayShiftDoris]

CAF last week was very positive. The ed psych seemed very good and so were the inclusion service. Everyone present agreed that it appears that Scallypants may have ASD.

Observations and assessment then re-convene in April.

I am joining the staff training that will be given. I have a meet with the head tomorrow to get to the bottom of exactly WHAT the school has done re: plans, etc...
I am also to maintain the structure and routine plus add more routines, more structures on top.

My first response was very selfish... I'm a completely lone parent and it hit me that I am very unlikely to have a relationship and more children.

Few days down the line I had picked myself up and picked up the phone. A long chat with a local autism service later and I felt really understand and relieved plus I had a few things to think about that might help.

Then I went to work... my dad didn't handle things quite right with Scallypants (not his fault) and he was punched, kicked, shoes thrown at him. It's clear that the relationship is strained to breaking point.

Thus I have no childcare for the weekends I work (about 2 a month)

I have covered it til mid March then after that my manager is going to help as much as she can but this at best will continue to beg of May. Then it maybe impossible for me to manage.

To be honest I feel in a bit of a blind panic about all of it. I think the days of me working are numbered. I have applied for other jobs and not even been shortlisted. I am worried that I will lose my home if i have to resign.

I just don't know what to do. The head offered to do a family in need referral but I have said that I will see how he is this week at the moment.

Any ideas? Any childcare options I haven't thought of?

These might be really silly ideas, but they might help... don't know your situation but how is your ds with other kids around, can you do childcare swaps with anyone? Someone comes over to yours with their kids for the days you are at work, then you have their kid (with ds) at yours on different weekends...

Also if social services do a carers assessment then they need to look at what you need inorder to work...

May also be worth asking if there are any specialist child minders? (my authority pays them more, but you only pay what you would normally, the LA tops it up.)

Hope that helps... good luck.

Also worth talking to a benefits adviser to see if you are getting all you are entitled to...?

I think you will have to pay someone to look after him. If they take the job knowing about his SN and what looking after him entails it might work - if you can afford it.

There was a very nice girl on here a few days ago (deena?) saying she'd work for free for a reference....

Otherwise does the council or local ASD support group run any Saturday clubs?

I think if you advertised on gumtree you'd find someone willing to do the job - though I suppose that would depend on where you live.....

Contact deena first.....