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SN children

Here are some suggested organisations that offer expert advice on special needs.

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Original poster

Aspergers

12 replies

moid · 14/02/2011 11:40

Hi, the community paedectrician has just confirmed that our son (9 years old) probably has mild autism. I have known this for years but have done nothing, I suppose I did not have the support of my parents or husband.

Anyway relief and guilt. But at last I can do something about this, and at least we have a school year before we need to prepare for secondary school.

I need a great list of books to read:

general autism book
book that my son can read (good reader)
simple book that my youngest (7, not such a good reader can look at)
parenting book with tips
something to give to my parents / brother so that they can think about their dealings with him

Any book recommendation, advice, thoughts?

OP posts:

pagwatch · 14/02/2011 11:42

What about freaks geeks and aspergers by Luke Jackson...for your ds1

Tiggles · 14/02/2011 12:05

I am fairly certain this is the book I got from the library, although the cover looks different. Was incredibly factual about AS. I am getting DS, 8, the freaks, geeks book. They were read a book in school about AS last year as another boy in the school has it and the teacher was helping them understand him, DS found it very helpful (mainly as he identified himself!) will try and find out what it was in case it suits your DS2.

IndigoBell · 14/02/2011 12:13

Can I tell you about is a good book for your youngest.

For parenting tips - come here

Also see if there is a local NAS group you can get involved with / support from.

AttilaTheMeerkat · 14/02/2011 12:18

moid

With regards to secondary school I would urge you to now go all out to get your DS a Statement from the LEA.

I suggest this as many children on the autistic spectrum can suffer badly if they are not supported properly; a statement is the surest way of getting his needs there met.

Original poster

moid · 14/02/2011 12:37

Thanks everyone, will look at the books.

I am lucky in that I have three friends who have sons who have aspergers so lots of real life people to unburden too.

I knew when he was 5 and reception/year 1 had been a complete disaster. But everyone around me school, husband, family were telling me don't be silly - nothing wrong with him. Feel such guilt.

I was sitting next to him on the sofa this morning and he took my hand and held it. Not something that he would normally do. Poor little man.

OP posts:

AttilaTheMeerkat · 14/02/2011 13:26

Your wider family members are the ones who should be feeling guilt here, not you. Besides which guilt is a useless emotion.

How d'you feel about applying for a Statement for your DS?.

Marne · 14/02/2011 13:28

Tony attwoods books are great. 'A is for Autism' is a short DVD which is great for explaining Autism to friends and family.

joencaitlinsmum · 14/02/2011 14:16

I am just waiting for a dx for my son who will be 11 in April. For years I have put things down to it just being "him" iykwim?

It was only after a terrible experience on his year 6 school residential that his school senco thought he may have aspergers.

Since then I have felt guilty like you and often beat myself up about ignoring the signs.

I am dreading him going to secondary school in september as he already feels like he has the weight of the world on his shoulders.

I'm not much help really but just wanted you to realise you are not alone in your feelings.

Original poster

moid · 14/02/2011 14:41

We do not have a DX yet, just an initial indication from initial assessment that they wish to assess more thoroughly for autism. Think it would be ASD or high functioning autism.

I think a statement is something I am not ready to think about yet. One step at a time. But I know what a difference it can make, his friend has a full time statement and you would not know that he has any issues at all. The school treats him with respect and care, that is all I want for DS1.

Joen - that must be terrible with secondary coming up. But as my very sensible friend says, now you know you can do something about it.

OP posts:

AttilaTheMeerkat · 14/02/2011 15:12

Moid,

You have a lot to take in at present but a Statement is something I would seriously give consideration to applying for and asap.

You are your child's best - and only - advocate here. No-one else is better placed than you re fighting his corner for him. Besides which no-one else will!!.

Such a document would ensure that your son's additional support needs re his education are properly documented; anything else short of this will not cut it and particularly in secondary school. Hence me mentioning it now whilst there is still time for you to apply. You have I think year 6 to go so there is still time but I would urge you still to apply for it asap.

Many of us on here have been through that process and have come out the other side; would be glad to assist.

Original poster

moid · 14/02/2011 15:32

I have to tread carefully, texted DH to see how he was feeling after this mornings phonecall from paedectrician and he replied -she just wants to assess him for autism.

I want to scream at him, but it is so obvious he has aspergers. But then think he probably would get a DX as well

Thank you for your support and kind words

OP posts:

Ineedalife · 14/02/2011 16:03

I know what you mean about your DH, my Dp swings between being totally on board to ignoring the strategies that have been put in place and then telling CAMHS that what we need is more strategies.

Grrr they can be so infuriating cant they, I told him the other day not to dare ask for more strategies until he is using the ones we have consitantly.

Every now and then he says he is not sure that Dd3 needs a label.

Good luck with the assessments..

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