FINDING IT HARD TO COPE, PLEASE HELP

[blueberrybear]

Hi everyone,
im new to this, please stay with me while i try an explain,

ive got two ds with AS eldest got diagnosed a year ago, an youngest just recently, im really finding it hard to cope with their behaviour (both every different) my eldest also has dyspraxia, we dont have any other support family wise, my dh is trying to change his hrs at wrk but untill then im on my own trying to get my head above water an breath, i cant get to many groups as i dont drive an there well out of my way,i suppose just feeling sorry for myself stupid really as some others r worse off, just needed a ramble,feeling overwheled, thanks for reading

they r 8 and 5 took 4years of fighting to get eldest diagnoised, i havent been given any other help and ive asked about things but getting no where, feels like im banging my head agasint a wall all i get is budget etc, thanks i will keep trying.

Hi Blueberry so many of us have been where you are now but somehow we seem to find our way through the maze.

I would start by trying to get on an Early Bird Course have a look at the NAS website and apply to the local course yourself. They have a great deal that they can offer. It's a start and one of the few courses that does seem to offer quite a lot to parents. The good thing about the course is that it doesnt' solve all your problems but gives you a few building blocks but more importantly contact with other parents.

After than talk to the teacher and ask about applying for a statement. Then ask to see the SENCO and ask them to apply for a statement. They will say no your child doesn't need it but just keep pushing.

Find out if there are other support groups in your area and join one. NAS again will have the details. Join NAS they as they will send you a newsletter with details of your local groups and events every month.

A few ideas for starters. Also probably the best advice is to keep posting on here for specific advice you will have so much help from other mums in similar situations, it's an invaluable source. Just be specific about what you want or are seeking, someone on here will have been through it as well.

Our council does a Special Needs Inclusion Playcare Service, (SNIPS) that will provide a carer to take dcs out to join in activities. Also Family Fund could help with driving lessons? Im doing it this year. :) HTH

i understant totally like the others said you need a statement and maybe apply for DLA as you have not mentioned that as theis with help pay for clubs getting you more mobile even if you cant or dont want to drive or cant aford a second car you could then get to courses/ clubs ect for yourself and your DC id definately look into th SNIPS as super says and look on NAS as they may have info for you , youve come on here so thats good as the ladies [grim] are a mine of information, look to see if your local AS/ASD special school has a coffee morning as your DC dont need to be going there for you to join in as all are welcomeif when you come to do the DLA or Statement you need more specific advice then we can help and send you in right direction if we cant but whatever happens if you post on here someone will come along and answer you because we care YOU ARE NOT ALONE, do you have other friends/relatives who although may not understand your DC can still give you a little time off, oh and you may be able to apply for respite care hard to get but worth a try HTH

i mean the ladies lol not grim although we all often feel a bit grim

NAS.

School Senco for both boys.

Statement Application can be made by school or requested by the parent. My son has one and we were told he didn't need it.....so much more help is available with a Statement.

DLA...get advice from Citizens Advice maybe, in form completion.

Join a support group. That way you'll meet like-minded mums. Maybe attend NAS course "Help!" programme was excellent.

Local play schemes/activity days through charities in your area. My son can't access these but many can and do love them.

Speak to your GP if you feel you're drowning in all of this. Mine was sympathetic to the life I led as a single mum with my ASD/OCD diagnosed son.

It's hard Blueberrybear. But a warning: you'll have to keep banging your head against that wall because, if "they" can get away with it, you'll get nothing!

You should be in receipt of Carers Allowance?

Hi an thankyou for your lovely repiles very helpful, Ive got DLA for my 8yr old but not youngest yet, not got carers allowance yet still waiting, my local nas group has closed down just waiting to see if they open again soon, im going round an round in circles trying to get him statemented school now say i have to wait till april as they get the new budget then but then its still not 100% that he will get but im determined to get it for him as he cant handle school anymore, also the senco is the headteacher which makes it harder. im thankful for the hols as they are much more calmer an relaxed, How do you go about getting/applying for respite care? i will look into the snips services.
thanks again :)