Love this board!

[AprilSkies]

Just want to say, since I discovered this board in August last year, it helped me enormously! I have name changed several times since to reflect different stages in our situation, so you probably won't recognise me. However, it is so reassuring to be able to chat to people in similar situations. I really would not have the understanding I do, without you guys. Ds is doing well and I have to say much of it is down the confidence and advice this board has given me.

One of the first things I read on here was how you are your child's best advocate. Its really given me the confidence to battle with the many people and situations in our life to get te best for DS.

So, in short, thank you and please keep replying to the many posts on this board, as it means the world to the posters looking for help, advice and sometimes just somewhere to vent.

I love the character of this board, I've never encountered anything but great advice and support. Hope I have been able to offer the same in return.

Yes, I have had a glass of wine, but wanted to thank you all.

Ben10 wishes she wasn't stuck with Ben10!

Did you not know he was a man?
I remember sending a shout out early on because suddenly there was this poster, posting loads of links to research papers ect. I had to know if he was a parent or proffessional!

Ben10 is a strong and lovely poster who needs I know she's stronger than she believes she is.

A giant white goose with a penchant for gin!

I'm halfway between Bath and Bristol.

I didn't realise you had such a background in social work Lisa. How on earth do you fit it all in with everything else you have on?

You school sounds great Dust - it's a shame they don't all follow your ethos.

Purple is our corporate colour.

When I want the boss to think nice thoughts about me I wear purple.

I have a whole wardrobe of purple clothes (mostly Per Una these days though)

I remember when purple was a bit of a non-conformist colour - thinking back to the mid-70's when I used to wear purple loons and purple T shirts with big stars on them.

All in honour of the meisters of Rock!

When did purple become mainstream?

Perhaps I need to convert to Lime Green like nice Mr Portillo was wearing on his recent Great Railway Journeys?

You are all strong and lovely people, who are always here for anyone in a spot of bother. Even if you disagree with each other!

Insanity is friends with dusty in my MN world.

I started in sw by a mistake. I had taken on a saturday job for local SN respite group as we needed the money but was working in EBD unit Monday-Friday. Had dd1 but unit refused to let me go back pt, but manager of respite centre was also manager for local sw centre, asked if I wanted temp work, which lasted 9 months an when a permanent job came up I got it. Worked there for 6 years, until went on mat leave with dd2 and decided I didn't want to go back so took a job at local children's centre, which is largest in area and attached to 2 settings. Been there since. I stayed there till they told us dd2 had autism like her sister and dh had just been dx'ed with cancer, so thought I should leave. They just kept me on 0 hour contract and ask me to do bits and bobs.
I do more now I'm home than before because also trustee for autism charity and am co-ordinator for local autism girls group.

Sorry waffling on

Me, me, me. . . Wants to say thanks too
More of a lurker than poster.
BUT - regs on here have given me confidence to question health care professionals, and to realise that my boy is an individual, and to challenge the one-size-fits-all mentality.
Muchos thanks girls

Crumbs Lisa You'll be getting an MBE in the next Birthday Honours List!

You must have seen it all! I watched that 'Protecting the Children' prog last Monday and there is no way that I could do social focused work.

I'd just want to slap 'em all

What are you lot doing UP!

I know Wet posts late but as for the rest of you, you'll regret it in the morning!

And I never dud figure out whi insanity was although I know I know her.

What does mbe stand for nyways? It's certainly a quick burn out job, not many stay in same team for too long. I have seen some horrible things but like to think supported and helped many more along the way.

Blimey, Lisad, when do you have time to be unemployed?

Wet, without outing myself, I'm currently at my mum's house as DC are with Dickhead. It's almost exactly halfway between Bath and Bristol! I was born here but now live in north Gloucestershire, rather than South Glos!

Nah dh can get up, it's his turn

This is the much delayed Friday night thread.

It's nice to have company as I lower the level of the

Dust, Vic and I used to have some really late night sessions when we were breeding goats

LG? Ellen

If so I'll wave to you out the window!

Star, Insanity had to name change because one of her DC found her NN.

Breeding goats wet?? Ok that's an intresting hobby

Bloody hell, my sister, two nieces, nephew and ex FIL all live in LG! I went to school in OC. I'm out in the sticks a bit more, W.

Lol, how on earth do you know so much Ellen? You've only been here a year and I LIVE here (i think I may have actually been born here as I can't remember life pre-MN) and still haven't a clue who she is.

Nah - we didn't actually breed goats It was the name of a forum that we used to be on - a bit like NM - they couldn't handle 'alternative humour', so we flounced and ended up here.

Bloody hell Ellen! Any of that lot could be my next door neighbours. Any of them living off LB RD

Did you go to the astronomer's school?

Does that W have 7 letters or 4?

I thought I was the only outcast from the Herts clique!