Widowed with SN child - any forums /help avliable

[raspberryroop]

My husband died very suddenly 2 weeks ago - I have a 13yr old with aspergers and Ds2 9 and dd7 - finding it very hard - any one any idea of where to turn / forumns ?

Bump....So sorry to read this you must be in terrible shock. I don't know of any forums but hopefully someone will be along soon with some info to help you...say yes if anyone offers a hand in RL. Take care

Really sorry to hear this.
Some ideas:

1. GP and ask about counselling for you / your children if needed
2. Cruse is a bereavement charity
3. Social services - disabled children's team and ask for a carers assessment for you and a disabled children team assessment for your child with AS. You should be looking for some respite / sitting services to give you a break and this might be a council service or you might get direct payments to find someone yourself. Perhaps an agency which specialises in LD etc - often the staff are quite young and can be good companions for an AS child e.g. do activities together rather than an overnight respite type scenario. Look at Contact a Family website for leaflets on social services assessments, money can be tight so you need to have a clear idea what you want.
4. Make sure getting all widows benefits (if they still exist), carers, DLA etc etc
5. Try a local carers charity or AS support group for ideas about help that might be available locally

Do you have family support? Are the schools being helpful?

raspberryroop

So sorry for your loss. I'm afraid I can't be all that helpful except to say that while you are finding your support and even afterwards, you're always very welcome on this board too. Even though many of us haven't been through what you have, there can be a lot of help here with the practicalities of living with children with SN as the sole carer, even if not the emotional aspect of losing someone.

So sorry again.

I'm so sorry to hear this, raspberry.

I know it doesn't begin to compare, but my husband left me last year, and it's possible to carry on. You just have to take one day at a time and accept all the help offered. People really mean it. Ask friends who don't know how to help to send you meals or babysit for you while you look after yourself. The bereavement forum on MN is full of supportive and knowledgeable people, and as Star says, there are plenty of lone parents on this board, for a variety of reasons, who can also offer support.

raspberry I have sent you a private message! Check your inbox! x

rasberryroop, I am so sorry.

raspberry
I am so sorry to hear this.
Sending hugs.

I know this charity has supported some young people with learning disabilities after the death of their parent. May help contacting them:

www.winstonswish.org.uk/

So sorry. Mini-moan

Very sorry to hear of your loss. My husband died in an accident when our little one was a baby, he was later diagnosed with ASD and now he's six and his older brother's 9 and I'm still bringing them up on my own. Please contact me privately if you'd like to... more to talk than anything as I'm afraid I don't know of any specialist groups that might help you

Sorry for your and your childrens loss raspberry. I cannot help with any advice as I have not been in such a sad situation but I hope you gain the support in RL to deal with this difficult time x

Thanks everyone - have quite a lot of RL support at the moment but know it will fall off gradually - SS have actually phoned today and seam to be very understanding and are offering me extra cover in the holidays

Hi raspberryroop. I find it's marvellous that there is always someone here on MN if you need some company. I hope you are coping. (((hugs)))