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Possible Autism how to cope and support please help!

1 reply

mummyemily · 30/01/2013 19:57

my BF sons nearly seven has been struggling at school, they have now said they believe that he may have autism, he does show signs of this disorder, aggressive, unable to show how he is feeling and doesnt seem to be able to read how others are, says very hurtful things that in my opinion a seven yr old shouldnt say, he doesnt socialise well with children and is struggling at school with the basics, Although he goes to bed as good as gold he is waking up anytime between 2.30 and 4am every morning and says he is scared but if he is in bed with his mum will sleep undistrubed until about 5.30. He is extremely creative and gets totally engrossed in his games.
My BF is a lone parent and I am now getting concerned about her health she is at her wits end and is struggling just to cope with everyday things as her son doesnt give her a minute, she is totally exhausted and her temper is fraying I know there are lots of parents that cope and I am trying to offer her as much support as I can but I dont know enough about the disorder or what help is availalbe to her. The doctor has refered son but it seems to be taking forever to get anything sorted, How do you cope? are there any support groups out there? she even mentioned getting social services involved as she just cant cope any more - tiredness and emotional. I have tried to help and have them over as much as I can to give her a break but my son also the same age doesnt what to spend time with her son because of his behaviour i have have to appricaite his thoughts because in truth he can be just horrible to my son, this or course has made BF even more depressed and now she feels like we dont what her or her son round. I want to help but in a productive way. Anyone else going through this or has gone through and how did you do it? any thoughts or advice please!

OP posts:
AgnesDiPesto · 30/01/2013 20:21

There may be a local autism or SN parent group, or a carers charity. Carers charities are usually mines of information as to what is available locally

Look on the council website for info of what available for autism / disabilities

Contact a Family website have lots of leaflets as to what she might be entitled to

She can get in touch with social services - she needs the disabled children's team - she should ask (insist) on a carers assessment for her needs and an assessment for her son (eg leisure activities etc). She should be entitled to some respite ( a break from caring) which can now be given via direct payments - eg money for her to hire some help. It will be easier for her to access help with a diagnosis than without but the law does not require a diagnosis - she may have to be pushy.

She can apply for DLA - look at Cerebra website for a guide and also use that money to buy in some help. Often local CAB or carers charity will help you fill out the forms (there is a knack)

The GP might prescribe melatonin which helps children sleep but this tends to work for getting to sleep not so much for night waking.

NAS website may also be worth a look.

Some councils / social services may run sitting services etc.

There may be parent support workers at a local childrens centre who can support her to access help.

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