This is the weirdest article on autism I have ever read

[Jimjamskeepingoffvaxthreads]

\link{http://women.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,27870-2178058,00.html\lady astor in the Sunday Times}

My friend told me about it when it was published but I've only just got round to reading it and I have to admit it had me as bemused as my friend. Clearly she doesn't have to worry financially "Maria comes in on Saturday mornings to give Olivia hair-washing and showering lessons", but I think, from stuff I've read before that her dd is quite challenging, but she makes it sound like she's just a bit unusual "Olivia’s 13, but she has no teenage interest in fashion or jewellery", as if I'd look at ds1 weeing on the floor and think "such a shame he has no interest in fashion" :o

The passage that had me howling though was this: "Olivia has changed my life. But I couldn’t imagine having a different Olivia. My husband could. He’s never complained and is a rock, but he says if she hadn’t been autistic he’d have sent her to Benenden."

Beneden???? PMSL

I did quite enjoy reading it, because it was so odd, but I think anyone who knew nothing about autism would end up thinking it was a minor inconvenience and you ended up with a child with no fashion sense. I am tempted to buy the book now!

perhaps she does get help in but she is also hands on. I got the impression as I said that she has the same sort of approach to Olivia as she does with her son..what she sees coming from her perspective as the best for her child. I think it's hard to follow the mindset of the aristocracy..they do have a harder time of social life than the commoners!

She also understands that she has a better hand of cards in a sense to play with and she is juggling that for Olivia but also for children like her.

but that's why I think she should be telling everone how hellish it is :o

Now Nick Hornby wrote \link{http://observer.guardian.co.uk/comment/story/0,,647836,00.html\one of the best articles about autism that I have seen}

Yes quite possible to have help in and be hands on- I have a lot of help in now courtesy of SS. but don't sit down all day - it's far calmer when they are here but still tiring (and I can't sneak off to check on mnet threads :o)

but that's why I think she should be telling everone how hellish it is :o

Now Nick Hornby wrote \link{http://observer.guardian.co.uk/comment/story/0,,647836,00.html\one of the best articles about autism that I have seen}

Yes quite possible to have help in and be hands on- I have a lot of help in now courtesy of SS. but don't sit down all day - it's far calmer when they are here but still tiring (and I can't sneak off to check on mnet threads :o)