Bibic - I have finally managed to feel as though I can move on

[Blossomhill]

As you all know the trip to Bibic was an amazing time for my whole family.
For all of you that have known me for the year+ I have been on mumsnet will know just how much of a rollercoaster we have been on. We have asd/adhd/not asd/not adhd. Just didn't know whether I was coming or going (as you all know as I turned to you lot for support) and it took so much out of me. It wasn't so much the actual dx itself but the is she/isn't she? feeling that was actually tearing me apart. I'd be like that's an auti triat/oh that's adhd, just scrutinising everything that she did and it wasn't fair on her or me, any of us really.
So when I spoke to Bibic today and they told me the results of the CARS test (and they were very thorough, took about 2 days I believe as they really wanted to get it right) was that she wasn't even mildly autistic or even borderline. She came out in the normal range which I am obviously pleased about as I think deep down I always knew it but had so many different people telling me there opinion it clouded my judgement of what I was really thinking.
Dd still does have quite significant social/communication difficulties and I know we have a rocky road ahead whatever they call it so nothing has changed in that respect, just I know which direction we are heading.
I wanted to say thanks to all of you who have given me advice and still will give me advice.
I have met some lovely people on here, real true friends and I wanted to say I am sorry if I have sounded like a stuck record. I bet you have all breathed a sigh of relief too. Thanks again for listening, it really means a lot. Blossom xxxxxxxxxxxxx

[Blossomhill]

Great slyvm - if you need any advice please CAT me. It has been amazing. Although have to admit still don't have the sensory programme up and running fully yet. Still getting used to preparing the food all from scratch

[sylvm]

Just had our phone interview. We are going early in August (our choice because of hubby's work commitments). They seemed confident they could help. It will be quite exciting I think.

[Merlot]

Thanks BH and Jayzmummy - will certainly be in touch when we get back from BIBIC

[Blossomhill]

Merlot

As Jazmummy says talk to us about all of the stuff you need to buy. I got an electric massager from Argos for £15!!!!
A very good friend of mine who comes on here (and I hope is reading this ) very kindly gave me a swivel chair, which has been a god send (another part of the sensory programme).

Trefusis - thank you so much for your lovely comments I have been wondering where you were !!!! xxx

[Jayzmummy]

All the bits and pieces they recommend you get are available from Argos!!!!
Dont go rushing off and buying anything until you have checked back here because between Blossy, Yorkee and myself we will be able to tell you were to source the equipment at the cheapest prices!!!

[Jayzmummy]

When we went we were seen on the first day by all the professionals....I think it differs depending on the availiabilty of the SALT and GP.

[Merlot]

I know - cant quite believe it myself. I'm very excited

Thanks for that info - v.useful .

Where do you get the equipment like the electric massager - do they give you a list of things to buy or do they lend you stuff?

[Blossomhill]

Hi Merlot

Well on the 2nd day you see the pros. You see:

SALT
Doctor
Physio
Nutritionalist

All for about 45 min-1hour slots

They make you feel so relaxed and you have lunch there too.

3rd day is going over all of the results of the tests done on 1st day. So they check general language development, social skills,gross and fine motor, visual and play skills on the 1st day and you get the results on the 3rd day.
Then they go over general day to day things youcan do to help and give you an individual learning plan. They also go over sensory issues and give you a plan to help with that. Dd loves the sensory and asks to do it, it's so funny. She loves the massaging with the electric massager.
Anymore info Merlot, please ask. Oh I am so excited for you to go so I can hear how it all went. I cannot believe that you are going in 2 weeks, wow!!!!!!

Blossomxxx

[Merlot]

£700 Milge - but most parents get a bursary. See BH's thread here

[milge]

BH, you've inspired me to finally email BIBIC about getting dd on a course too, your positive message made my mind up. How much is it, if you don't mind me asking, just so i can start saving up...

[Merlot]

Yes Please Blossom

I just want to hear chapter and verse about it and any good tips. What is the 2nd day like? I know that first day is assessment, 2nd day they draw up the programme and third day they teach it to you. What do you do on the 2nd day?

Jayzmummy - yes it is quick - we went for a cancellation

[Blossomhill]

Merlot - yeah

You won't regret it, I promise. Now aren't we meant to be having an e-mail chat about this soon????

Blossomxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

[jayzmummy]

Gosh Merlot that was quick, we had to wait three months....lucky you.

[Saker]

I'm really glad you've got some answers at last BH and things are starting to make a bit more sense.

[jayzmummy]

sylvm.....dont worry about the phone interview....its just a long chat about your daughter.
I know when I had my first interview with them it felt like the first time I was actually talking to someone who understood what I was saying.....which was an immense relief considering the babboons we have working here in our area all think I am stark raving mad!!!!!!!

[sylvm]

Hope it goes well Merlot. I need to get my head round all the things we need to tell them on Friday. They say it will take about one and a half hours - that's a really long phone call!

[Merlot]

Our Bibic trip is planned for 27th-29th April - so I will report back. Cant wait to go! Sylvm - I found the telephone interview great - as if someone was really listening

[sylvm]

pleased to hear BIBIC was so positive for you Blossomhill. We have been investigating this for a while and have our telephone initial interview on Friday. We want to learn to live with our daughter's difficulties and help her to achieve her potential. We hope it will help us enjoy her more than we have been which sounds an awful thing to say but hopefully people on here will know what I mean.

[Blossomhill]

Ah that is so lovely Jayzmummy Dh is being the same sort of. Although we have not got everything into place yet!!!!
The lovely thing for me was when I spoke to the therapist she sent dd her love!!!

[Jayzmummy]

I have said it before and I will say it again.....BIBIC made us as a "FAMILY" understand J's world.
Before going dh had his head in the sand and would just harp on at me for being an old worry puss......now he is the one on the phone to the therapist at BIBIC seeking advice over J's little blips....now dh is the one who sits for hours reading all he can on ASD....given he is dyslexic this is no easy task for him....now hubby is the one who spends 30 mins a day doing J's sensory programme.....dh is the one who tottles off to the supermarket to read the labels and make sure J isnt eating the foods he shouldnt....dh is involved because he now understands why J behaves the way he does.....without our BIBIC experience this would not have happened and I would have been still going it alone.

[TheReturnOfMrsF]

there u r!!!

[Blossomhill]

Mrs F - Dh is a different person. He sees things so much clearer as it was usually me relaying things back but the therapist at Bibic made so much sense and I think it's helped the whole family

[TheReturnOfMrsF]

i am taking the boys to see this new psychologist on friday...handed in my 'supporting letter' for tagging alex along too......so she will be aware of my concerns.

If that is a pointless afair then i will contact BIBIC...... I just feel we need something for the WHOLE family as DH and i are so distant from each other - and fromwhat J'sM said her DHwas better about the ASD stuff after BIBIC

[Blossomhill]

Thomcat - I'd love to see you again
Hug back to you xxxxx