Please Rack Your Brains - Autism & Siblings.

[JAKEJEM]

Hi guys!!! I need your help, we have a DS recently diagnosed with autism and due to him starting lots of therapy (SALT, OT, etc etc) we need to get our 1 year old DD(nt) into a creche. This is because of me taking DS to all his sessions and because she needs some time away from her brother for a more "normal" life. We are struggling because all the creches in the local area have a 10 month waiting list but I am sure I have read somewhere that special needs siblings can be bumped up the list under a certain law? Have I dreamt this, we are desperate for our little one to have some normality in her life. Thanks for your help.

I have not heard of it myself, but maybe somewhere would take her if you explained the circumstances.

Have you thought of a Registered childminder? I used to be one ages ago and had 3 children and did loads with them. Took them to play area's, mums and tots, park, other friends houses etc Might be nice as she would have a bit more one to one and attention

I've never heard of it. Would try the NAS helpline or maybe ask your LEA or Soc Svs

i wonder if 'simply' approaching all the ones you are interested in WITH a SUPPORTING letter stating how this is needed ...may help???

Also...if your health visitor is approachable...maybe she can help....before the 'age 3 nursery funding' was available in our area , my HV got it for us as it was deemed necassary. So just thinking that she may be able to at least write a letter on your behalf...or even better phone them direct???

It may be worth checking if there is a respite service in the area which may be able to provide a siter for your DD - we have a charitable service which we can use once a month but I know others who have a fixed number of hours a month of the service they can use.

ask yoour local autistic trust , mine are very helpful with info

registered childminders can help out on short term notice if they have available spaces