Was anybody else at the Autism conference in Blackpool yesterday ??

[ApocalypseCheese]

Had a surprisingly good time, havent laughed so much in ages

And lots of goodies too apparently

Anyway never mind the snaffling free stuff bit what was it like? I'd love to do something like that

I know, couldnt resist

Was good tho, I learned a lot and it gave me a few things to think about. Ros Blackburn was amazing.

I went as a parent not a professional, a course of any kind is always a good step, what are you doing ??

Something called "Good Beginnings" but I've done the sensory issues one already and the communication one was based on Hanen. It is useful just not smart like a conference and hotel but I've made friends which is invaluable.

I have been invited by our area SENCO on a course called Transitions, ASD children going into pre-school which is for pre-school workers but because I have a teaching background I can sit at the back pretending to observe! That was extraordinarily nice of the LEA who have till now been falling over themselves to be helpful.

Off to Google Ros Blackburn. Glad you enjoyed it

When I can be bothered getting the thingy out i'll post the names of the other speakers, I was spellbound watching people who have severe Autism explaining how their mind works. (Ros Blackburn got very emotional and was in tears at one point)

Well worth going to if you ever get the opportunity Milady, do you work with people who have Autism ??

I'm about to do the transistions course too, but will be for secondary.

Have done self care, bullying, sexual development and a few other bits n bobs, what now, early bird etc.

Looking back regarding children I taught at primary, many of them were on the spectrum but nobody knew much about it years ago

If ds ever starts sleeping it's the sort of thing I'd love to do.

Its not a job I could do, my friends son has severe autism and shes a portage worker, runs our local autistic society etc, shes thinking of packing it in as shes becoming too emotionally involved, i'd like to do it, I know I have the right qualities but I never would.

I know what you mean, I remember from school there were always those kids alone in the playground (I was one of them tbh) who thinking back were obviously on the spectrum.

Ros Blackburn blew me away tho, she seems so together and yet she has full time carers, is doubly incontinent needs help getting dressed and cannot post a letter, she supports herself (via the conferences) but will probably never have independence, she still relies heavily on her parents.

I had a sniffle at the end when she was saying how she hates the Autism and what its done to her, really gave me an insight and a lot more empathy towards dd and ds.

Oh it sounds as if it was fantastic! Very poignant about Ros, I'd love to hear her speak. And on your other thread, lots of laughs too as well, I know that happens when similar people facing the same things are together. One day I'll go. Thanks

How do you even find out about such things?

My friend runs the local branch of the Autistic society, she told us about it,us parents paid about £50 each professionals paid a lot more but I think a pilfered a fair amount in freebies