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Advice on why my son needs a garden

Vhs

Hi there,

I am currently living in a council house with no garden.  I have a 13yr old aspie son and 6 yr old twins who have been referred to the ed psych (suspected ADHD although that isn't written on any letters yet).

I want to fence off a bit of land to make a garden but need to apply for permission from the council who say they will only allow this if my kids have a genuine need eg on medical grounds.

I really need the space so the twins can burn off steam outside to give my aspie son peace as he finds the twins overwhelming and stressful (they are very loud n boisterous) especially when he has come back from school.

As I have no formal diagnosis for the twins yet, I would be grateful of any advice as to what info I can put in the letter to help me get the garden we desperately need.  Moving is not an option due to the stress on my aspie son

thanks in advance xxx

  • Thanks crystal12.  I have been in touch with the local housing officer.   The council own the land but will grant permission for an area to be fenced off (I will have to pay for the fence)  if I can prove I need it. I hope to approach the twins' headmistress for a behavioural report as she has been very helpful up til now x

  • Thanks stateofindependence.  Those links are really helpul xx

  • Thanks for your reply asparagus.  I have been in touch with the local housing officer who told me I could fence off a garden area if permission was granted for medical reasons.

  • Hi, years ago council's could agree to do things like this if there was a proven need through their aids/adaptations budget.  In these austere times I don't know if they still have such a budget and/or whether they've changed their criteria on what they'll fund.  Also I presume the council owns the land you want to enclose?  So, worth talking to your local councillor via email or attending their ward surgery which should be held in their local area.  Also worth talking to your housing officer as they should be well aware of rules around this.  A sticking point might well be that your 2 other children are not yet diagnosed.  However you could well have a case as to how they affect your eldest who does have a diagnosis.  Also if you have a social worker or any other professional involved with your son/family, such as a sympathetic gp, teacher etc, then get them all involved to bolster your case.  It might be worthwhile finding out who your councillor is who is the Chair of children's services + contacting them.  Good luck.  You deserve that fence.

  • There is evidence that children with ADHD need loads of exercise, probably way more than the average child. Google it, you will find pages of info, eg:

    www.helpforadd.com/.../may.htm

    There is also evidence that additional exercise helps autistic children who have difficulties with balance and motor skills, and will help them de-stress and reduce anxiety. Having a garden of your own would provide a safe space away from other kids who may be bullying him. Again, lots of info online eg:

    www.autism.com/treating_exercise

    Good luck!

  • Hello

    I have re read what you wrote. I still advise looking up the local town councillor who may be able to help you. You may not be able to fence of the land for all different reasons even if they let you purchase it.  It worth contacting the town councillor and finding out how they may be able to help. Good luck