Hello I'm New on here am the mother of a child with autism
Hi Spirit and Mg6
You both sound like very reasonable parents and I feel there is hope for your children with your good attitudes and all the help that is now available.
When I was growing up in the 60s and 70s it was very different. Autism was unheard of. Mainstream schools had no idea how to help children like me. It was just physical punishments for not behaving and being mute.
The year I spent in a special school was like a safe haven. But it didn't provide any education, academically or practical life skills.
Now, I see that there is so much help out there. You are very lucky to be living in enlightened times.
Hi Mg6. Yes, deciding the best school is a difficult thing to do. Sometimes children start off in one type of school then move to another depending on what their needs are.
I mentioned the fb page autism discussion - I have found the two books Bill Nason has written helpful to dip into.
I am new to this forum, like you are - I think it will be very useful!
Onwards and upwards whatever that means...
Hi spirit thank you so much for your reply yesterday I got so much from it.especially about the school bit my daughter is in mainstream at moment but for a while I have been debating whether she would benefit go in to a Sen school where she would have the support she needs as she is very much lonely in her current school.the staff and kids don't understand why my daughter is the way she is.and at the end of the day I have to do what is best for my dughter.iv been doin a lot of research and reading up on ASD as I want to be able to be more patient and understanding towards my daughter also as I have to be honest as much as I love her she is hard work.maybe we can keep in touch as it would be nice to have a support network with like minded people
Mg6, I cant say that I'm an expert on this... My boys are 18 and 19 now. It can be a challenge to find out what support there is and this does tend to depend on where you live. But do persevere, and I'm sure you will find something. Each child with ASC will be very different and as such have different needs. Support ranges from special schools, mainstream schools with communication and interaction teams, educational psychologists, befrienders, enablers, local parent groups etc etc.
There is quite a good facebook page with posts - Autism discussion page - Bil Nason has written a couple of books.
You need to discover what is available in your area. See if you can find something that your daughter enjoys and use that as a springboard to help her develop. Encourage any strong interests. People with ASC often have great ideas/thoughts in their heads! Spend time with animals?
I have learnt to remember that if plan A fails, there are 25 other letters of the alphabet. I often have a plan A,B C or D, where D is that my boys have a loving home and a roof over their heads. When we are having a bad day, I remember that.
I have learnt to trust your instincts but also listen to advice. Also it is important to find the right school, but more important to have a particular person at that school who you can contact when the need arises. Communication is very important.
I have learnt to wait and not to push. They will do things in their own time. And that's ok.
I have learnt not to spend too much time with friends who like to promote their own children's successes.
I have learnt that they need personal space and quiet time much more that the average child.
How do I cope? I go running for miles and miles but thats just me. Make sure you have regular time for yourself each week and also make sure that you have time for any other relationships eg partner/other children.
Always have something to look forward to, even if it just a cup of tea....
I'm on a roll now but shall stop otherwise it gets boring!
