hi there, i am new xxx

Hi Puffin

I think the more people who know about the Aspergers the better - although its difficult when you don't actually have the official diagnosis isnt it!  We are mid way through (my son is 13).  I so wish we had known when he was little, it would have made things that much easier instead of him discovering it all together with puberty, and it causing him a deep depression that requires medication and therapy.  If people know and understand they can then see that your child is not ill or naughty but that they simply have a disability.  If a child was blind or in a wheelchair people can see they have a disability but our Aspies are also kids with a disability, its just that you can't see it.  I think if they can understand that they are different (but also very very special) when they are little, then perhaps it will be easier than finding out later and having a hard time coming to terms with it.

If you know when they are little you can get proper help put in place at school - do you have a statement of special needs - this is really worthwhile as your son will then get extra paid for support in the classroom - this takes time to get (26 weeks minimum and thats if there are not objections!).  I work in an infant school and there are two autistic boys there who have one to one helpers all day now they have their statement and it makse SO much difference.

My sons stress and anxiety all came from school (and the resulting depression) if only we had known when he was younger we could have had the right education/school for him and he would have been saved so much heartache.  The big pressure point seems to be starting at secondary and a lot of kids are not diagnosed until then.

Sorry - just realised I am rambling on and on!  On the subject of the sledging I think you are right - not safe!!  Perhaps a quiet word in the head teachers ear might help?

Take care - its Friday - make it a large glass of wine tonight!!

Mary R

Hi Puffin

I think the more people who know about the Aspergers the better - although its difficult when you don't actually have the official diagnosis isnt it!  We are mid way through (my son is 13).  I so wish we had known when he was little, it would have made things that much easier instead of him discovering it all together with puberty, and it causing him a deep depression that requires medication and therapy.  If people know and understand they can then see that your child is not ill or naughty but that they simply have a disability.  If a child was blind or in a wheelchair people can see they have a disability but our Aspies are also kids with a disability, its just that you can't see it.  I think if they can understand that they are different (but also very very special) when they are little, then perhaps it will be easier than finding out later and having a hard time coming to terms with it.

If you know when they are little you can get proper help put in place at school - do you have a statement of special needs - this is really worthwhile as your son will then get extra paid for support in the classroom - this takes time to get (26 weeks minimum and thats if there are not objections!).  I work in an infant school and there are two autistic boys there who have one to one helpers all day now they have their statement and it makse SO much difference.

My sons stress and anxiety all came from school (and the resulting depression) if only we had known when he was younger we could have had the right education/school for him and he would have been saved so much heartache.  The big pressure point seems to be starting at secondary and a lot of kids are not diagnosed until then.

Sorry - just realised I am rambling on and on!  On the subject of the sledging I think you are right - not safe!!  Perhaps a quiet word in the head teachers ear might help?

Take care - its Friday - make it a large glass of wine tonight!!

Mary R