Hi I’m Claire and have a wonderful Son who has Asperger and he is now 17 years old .I am an air hostess and have been in my job for 23 years,I have struggled with work and been there for my son especially when he was at senior school due to him been bullied and attacked and been threatened to be stabbed.My son had trouble going to school because of his bullying and couldn’t cope with every day life causing him to be suicidal and self harm .I tried hard to continue to work but for obvious reason s I couldn’t go into work if my son was having meltdowns and saying he didn’t want to live anymore ,so I had to phone in sick for my self as I couldn’t afford to not get paid as my husband was on a low wage and he could not stay off because he needed a full time contract with his temporary job and him staying off wasn’t a option.I had to take my son to all his calms appointments also which I had to swap my shifts round .I’m now facing been made redundant because I had 16 days off sick in 2 and a half years which was due to me not been able to leave my son and care for him if I was at work when he was refusing to go to school and having meltdowns and wanting to kill himself .I find us parents with autistic children who work need more help and employers should be more understanding and helpful.Has any body been in this position with work .
