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Post-19 Newbie

Spangle

Hiya,

Son of nearly 19 going through the 'transition' stage.Am totally floored and feel beaten.  No suitable provision where I live although my Son is already in a fantastic special school out of Borough that he has to leave in July.Only provisions available are those that the Local Council think will do.  Where do we turn?  School found out of Borough but same old story, no funding even though classmates have managed to get there!  No real history of violent behaviour problems so no help from Social Services.  We got the diagnosis 15 years ago, and have been left alone since apart from support within special schools. Our son has never been able to attend a mainstream school yet is now expected to go to college on public transport (absolutely no idea of road safety).  A main stream College that we took him to for a visit and he was absolutely petrified.  Surely at some point someone in Authority should realise that many of these adolescents will regress and end up costing them more?  The correct placement is paramount.  Then again, going on to the next worry, what happens after they are 21 or 25 and then later on when we, the parents, are no longer around?  The news of people who have taken they and their autistic childrens lives has never been more understood.  Sorry for the immediate plunge, but we are so worried and have never felt more alone as a family.

  • Is there are other family or friends, that can help you have a break now and then even it is only for a couple of hours. Have you tried contact citzens advice bureau maybe they can put you in touch with people in your area that can help.

  • I think I better sign off from here.  I cannot cope.  Spent 20 years caring for a daughter with arthritis from 3 years old, a son with autism who I am having to fight for yet again, a mother who I also care for and social services seem to think she is fine as long as I am alive.  I am literally at the end of my tether. 

  • Hiya Peachy,

    The Colleges for Special Needs in my area for this age is limited to about two.  They mainly deal with those young adults who are higher functioning.  They have to travel independently etc.  Maybe we are not thinking the right way, but we know our son is a marvel at certain things, but it is not just the academic help he needs.  What is a qualification worth in his adult life if he cannot even bathe or brush his teeth properly?  It is social skills and independent living skills that he needs and so far we cannot find anything within our own Borough that covers this unless he is more able(?) if that makes sense...

    Thank you so much for your response.  It is a lonely world ... 

  • I am not sure if this will help or not but where i live in north devon we have a college that deals with special needs children, dealing with autism, aspergers and everything. Have you tried finding colleges in your area that have this?   Can you contact your local citzens advice bureau, their might have some answers for you.  I hope you can get this sorted for your son.