Would like to meet Apsergers families Coventry / Warwickshire

I wonder whether obsessions with food are quite common within the Asperger/Autistic population. Food is regular, sensual and hugely rewarding. I don't think an obsession with food is necessarily a negative thing, unless it involves calorie counting and an obsession with weight or hygiene, and then, of course, help must be sought.

Like your daughter, I was obsessed with food all through my childhood. I memorized what people ate in their lunch boxes at school, would associate everyone with the food they ate, talked about it all the time, ate huge portions whenever I got the chance (usually when visiting relatives or at school parties) and loved playing with pretend food. I am still interested in food and nutrition, and am particularly interested in food history and culinary habits. Interesting stuff.

Hello,

Yes almost 2 yrs on from diagnosis, we still have some minor occassional issues re family (who have very little time with her) but think she'll just "grow out of it" or is just a little quirky - Hmmmmmm 

We definitely have the ole special interests thing! It was ancient Egypt last summer , we bought her a playmobile pyramid (which I have to admit was pretty fab then it was space. I think this can be a positive as she's happy in it, enjoys it and it can help in learning, can be a fulfilling hobby / pastime etc. Sadly we also had a terrible obsession with food (not just eating it, but CONSTANTLY talking about it, memorizing what everyone had eaten, writing about it, drawing it, relating every activity to food) we sought help regarding this and are thankful that she's made real progress.  

Our daughter likewise became notably and increasingly different in social situations to her peers. I used to think "it's not so bad, it's not that noticeable" then arrive at a friend's house, playgroup etc and think "hmmmmm" ok so something's not 'right' here.

She now has a statement at school for part time assistance, this has been hugely beneficial and was applied for end of term July recpetion 2011 and almost in place by May ish yr 1 2012 and fully up and running for yr 2 this Sept 2012. (Took about 12 mths from start to actual help in place).  

I do go to support groups, a variety for differing things, and short courses and I go on and off. There is support avail in Coventry & Warwickshire - dep upon where you are. There are times I think "We can do this autism thing" and other times when I come home and cry, as no parent likes to see their little one struggle. It's a bit of a rollercoaster and whilst I'm more of a glass half full kind of person there are times, as i say, when my heart's in my mouth for her.

I've found the support groups are helpful. I think it's a very individual thing and I think the different groups suit different people's needs / opinions etc (or even how you're feeling at the time !) I've been to both informative events and social events which have been good.

Best wishes with everything

x

I loved your comment 'bright but odd'. That's pretty much how I describe my daughter. She's a funny little girl, mostly very happy, delightful and a joy to be around. She's very interested in anything to do with 'the natural world' especially seahorses and butterflies - does your daughter have any special interests? My daughter's not long started in year 1 and is doing much better with the structure & routine compared to reception class, which was an utter nightmare all year, which is how we ended up going for a diagnosis. No great surprise really, She appeared 'normal' as a baby and hit all the usual developmental targets but as soon as she was put into a social environment as a toddler was when the alarm bells started ringing. I think some members of the family are having a harder time than others accepting and understanding the diagnosis but I think it is beneficial to us all now we know. Hopefully we can now work towards getting her some support in school. Does your daughter get any additional in school support? Do you go to any support groups and if so have you found them helpful? Sarcus x

Hello Sarcus,

Hope you & daughter are doing well. I think an early diagnosis can often be helpful in accessing support and helping them along in these early years.

My daughter's doing well thank you. How are you feeling / doing with it , d'you mind my asking was it a surprise, expected, upset, relieved bit of everything !

In reception my daughter REALLY struggled but she's had some improvements in yr 1 and now yr 2 in all aspects of behaviour, education, managing her need for routine, etc etc. I'd have to say that social situation with her peer group remains the most challenging issue for her and I guess causes me the most concern for her but there are real positives over the last 2 years (she was diagnosed at 4 and is now 6).

In a nut shell I'd say she presents as bright but odd (meant in the nicest possible sense). Her responses, reactions, interests, things she says are not the "norm" and she struggles socially. She needs routines, patterns, and can react very strongly to everyday situations / events.

Be great to hear how your daughter is doing ? is it early days for you all ?

Best wishes with everything

Hi there, just saw your post, although I see it's an old one. We've just had our 5 year old daughter diagnosed with Aspergers which I understand is very young for a girl to be picked up and wondered how you were getting on :) How does your daughter present with it? I live in Warwickshire on the Birmingham side.

Hello there,

Never mind. Yes I can see now that my request might be a little tricky for safety reasons, particularly with asking to meet families with children. Apologies for that.

Will try via the above links instead thank you.

Hi Orestia,

Just wanted to highlight that, for now, we can't allow people to share contact information through the Community, so that we can guarantee this environment is a safe and secure online space.

However that's obviously a bit problematic when people would benefit from meeting other people but it's something we can't make any exceptions for.

So if people can suggest social groups or events in the area that wouldn't be a problem but we'd ask that people don't share contact details. Sorry, we're aware this is likely to be frustrating.

There are some services in Coventry that you could explore, where you can meet other parents and people on the spectrum. Searching the Autism Service Directory will get you more results but here's a few that came up -

The Autism Resource Base, Coventry offers information and resources and organises group meetings and seminars.

Coventry Action for Autism offers a chance to meet other parents and discuss the issues related to autism, it sounds friendly and informal and could be a great chance to meet other people.

The Get Together Support Group may be focused more on adults but it could be helpful to speak to them to see what they can offer.

But do have a look at the directory and see what else is on offer and again, sorry we can't facilitate people getting in touch with each other through the Community.