tw511

Hi, our son is similar, walks just fine but has no sense of danger. 99% of the time he is fine but he can be unpredictable and randomly try to dart out into the road, so we have to watch like a hawk. Our DLA is mid tier for care and low tier for mobility, he doesn't need pushchair or support like that so doesn't get into the higher tiers. Have you looked into whether you qualify for carers allowance in addition? Because of the amount of care our son needs, it hinders the ability of both me and my wife to work full time. Currently my wife supplies a lot of the care (he is at school but off term care is really difficult esp Summer, we have very little family support) and is struggling to get any job that fits. You're prob already aware but if not worth a look. Hope this helps.

How is everyone getting on? After a long journey we managed to get out boy in a specialised school (mixed disabilities but most in his class have ASD in some form). He started in September and is doing so well, really happy there.

I've heard 'everyone is on the spectrum' thrown about a bit (including by my parents) but it's completely false (as stated above). I do sometimes get a bit irritated when I hear this, but then I remember I used to say the same thing myself prior to becoming more clued up, so I try not to be. Sometimes said with good intentions by way of reassurance.

Thank you, kind words.

Exactly this. Plus me getting flustered and stressed out then makes the situation worse as my son picks up on it. Sometimes I feel like I spend a lot of time feeling guilty and inadequate as a parent (that goes for both kids) but not all the time thankfully. We can only try our best. I do really wish I could just not give a fig what other people think but in reality it doesn't go that way for me...

Good luck, can't offer any recommendations 1) because we're not in Midlands 2) we've not had much luck ourselves with this sort of thing. To be fair we don't really push ourselves though, both me and my wife are quite introverted and anxious about social situations (I do think we may be on the spectrum too). We tried the playground the other week with our kids and it was a nightmare...meltdowns (from autistic son) every 5 seconds and judgemental stares from parents sitting around the sides (which for me is the worst bit, it stresses me out). It's not always that bad, sometimes he has a blast and is fine. It's just good days and bad days. Most of the time we let him just dictate what he wants to do (within reason) even if that's just rolling a sellotape around the house for hours.

Our son had his autism assessment this week. He got a dual diagnosis on the day of ASD and learning difficulties. Even though this is no surprise to us I'm still taking time to digest and process this. Maybe I wasn't quite expecting the dual diagnosis but it does make sense.

Allegedly if you flirt with your PA (Kelly?) She'll eventually feed the fish on your behalf. I missed this trick and gave up buying fish after clearing out all the bodies for the third time. I'll make do with the space hamster. Also, does anyone else find the hammerhead in ME2 even worse than the mako (as if possible)? Made from tissue paper and armed with a spit gun...

I think everyone should have the right to assessment particularly if a diagnosis (or not) would help even in any small way. I suspect a possibility about myself, but like you am quite hesitant as I get by. I actually am not sure as an adult how you get the ball rolling, probably discuss with your GP first? I've not been to a GP in years so no idea if this would be a useful place to start or whether they'd be uninterested.

My understanding, which is sketchy despite going through the process as it feels more complicated than it needs to be, is that you need an EHCP for a SEN placement but an EHCP doesn't guarantee that. More it's a statement of the child's needs and provisions that need to be in place be that in mainstream school, Integrated Resource or specialized school. I wouldn't assume the ball will automatically get rolling with a diagnosis, you have to be fairly proactive and the success rate of getting one is low. You need plenty of evidence, although obviously having the diagnosis and report will help a lot. You certainly don't need a diagnosis to apply for one (we got one but are still awaiting assessment) and I guess some kids with ASD won't need one if it is less severe and they cope without support. Once armed with an EHCP it goes before a panel who designate what school/provisions are assigned. You state preferences but don't get to directly choose. You can appeal their decision . Some schools require an official ASD diagnosis (most likely autism specialized schools) some don't. I am happy to be corrected by someone with a better grasp where I am wrong, but hope this helps in some way

I did try this but now I think about it, it was at breakfast with natural daylight. Might try again later at dinner time see if there's something obvious when the lights are on, cheers.

I can relate to so much of this. Great post, not disjointed at all. Having a good nursery makes such a big difference doesn't it? Kinda wishing we'd looked into the private route now but I think it would have been financially tricky. I guess we're getting there. I concur it can be the hardest thing and steepest learning curve. And definitely tough having few people to talk about it to who understand.

Thank you that's really helpful. We're in Sheffield so assessment will be at Ryegate but I think the process sounds largely the same.

Hi, was just wondering how everyone was getting on? Our son is finally getting an autism assessment in a couple of weeks, what are people's experiences with this? I won't be there myself, my wife will go in with him while I look after our daughter. The letter indicates we may get an official diagnosis from this one assessment but more follow up may be required. My parents are insistent that it'll take years and years for a diagnosis, although this is based on anecdotal evidence from a friend, so not taking that at face value. Also will be hearing about a school placement from the EHCP board mid February, it's all nerve shredding stuff! Also, this may be a bit random, has anyone had any experience of their child refusing to look at the dinner table? We recently moved him from a booster seat at the table to a cushion, so he's lower down. Now he sort of sits side saddle and refuses to look ahead. When he wants food from his plate he'll sort of side eye it or squint so he's looking at the bare minimum of table. I'm guessing it's a sensory thing that there's something about the way the table looks from the new viewpoint that's overwhelming. Was wondering if anyone had seen anything similar? Would try and raise him up again but then he won't fit under the table!

I've been playing the Amalur remaster on Ps4, prob about 75% through. I originally had it on ps3 a long time ago but never got far. It's generic as hell, feels very dated and is barely remastered. Some of the voice acting is terrible (what is the gnome accent meant to be?). The plot is no great shakes. It's an MMO but offline. And yet...I find it strangely enjoyable to play. Quite a cathartic experience, I run around whacking things without having to engage brain too much. I think the combat is pretty decent. I find a lot of the lore and dialogue tedious but a lot is skippable. Despite my criticisms I think there's a lot to be enjoyed. Doesn't come close to Skyrim for world building though, the areas feel very artificial and segregated due to being separated by corridors.