Autism question

tiannaleigh

Hi, my daughter was diagnosed with autism quite a few months ago ,I didnt hear anything else about support ect untill now.
I have had a letter from the doctor who diagnosed her saying that she would like to send me on an early bird course,and also arrange a social worker to come out and see if I need to claim any extra benifits or receive any extra support.
I dont know anything about this course,does anybody know what its about.
also I cant understand why she is sending out a social worker,my daughter and I are very happy and I cope ok.
any info would be appriciated

Savvy_Sue

Courses are mentioned in this thread, which you might find useful. How old is your daughter?

don't worry about them sending a social worker, it's not because they think you're not coping! Hopefully this person will have specialised knowledge of local services to share with you.

How old is your DD, out of interest?

cheap_charlie

I don't have any experience of the Early Bird course, but I have heard very good things about it - it is a form of early intervention, something I believe helps children with autism.

You should also be entitled to claim DLA for your daughter. The form is lengthy and can be quite depressing to fill in so my advice to you is to find someone at CAB or at a local disability charity to help you. You may also be turned down at first but don't let that put you off - appeal and you may well find you get it.

Once you get it you can also get more Child Tax Credits if you are eligible for those as you get extra for a disabled child, depending upon which level of DLA you get.

lukiesgirl

Hi I have just done the Early Bird Plus (for older children). I cannot reccomend it highly enough. The help I got was invaluable because I had hit a brick wall and did not know which way to turn. They teach you ways to cope with ASD and provide home visits so that you can discuss your individual concerns. My DS was very aggressive towards me and thanks to this course I have learned how to recognise the triggers and therefore stop the tantrum - most of the time. It is useful to take someone with you who is involved with your little girl so that they get a greater understanding of ASD and how to cope with it. The other thing that came out of this was a wonderful group of friends who all understand ASD! Good luck.:D

x

shiny_happy_people

Hi i agree with lukies mum sounds a great programme they didnt have this when my son was diagnoised 8 years ago , wish they had would have been great help .
Dont worry about social worker visiting they are social workers for children with disabilities not children at risk Make sure you ask them what help is available to you financal, respite (ha ha sorry sarcastic comment from me as still waiting for some )young carers group for siblings etc .from my own experience with my son ive found the more knowledge ive gained from courses, books tv programmes the better ive been able to understand him and therefore better able to cope . Have you gone to the "cerebra" website theyt do a lending library of sensory toys and books on autism etc they have loads of helpful info and send you a really good freebook on coping with stress as a carer when you register with them take care look after yourself as well
feel free to contact me for a chat if you like

[Deleted User]

I've done it too, it's a great source of information and you get to meet other parents, I strongly recommend it.

tiannaleigh

my daughter is 3yrs 8months
Thanks for all your comments as I was especially worried about social worker as I thought for some reason people was thinking I cant cope.
glad to see others have been on this course to ,as I felt i was being singled out .
I havent really looked at any websites or support,I thought I was doing ok but I suppose if I can learn ways to understand her better,its worth looking into

lukiesgirl

tiannaleigh wrote: »

my daughter is 3yrs 8months
Thanks for all your comments as I was especially worried about social worker as I thought for some reason people was thinking I cant cope.
glad to see others have been on this course to ,as I felt i was being singled out .
I havent really looked at any websites or support,I thought I was doing ok but I suppose if I can learn ways to understand her better,its worth looking into

Hi
You are not being singled out in fact, quite the opposite! There is quite a waiting list in some areas for these courses because places are limited. I had a visit from the social worker and she was very helpful and supportive. She will not pass judgement on your parenting or anything - honestly. You have only just received the diagnosis so you are probably still going through the grieving process. It will get better - my DS is 6 now and he was just over 3 when diagnosed. I wish I had been on EBird before. I know you will gain alot from this programme - good luck.

xx

pink_numbers

I would take any help offered to you, for your daughter and your sake. The older she gets, the less help she will get. She's very fortunately to have been diagnosed so early, people that get diagnosed later in life get absolutely no help.
I am sure all the help would be very supporting for your family

munchings-n-crunchings

Hello tiannaleigh,

Have they said what form of autism your daughter has?
The term 'autism' is like an umbrella with lots of individual conditions underneath.

I have 2 children, both with Aspergers Syndrome, and they were not diagnosed till 8 and 14.
You would think that they were both diagnosed with something completely different.

Any scheme that offers you help and support will be useful. It will give you chance to meet other parents facing the same issues, and you can swap strategies for dealing with issues. I did 2 different courses one for primary age and one for adolescents, and I still keep in contact with people I met.

Feel free to ask any questions,

Regards
Munchie

tiannaleigh

munchings-n-crunchings wrote: »

Hello tiannaleigh,

Have they said what form of autism your daughter has?
The term 'autism' is like an umbrella with lots of individual conditions underneath.

I have 2 children, both with Aspergers Syndrome, and they were not diagnosed till 8 and 14.
You would think that they were both diagnosed with something completely different.
...............................................................

"I thought my daughter would be diagnosed with Aspergers Syndrome,but it wasnt even discussed,they just diagnosed autism."