*Change of plan - and maybe some good news!*

Toto

One thing to add, when he has his tests and things ask if he can have an EEG, this will tell quite a lot about what signals are firing around in his brain. My Amber has epilepsy but she doesn't have fits, it does affect her behaviour though and she does have moments of absence. I doubt that's what's going on here but it would certainly put your mind at ease.

Snaggles

Yes, it does help a lot actually, and makes a lot of sense.

I think part of the problem with Ryan (or rather, with me)is, to all intents and purposes, he seems (on the surface at least) quite normal. If you met him, you wouldn't think 'ahhh, autistic', because he is not THAT different to a 'normal' 7 year old boy. So when he does behave strangely, it really shocks me, because I'm not prepared for it. Does that make sense?

He does have a problem with social skills, and he is funny with rules - either he just doesn't understand rules at all, or he sticks so rigidly to them that any straying from them (by him or anyone else) makes him anxious and shouty.

I really admire the way you cope with all this stuff Toto, I think from now on you are going to be my role model. I'm serious btw!

immoral_angeluk

HEy Snags... just want to send you and my little rockstar a massive dodgy 3some hug :grouphug:
From my brief experience with autism it's a very difficult problem to understand and live with. Especially for the children themselves who don't understand whats happening..
Does he have a SENCO worker at school or anything? Or a keyworker? It may be worth a chat to update them so they can note an similar behaviour at school so you can keep a track of how often things like this are happening. Also might be worth telling his doctor in case of, like Amber, there may be underlying epilepsy or something that isn't obvious on the surface.

Big hugs to you all xxx

Toto

Aspergers is a funny old thing, because as you say on some levels (especially when they are kids) they do seem perfectly normal, they look normal and can act as we'd expect them to. My daughter is obviously handicapped, her movements and language are a give away. Most ASD kids aren't like that though.

Many many people with aspergers become great minds. 70% of the top mathematicians in the world score highly on aspergers tests. Musicians too, in fact anything where people need to focus and be slightly obsessive about things.

Ryan will find his way in society, he will learn to adapt and he will lead a perfectly ordinary life. There is no reason why he won't have proper relationships, get married, in fact do anything he wants to do.

Yes, there will be some moments along the way where he will do odd stuff, but each time he does he's learning what's acceptable and when.

You know where I am if you need to chat hon xx

Snaggles

He has some contact with the SENCO, although I don't think she will be fully involved unless we get a formal diagnosis. But I will ask them to keep an eye on him for anything out of the ordinary and let me know. I'm ashamed to say I don't actually know what a keyworker is.

He has his first proper autism assessment on the 12th, so I will make sure I incude it in the information I've gathered together. The speech therapist has rung me today too and re-arranged Ryan's appointment for next week - she's being really helpful, and says she will type up her report and drop it off at our house to make sure we have it in time for the assessment (she will send a copy to the CAMHS team, but this is just in case it doesn't reach them on time).

I've also just got one of the Tony Atwood books and am making my way through that, to try and get a better understanding of Ryan's condition (the more I read, the more I'm convinced that he has Aspergers Syndrome).

It's funny you should say that about some people with Aspergers having great minds - Ryan is really very intelligent, he's great at maths and science, and can build amazingly intricate buildings out of plain blocks of wood - I'm sure he is going to be an architect or something.

Snaggles

I thought I was having the day from hell today, on top of worrying about Ryan, I fell over (not drunk!) on our driveway this morning, twisted my ankle, back, neck and wrist, and hurt my knees....what an idiot....lol, and Stu had a bump in his van at work. And then someone gave me some painkillers that I thought were paracetamols, but turned out to be ibruprofen (I have asthma so not supposed to take them) so I've been wheezing like a 60 a day smoker. AND I broke a nail! :rolleyes:

But I really think this website brings me luck - not only am I feeling a bit more reassured about Ryan, Stu's boss has confirmed to him that his accident hasn't jeopardised him being taken on permanently......and Mr Camper-man has just rung and accepted our offer, so we are now the proud owners (or at least, we will be on Sunday) of a folding camper.

Lucy1982_2

Encourage him to do something like that.

My Mother works with special needs children and finds it really hard when the parents convince their children they can join the army (or something like that) when it's so obvious that this is never going to happen.

Not that I am say Ryan can't (if you know what I mean) play to his strength, although his biggest strength is going to be you!

Lucy1982_2

Ooo well done on that camper! holidays here you come!

Ellidee

Hi Snags couldn't stop thinking about you. Sorry you have had horrible day . Hope you feel better soon and that Ryan gets the help he needs. He is so lucky to have a Mum like you. Wish I knew what else to say but can only send you my best wishes and a hug. XX P.S. great news about camper.

hypno06

oh hun, you broke a nail :eek:

I don't know what to say, but in situations like this you get a dodgy hug.....:grouphug: