Aspergers/ASD support thread

Savvy_Sue

yes, that's a great list, isn't it? thank you D&DD - and can I remind everyone that your local library should be able to order books for you, although there may be a small charge (refunded last time I tried this if they don't get it for you!) Even if it's not held within the county, they may be able to get it for you.

I'll also add, if I may, and more on the Asperger side, Asperger's Syndrome: A Guide for Parents and Professionals by Tony Attwood. I am not as well read as many of you, it is the only non-fiction work on AS I've read, but I found it very helpful.

dk, a search on Amazon for 'asperger's parents teachers' (because I couldn't quickly find the Attwood book I wanted!) brought up quite a list, including one on exam advice for the whole autistic spectrum. Also I know there's a page on the NAS website about what help could be considered for exams, and if you think your son needs eg extra time then it's probably not too late to organise this. DS1 did not have a 'formal' diagnosis and his problems are mild, but we got extra time organised between mocks and GCSEs.

As it happens, he's got an assessment in just over a week, to see if he can get Disabled Student Grant to pay for a mentor at Uni, which he seems to need. All my bits will be crossed for him getting it: but he can 'blend' so well these days I just worry he might not ... I'm planning to send him an essay on his 'funny little ways' as a child, because he says he can't remember very far back!

For example, he's vaguely aware that we used to live somewhere else (until he was 12), but has NO recollection of a strop because his 'new' room was clearly FAR smaller than his 'old' one, and it wasn't fair. (He wanted a larger room, which we were keeping as a guest room!) I demonstrated that in his 'new' room, there were three walls against which his bed could fit, PLUS an alcove in which he could fit his massive Games Workshop board, whereas in the 'old' one there was only one place to put the bed, and no space to move if you put the board down. Even with demonstrable mathematical proof he wasn't happy ... he'd just got this idea in his head, and it wasn't shifting!

Snaggles

Hi SS - I've just read the Tony Attwood book too, and found it very easy to read and understand, and not at all daunting. It has helped me quite a lot.

I mentioned it a while ago but the book we read to Ryan was called 'Can I tell you about Aspergers Syndrome' (or something similar). For his age group and older (he's 7), I thought it was very good. In fact this was the book Ryan was referring to when he said he knew he had Aspergers Syndrome because he was exactly like the boy in the book we read.

I am just starting to read 'The Curious Incident....' for the second time. The first time I read it, I had no idea what Aspergers Syndrome was, but a couple of weeks after reading it, we met a family on holiday who had a son who had aspergers, and I remember thinking how like Ryan he was (but didn't put 2 + 2 together :doh:).

Funny the little memories that are suddenly coming back to me.

D&DD - thanks so much for the list. It's at times like these that I'm so glad I enjoy reading.

blue_monkey_2

Hi everyone,

D&DD thanks for the list, I was just browsing amazon, SS the same book you mentioned came in at the top. I just realised how expensive the books are, eek, I don't really get to the libary these days, tend to stay at home as it is easier Ryan just spends the whole time stropping unless it is 'pre-planned'.

I have to confess that I've taken some 'time out' from the housing situation as I know we have another 3 months here roughly, I have done all I can do and can do no more, so going to spend the time I have left with a roof over my head more constructively, going to apply for Ryans DLA and we have an appointment at the school in Feb as he IEP runs out and going to see then about getting him statemented.

I think I might pop to the library after school then - have not had a card for a long time so better take some ID with me. I think I will ask for the books first so I'll have an excuse if Ryan starts tearing around and screaming, LOL!!

FA, that is great news about the programme, please do call them and let me know what they say. That would be something right, plus he will be aware that you have complained to his agent as well as the theatre, you might get a home visit with some flowers, taken for tea, LOL, please be be optimistic!! Maybe JB is a good guy after all. But, the main thing is that they know what they did was wrong. Let us know what the theatre say to you, won't you.

Mind you, when I think of JB all I can see is him pushing one of those dog prams along with his dog inside - he has a dog that cannot walk and he has to take it out at midnight for walks in Cardiff Bay in one of those dog pram things, LOL, at the thought. he was on Jonathon Ross telling everyone about that and I'll never think of anything else now when I see him!!

The story about Rupert Grint replying to that letter is so sweet, I think that there are some 'celebs' that are not so far up their own backsides to realise that something so small is so significant to some children. I went to the cinema to see HP5 and was was in the queue and Rupert Grint walked past, everyone just stopped talking while he sauntered past and we all peered down the pathway, kind of bizarre because we love all the HP films. He is much taller in 'real life' too. LOL!! He lives around here somewhere, that is why he was at the cinema, when he was 'found' at the local stage school there was a massive waiting list to get in as everyone wanted to send their kids there.

Anyway, I am whittering, best get a list down so I can take to the libary later when I get Ryan from school. Thanks again guys.

tilly's_mum

Local Carers centres and support groups often have 'mini libraries' of good autism related books.

Also I found 'A User Guide to the GF/CF Diet for Autism, Asperger Syndrome and AD/HD' by Luke Jackson really good - explains the diet really well and in easy to understand language - I gave the book to my daughters school and family members to help them understand the diet and don't give her anything that will upset her now.

D&DD

Tilly's mum, Lukes books are great aren't they *forgot to add them and all the diet books I have!*
Mine are often out 'on loan' thats why I call it my library :rotfl:
I agree try to get any books on loan first if possible (thats the moneysaving bit) I tend to do this then if I decide they'll be useful to have around then I buy them.

shazrobo

help :eek: :eek: :eek:

just had a phone call from daniel's school, he has been excluded, after having a major major melt down, he has assaulted several teachers, smashed windows, let down the teachers tyres in the staff car park, left school premises etc. he is a big strong lad, and it took two members of staff who are fully trained, to restrain him to the ground.

guess who is going to have to deal with him alone tonight? yep me, he is usually a resident at school, and home for weekends. dreading him coming home in case he hasnt calmed down, also got his twin brother to protect, who isnt as strong as him.

scared, tears in my eyes typing this, but just had to tell someone.

shaz x

Snaggles

Oh Shaz, I am so so sorry. Is there anyone at all that can come and help you? I don't know what to say hun. What a horrible situation. We are here for you if you need to talk at all.

shazrobo

Snaggles wrote: »

Oh Shaz, I am so so sorry. Is there anyone at all that can come and help you? I don't know what to say hun. What a horrible situation. We are here for you if you need to talk at all.

thanks snaggles, it helps just by being able to tell someone, that way i dont feel so alone. there is only me and the boys, have had no contact with my ex husband for a number of years now.
was worrying over nothing, he has just got home, and is fairly calm, has apologised for what he has done wrong, apparently some other boys had upset him by taking lego away from him. hope he stays calm til he is able to go back to school
shaz x

Snaggles

How long is he excluded for? I hope it's not too long.

I'm glad he's calmer, I hope things stay fairly settled for you all.

shazrobo

i think he is allowed back on weds, as its his first incident at this school, they said they would just give him three days exclusion