Hi
Posted by
Elena Goodrum
on 20th May 2009
at 14:50
Welcome to the community, Wendy! I think you're finding your way
around very well so far - thanks for posting your introduction and your
new topic. : )
Hopefully you'll hear back from someone in the Hertfordshire area soon.
In the meantime, just to let you know that you're welcome to contact me
through the site or on my email address below if you need a hand in
figuring out the site. Also, there's a search box at the top right of
each page and it does a great job of searching the discussions in this
forum.
take care,
elena
Elena Goodrum
Community Manager
talk about autism
Posted by
Josie Barnshaw
on 20th May 2009
at 16:41
Hi Wendy
Welcome to the Group
I am not in the same locality as you as I am up in Scotland, but I have three children, all teenagers, the youngest who is almost 14 has a diagnosis of Aspergers Syndrome and the oldest who is almost 19 does not have a diagnosis, but I am sure he is also on the spectrum. My oldest is now out of the education system and in the Armed Forces, my youngest is in mainstream high school. Both of my sons have been educated in mainstream schools.
It has been and continues to have its difficulties, but I really believe these are down to the lack of autism awareness of some of the teachers (not all). Some teachers are really good and some unfortunately just dont seem to have a clue how to deal with the issues that our children have with sensory issues, literal interpretation of language and their struggle with social skills. I do have to say that I found the Primary School much better at dealing with both of my sons and it was High School that was and still is, on the odd occasion, difficult.
I think the main thing is to keep in touch with your son's educators. I have always had a good working relationship with my sons' schools, although sometimes things do get strained when they appear not to be listening to me, but I dont give up. If I find anything that I think can be of use to them, be it on the web or in a paper/magazine, I send a copy to the school.
Please keep in touch and let us know how you get on, or indeed, if you need any help.
Josie
Posted by
NickyB
on 20th May 2009
at 17:41
Hi wendy and welcome
Posted by
Josie Barnshaw
on 3rd June 2009
at 14:03
Hi Wendy
Glad to be of assistance. On re-reading your post spotted your comment about friends. Tom tends to be happier with just one friend at a time, so even if your son is just getting along with one other kid that is probably what works best for him. The other thing is my son has it in his head that he only keeps a friend for two years and then they are not his friend and he moves on to someone else. Have no idea where he gets this from, but probably some television programme. He tends to believe everything he hears on the TV and his preference for American comedy shows means he believes the most outlandish things!!
The other thing Tom really enjoys is a weekly trip with our local Autism Society (this one is run completely by volunteers on donations) and they take Tom and some other children on the spectrum to a local Sports Facility for some general running around in an area which includes soft play and other strenuous activities, followed by a swim in the pool and a visit to MacDonalds. Tom looks forward to a Thursday all week so that he can meet up with the boys he is friendly with in that group. Perhaps if you could find a local Autism Support Group or even a general Carers Centre (they usually run autism specific carers groups that you could attend and get to know other parents).
Anyway, that's enough of my rambling for now. Feel free to contact me again through these boards or my e-mail: barnshaw.josie@googlemail.com or I am also on facebook.
Josie
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Posted by
wendy d
on 20th May 2009
at 12:52
Hi my name is Wendy I have two children one is 2 in July and my oldest is 9 and has asperger syndrome. He is in a mainstream school and we are contantly encountering different problems. The main one at present is my son finds making friends really hard and I am trying to get him some social training but noone seems to be listening and I am at a lose now as what to do next, thankyou all for reading.
Wendy xx