Parenting Forums

Posted: 06 October 2008 at 9:51am | IP Logged

Hello,

Does anyone have a child with Aspergers?

My son is 12  and he has Aspergers and it is almost certain that he has ADHD and OCD aswell as he shows all the signs. He recently started a new school which has a special unit for kids with an autistic spectrum disorder. He is being assessed by the staff so if they feel that he has other issues he will be checked out by CAMHS (child and adolescent mental health service).

It has been a big upheavel for him but the staff are fantastic and so knowlegeble. He has no statement of special needs but can access all the help he needs without one at this unit. I have had a lot of dealings with the LEA and thay have been quite supportive. He may need to be assessed again for a statement within the unit and if this is so I intend to fight the LEA for this, big style.

I used to feel really unhappy for him but I have overcome that and now support and encourage him to do his best. We have a brilliant relationship and he is very mature about his condition so I am exceptionally proud of him.

Its not always easy and we do encounter alot of problems mostly from other members of the public, some people never learn. I have cards that I hand out explaining his condition if there are any problems. I was recently asked why, my child has a Radar key when he can walk, by a wheelchair users carer, I gave her a card and told her that he is too old to go into the ladies and he does not feel safe going into the mens alone because of his condition, needless to say she shut up!

I think its time for people to be less ignorant about disabilities the hidden ones can be just as hard to deal with, if not worse, he seems to get predijuce from both sides and its sad because he is only a child. I do worry for his future in  such an uncaring world, but we will do our best to help him, we have too!

gothschild x

Posted: 06 October 2008 at 10:53am | IP Logged

Hi hun

I don't have a child with asd but i do have a child with adhd...... he has co-morbid perception issues and mobility/co-ordination.

My son is now in the CAMHS system but it's taken a good year to fight for the referal.

I wish you all the luck with getting the help and support you need. If you have a good pediatrician they should suggest and support you through an application for dla if you haven't applied already.

We do have a article on ADHD here not sure if it'll be much use but i found as much information as possible is helpful and some things do work over the whole spectrum as asd/add/adhd all seem to be down to a fault or a mis-communication in the processing part of the brain.

Good luck and talk soon x