General Chat

I have a twenty five year old son with autism. I was suprised how many other people on the board seem to have children with similar problems. I think there is a strong genetic base to autism. I have known families with more than one child affected so my be the family history research will help[ with the genetic links. I think the best piece of advice I would give younger mothers is to keep asking what next. We kept being told Paul would grow out of it - it was usually called childhood autism - he didn't. There never seemed to be links between primary and secondary schools and secondary school and college and college and employment. Life has been so much easier for my four 'Normal children'.

It is very hard sometimes when decides to kick off my eldest usually trys to calm him down but when the 2 off them kick off I usually have no doors left. My eldest son broke his sisters thumb and knocked her jaw out of line

I know what you mean Kaye sometimes you just want to give up but you can't. My eldest has ADHD and so has my middle boy who is 12yrs old he is on 54mg of ritalin a day and 4mg of melatonin a night my eldest is trying to come of the ritalin at the moment but you can see he is hyper

Kaye go back to the doctors and tell them you need sleep and hopefully they may give you something my son is on melatonin 4 mg a night but he is 12yrs. I do know what you are going through and it is hard my husband had to be up all night and I was up in the day time as he was playing with the fire which we had removed now. Maz he will be fine blackmail does go along way lol

Hi Kaye, yes I think that unfortunately with things like ADHD and Asperger's it can be very difficult for them to diagnose until the child is 5/6 years old. It would be a good idea for you to try and find a local support group - have a look at some of the websites listed at the top of the thread, or look for links at www(.)adders(.)org - don't forget to remove the brackets. Val, thanks for that - seeing the psychiatrist next week, will have to confess to him that I haven't done it yet! Maybe he will explain to Jamie why it is needed, then I can get it organised. Maz. XX

Yes Kaye I have the same problem with 2 of my boys my eldest who is 18yr still sits up to 3am in morning and John he is on sleeping tablets as he doesn't sleep at all. Maz tell him you will buy him a treat if he lets you get it, but I woould get someone he is comfterable with to do it

Hi mAz, I don't know it anyone has addressed the issue of OCD. Sorry I haven't read the whole thread, I have just seen it and read the first few entries. Having survived??? the affects of OCD, I am a good listening ear. Deb

At the risk of being boring, can I again add that I belong to a forum called adders.org for parents, partners, adults with autistic spectrum conditions including adhd, aspergers and autism. Its a brilliant site, uk based, so please join it. Lots and lots of info and very experienced people on there, including a world specialist who gives advice, so do have a look in. Also all the latest info on statementing and education issues. There will shortly be a sponsored picnic at Hever Castle if anyone is down that way - details on the site.

Hi Val - hope John is ok now? Yes, it is a relief. Going to see the Paediatrician tomorrow for the usual check up - she will be pleased too. Then next week have a follow up appointment with the shrink. My only worry at the moment is that Jamie is supposed to have two blood tests - for DNA and chromosone testing - and dunno quite how I am gonna persuade him!! Got a friend who will do it at home, but still dreading it. Any tips would be very gratefully received. Maz. XX

Thank you Maz for bringing the thread up and I am glad you what is wrong with your son it is a relief when you know and yes holidays are here again and the day they broke I had John at the out of hours doctor his temp was 102 but he is back to normal runing rings round us and the hospital has stated by time Damien is a teenager he will need a laptop

Hi everyone! Just a reminder for those of you tearing your hair out at the thought of 6 weeks with our little angels - I know I am lol - that there is always someone on GR who will listen, empathise and maybe advise. Don't forget to come on this thread and let off steam, and remember to check on here for those who need a bit of support. Happy Holidays everyone!! Maz. XX

H O O R A Y !!!!!! Jamie has a mild Autistic Spectrum Disorder - the nearest match is Asperger's, although he isn't an EXACT fit, but then who IS really! So pleased that now he will not lose his statement and will continue to get the help he needs throughout his school life. Thanks for your support folks! Maz. XX

I am glad maz that you will find out keep me posted please

Tomorrow morning we get Jamie's diagnosis - will let you know when I get back. Maz. XX

Jamie has the first of 3 appointments tomorrow (monday) for his assessment for Asperger's so please think of us - will keep you posted on how we get on. Maz. XX

Hi everyone, noticed that this thread was 'live' again and I shall be watching programme tonite. I have mentioned this before(ad nauseum probably) but I belong to an online group adders.org which is for children, adults and partners of anyone with any of these autistic spectrum conditions. Please look in. There is lots of helpful info and a resident specialist to answer questions and lots and lots of support from the other mums and partners on there and a good larf sometimes. So please log in - adders.org

Thankyou Maz and folks, I will have a look at that programme, it sounds very interesting :)

nudge

Don't miss this on Channel 4, Thursday at 9pm 'Only Human' Make Me Normal A new series of thought-provoking documentaries meets four students at Spa School, one of Britain's largest state schools for autistic children. Filmed over several months, the teenagers reveal what it is like to grow up with a condition affecting more than 500,000 people in the UK.

Hang in there Julia! November is not that bad - only 6 months!!! Jamie was referred in September last year and is being seen in June - 9 months. It will come round sooner than you think! Maz. XX