Autism/SEN

Both our boys have a diagnosis of high functioning autism (commonly known as Aspergers's syndrome), they both present very differently.  Theo in many ways is more typical and it was in our journey with him that helped us identify that things going on with Jules were more than problems around transitioning to high school.




It was a long a painful adolescence with Theo but he is growing into an amazing young man, happily settled in an IT apprenticeship and working at a local further educaiton college.  We have just secured an Education and Healthcare Plan for Jules with funding to move him to a specialist residential school which will suit his need for a calmer, more predictable environment than his current mainstream school can offer.  Our boys are amazing, they are unique and individual.  Through them we have learned to understand that not everyone is wired the same way so we have learned to adapt our communications to suit them and as they grow they are learning strategies to adapt their communications to fit into this big confusion world of ours.

http://www.wasthisintheplan.com/2012/03/different-operating-system.html

I have also written a post for as part of an Autism Positivity Flashblog - this was in response to an anonymous person posting on a blog that they wished they did not have autism.  My post is a letter to Theo explaining why I hoped he would never feel that way and explaining what a wonderful person I (and all of those who know and love him) think he is

http://www.wasthisintheplan.com/2012/04/letter-to-my-son.html

Life is not always a bed of roses with children with such different needs, this was highlighted very starkly when we attempted to have a family holiday last year.  Now we tend to have small breaks with just one or two of the children although we have found that a holiday where everyone can do their own thing makes for a happy family experience!  Later this year we hope to go to Center Parcs where we have found the perfect balance of something for everyone

http://www.wasthisintheplan.com/2012/04/mixed-emotions.html



2 comments:

  1. Anonymous8:57 pm

    Hi, my son is 16. Long story but he is on the route to diagnosis. His school paid for strategies from a psychologist as he is having major social issues, lessons are perfect. It is the unstructured time he cannot deal with. The report gave many ideas for strategies. The problem is he goes to a private school that does not have the resources or knowledge to put the strategies into place. In the meantime he has been suspended for behaviour issues. I am crying out off help and so is my son but. I just can't get it. We live in London, do you have any ideas? I am at my wits end and my son's. A levels are about to be ruined. The school wants to write a contract of what he can and can't do and want me to sign it. I can totally see the similarities in your page where you describe Theo. I have known my son has Aspergers since primary but it only became a major issue now, that is why I am now going down the diagnosis route, but it takes months and he needs help now.
    Any suggestions welcome.

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  2. I have Aspergers disorder or syndrome and I know only to well how hard it is for someone like to live in society, and this sometimes can drive us to isolation from it I lead an apparent normal life, I go to work every day, I talk to my colleagues but I distance myself from them

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