**AUTISM / ASPERGERS SUPPORT GROUP**

[doll*obsession]

A safe place for all members with friends or family with ASD

Come and have a cuppa, share your joys, and vent your problems with other people who understand.

[timeless_beauty_australia]

There is usually no problem at school itself. Mr12 had no problems at school, according to the teacher aids and the teachers themselves, as it all comes out at home.

The teacher aid told me her son found it very difficult and it has taken her two years to get him to the point that he can go to school full time with no problems.

I still think there might be a time at school where your daughter is feeling uncomfortable but can't quite figure out what it is.

Does she have any friends at the school that can give any guidance as to what the problem might be. Maybe lunch time is too long for her and she needs guidance during that time for example.

Don't give up.. the issue will come to light and in return the solution will follow.

Cat your Mr. 12 and my Mr. 9 could be brothers!!. My son completely holds it together at school but as soon as he gets into the car to go home it is on!!!. In Tony Attwood's book he explains that to be a very common trait in AS kids.

[timeless_beauty_australia]

Hi Buying,
Glad to hear that your son is reponding to anti anxiety medication. My other DD who is also on the spectrum was so overwhelmed by anxiety she couldn't even function. She has been on seroquel and its done wonders. She has other issues though.

DD 12 (the one we've been discussion) is only on the melatonin no anti anxiety meds. Both the Peady and the physc are cautious of that and that's fine. We will wait and see how she goes. The last day has been ok, she seems fairly happy so maybe the meltdown is a bit of a release?

I'll be watching her closely to see how she is over the next few weeks.

Hi Bella, my Mr. 9 was the same as your DD, it came to the point that he could not function due to anxiety. We tried everything possible over a 2.5 - 3 year period (I can't remember exactly how long it seems like centuries). We tried 10 hypnotherapy sessions, numerous psychologists, went up to Sydney to see Professor Menzies who was great with him but still didn't really take the edge off the anxiety. This is the reason we have resorted to meds and he is a completely different child (for the better).

I hope your DD 12 improves, they do go through cycles and you have to perservere and know in your heart you have tried everything before resorting to meds. Good luck Bella your girls sound gorgeous and you are an amazing mum xx

[timeless_beauty_australia]

Well that didn't go well 😞 Just spoke to the school and I actually think they don't get it. Their response is 'Well shes fine here and I shouldn't be so anxious' ARRRRRRGGGGGHHHH

I don't think they want to be educated either.

oh dear after reading this I have just wound the clock back 2 years and that is exactly what my son's old school teacher said to me. Luckily she left to go on maternity leave a couple of weeks later!!!

[bella_again]

Thanks buying for your encouraging words:-x I've decided to not even stress or go there with the school. I have given the physc a ring and asked her to put her recommendations in writing regarding DD, making a note that its not uncommon for AS kids to have meltdowns after school.

I've only spoken to the receptionist but she feels it won't be a problem. This is the best way to approach it I think at this stage.

[bella_again]

Bumping.
How is everyone?

[islandretro]

All is going well here atm, 2nd week back at uni for ds and he is coping well, although he is there 5 days a week and quite long days, but only 2 early starts this semester. He is still struggling with getting to sleep and waking early, he was exhausted by the end of last week. It is going to take quite a while by the look to train himself into normal sleeping patterns

cheers
Rae

[doll*obsession]

Hi Girls :-x
Joe had a bad morning, I was expecting to get a call from the school to come get him, but he has lasted the day, Tim is out picking him up now *happy dance*. We have to go up to the school on Thursday for an individual education plan meeting with the staff from the special education center, goes from 11:45-1:15, I am going to be so sore buy the end of it, but hopefuly it will be worth it. I also sent his permission slip today for an advisory visiting teacher to consult with school staff so fingers crossed things will be getting better for him soon, poor little man 😞

[bella_again]

Hi Rae,
Glad to hear DS is coping well with uni. I hope he gets back into his sleeping patterns soon.

DD is still getting there with hers although things are improving and she is much happier. It certainly takes a while for our kids to adjust that's for sure.

[bella_again]

Hi Girls :-x
Joe had a bad morning, I was expecting to get a call from the school to come get him, but he has lasted the day, Tim is out picking him up now *happy dance*. We have to go up to the school on Thursday for an individual education plan meeting with the staff from the special education center, goes from 11:45-1:15, I am going to be so sore buy the end of it, but hopefuly it will be worth it. I also sent his permission slip today for an advisory visiting teacher to consult with school staff so fingers crossed things will be getting better for him soon, poor little man 😞

Hi Doll:-x
So glad Joe lasted at school for the day, thats fantastic progress. Good luck with the IEP meeting, really hope it goes well for you 🙂

[sheepy_1-4]

Hi Cat yeah I know matey, I guess its just frustrating. I did say that she is fine at school and happy at home. Its because of all the changes she is experiencing at the moment that she feels anxious etc.

Sadly unless they are willing to open their eyes a little bit to understand that its not that school itself is the source more that its challenging and within herself she is anxious; I won't get anywhere. Despite the diagnosis they feel that she doesn't have AS.

Out of sight out of mind so to speak, they can't see it, so it can't exist. I'll just have to keep plodding away and wait until an opportunity presents for me to address it all.

Bella, this happened to us as well. When big fella started his new school in grade 4 they told me point blank after telling him to his face that he was not autistic that he had a behaviour problem.

This was despite a folder three inches thick of all his therapies and tests etc documented and all his medical reports including one from Tony Attwood.

They couldn't equate his high functioning with an autistic child - he was their first, so they just went off what the text books said.

It took his breakdown and then his shrink in class with him to get through to them. Then in year 5, he got a brilliant teacher who had extensive experience with kids just like my boy and the tides began to change.

Their letter of apology still makes me smile just a little.