**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.

[azureline**]

ah hah - so we really have discovered that magical pot of gold..... It's in the hip pockets of the parents.

:^O yep!

[nouveau_retro]

ah hah - so we really have discovered that magical pot of gold..... It's in the hip pockets of the parents.

Oh, you mean those empty hip pockets? :^O

[sheepy_1-4]

You really are starting to understand it all now.... yes, the bandaid money is apparently there - and much more than there has been in the past, so now we can all pat the powers that be on the back and tell them what a wonderful job they have done.

the bottom line is though, In MY Most Humble Opinion, is that the only assistance one can rely on is that which you provide yourself.

Naah - shouldn't be like that - but it is.

anyhow, been shot down enough for my views.... Az, I do wish you well on this journey that has been thrust upon you and your family.

[azureline**]

well, we are lucky in the sense that her parents are very resourceful and committed, her mum is an educator and I know they will do everything to help little miss have a good life. It is just so frustrating to see money wasted like that and I hope it is not the same for everyone. There was a mum and child today, in much worse situation than us, who drove 80k's to access today's group....and I could see no benefit to her at all. 😞

[nouveau_retro]

Got it, will reply later if that's ok, sitting on the couch just now with my pendo that I have not set email up on yet. 🙂
I think that the funding is there..... and while I don't expect anyone else to pay, Gov inc, ...it really should be more usable? otherwise what is the point of providing it? There does seem to be a lot of wasted resources and people employed, who don't appear to do anything?

Thats ok Az! And yes, the majority of funds are wasted in admin, 'carers advocates' who sit in on meetings for $30 an hour (we had four of them; I told the govt its wasted funds but they're still allocated to our case after two years of non-contact, yet the occasional letter to say they're still 'working' for my son- WTH?)... its a whole industry where everyone has jumped on the bandwagon, not to mention the multitude of hundreds if not thousands of disconnected support groups (who provide referrals/advice onto other 'services', who will re-refer... you'll find that most services are info only), or the respite services, also govt subsidised for 2 hours per week if you can get it... and the playgroups (govt funded) ... the truth is, you get through these years as best as possible while wading through the maze of what are called 'services'.

[nouveau_retro]

well, we are lucky in the sense that her parents are very resourceful and committed, her mum is an educator and I know they will do everything to help little miss have a good life. It is just so frustrating to see money wasted like that and I hope it is not the same for everyone. There was a mum and child today, in much worse situation than us, who drove 80k's to access today's group....and I could see no benefit to her at all. 😞

Thats my point- there is no benefit to 90% of the 'services'... which are mainly info only and referrals to other 'services'... I'd estimate that 75-90% of govt funding is frittered away in admin and non-existent services who do little more than refer you back to the beginning...

[nouveau_retro]

Oh but wait- we still qualify for a wheelchair! (It was in a previous post of mine Az :-x)

[catsnknots]

From what I can gather those ADS playgroups are not structured at all. It is about families getting together and meeting other in the same situation.

[azureline**]

From what I can gather those ADS playgroups are not structured at all. It is about families getting together and meeting other in the same situation.

Cat, the information we were given was this:
Each group is supported by two workers – a facilitator for parents and a play helper for children.
Each group has a play helper who can lead children in activities such as singing, drawing, playing with toys, blocks or sand so parents can spend time focusing on catching up with others, gaining and sharing information.
While I know it is a playgroup and I would be involved with the children rather than chatting myself, this group is facilitated by Autism Qld and the people employed to do this, seem to be not doing much? imo.
I am usually very positive..... and I am appreciative of any efforts made to assist families in these situations but today I feel very negative and disappointed. However, I won't make any decisions based on today.
Looking back, I do think the kindy is the best option atm.

[bella_again]

Sheep if you are around I did email you but it bounced back. I have two extras and haven't had a chance to call. Email would be better due to time restraints.

DD had a fairly big meltdown after seeing the pyscologist resulting in her not doing any work 😐

Argh its all a work in progress I guess.