Spring is in the air

 

Hi, I’m back! 

It’s been a long while since I updated my blog. Its still getting hits most days, and often outside of the uk too, so people are somehow stumbling upon my blog and I still hope at some point that I’ll be able to share more of what worked for us. I also still strongly feel that it’s important that people understand the PDA side of autism more. 

A post on Mumsnet has really angered me this morning, the usual malarkey of how ASD and ADHD are over diagnosed and instead of labelling them we should all learn to parent our naughty children better! I, of course, replied to the post but I can’t and won’t be reading any more of it. It’s clear that there are many people out there who are lucky enough to be oblivious to the challenges some kids face, and so my blog is still important if for that reason alone. So ‘thank you’ to that ignorant person on Mumsnet for giving me the nudge I needed to update my blog! 

So with that bit over, I’ll tell you all the latest with us. 

I’ve left work and am now officially a full time carer for Little C. Am I happy about this? No, definitely not. It’s easier in terms of appointments, meeting, childcare etc but we are so isolated otherwise and I’m finding being at home all day with Little C really difficult. Apart from an occasional trip to Stalybridge or a walk round Gorse Hall, we rarely leave the house. The days are long and exhausting and I struggle to cope with his behaviour most days.

I’ve recently rustled up a CV and have applied for a couple of jobs. I’m really excited to do something new. The jobs are a far cry from what I did previously but I feel will be much more fulfilling and will fit with our situation so much better. I hope I can tell you soon that I have been successful in getting one. Please keep your fingers crossed for me. 

There are a few positive things in the pipeline for Little C too. A Multi Disciplinary Team meeting was held a few weeks ago. Lots of professionals attended and some suggestions were made which I’ve been following up on. Most ideas have led to a brick wall (no surprise there!) Some of the brick walls being :-

😠 No capacity

😓 long waiting lists (everywhere!) 

😤 Services not local to us meaning a long car journey - which Little C can’t do 

😖 Cant meet needs (after assessment) 

😫 Not suitable - he is just too anxious to do things like swimming/horse riding etc 

😣 Wont get funding because of various reasons (one being that we’re not under social services!)

To say I’m frustrated is an understatement. I have however found somewhere that can offer Play Therapy (and lots more) and I’m feeling hopeful about this. I have even found a room to hire locally to bring the therapy closer to us to avoid a long car journey for Little C. So this is what I’m working hard to get sorted, I just hope we can get this funded via the EHCP and that they can meet his needs and that they don’t have a really long waiting list. Honestly the red tape involved is just ridiculous. 

Next week I have a meeting with Little C’s new school. He doesn’t have a place until September 2023 but they attended the meeting and are keen to get involved which is great. Little C is also still under a Consultant at CAMHs and medication is looking likely (not the ADHD one, we tried that, the other one - not putting on here what it is as it’s controversial but I’m happy to say if anyone asks) 

So that’s about it in a nutshell. Watch this space for updates.

Quick thank you to the many people who have checked up on us and kept in touch over the last few months. I’m not the best at messaging people. It means a lot as I know everyone is so busy.

Glad to see the back of this winter. Non stop illnesses have been the theme - I think most families will say the same. Roll on Spring and let’s hope for some good stuff to happen this year.