Check the Audit Commission report on the case of SEN children in
schools. Seems that schools don't want special needs children in case
it affects the league table position. What a surprise! We could have
told them that.
Hello SEAS!
Does anyone use this group?
We're still trying to keep it together with my wife's son (25, AS). He's
been harassing us for money and finally attacked us yesterday. Social
services are useless. Although he lives in adult-fostering he's also taken
to coming to our house at 2 am in the morning for the last 7 days, demanding
money. We're exhausted, anxious and scared.
Things were as bad in September, culminating in him being sectioned for 2
days. We are at our wits end. Have any of you folks been through anything
similar? Any ideas?
Best wishes
Simon
Hi everyone,
Sorry it's been so long since I last wrote, but like a lot of people
I've been suffering from BTS syndrome. What I hear you ask is that?
Well it's what a lot of parents have when their children go Back To
School and it's worse for As children and their parents. As usual we
are back on the detention, exclusion merryround, not knowing from one
day to the next whether their child will be at school or not.
Apologies for not welcoming our new members sooner, but I promise I
will be in touch as soon as I can. On a more local note, we are
compiling a list of useful agencies such as The Carers Association
among others. This is featured on the website and will continue to
grow as more are added. We would like your help in this. If you can
send us a list of any agency that YOU have found to be helpful in any
way (yes - there are some!) let us know their name and area and we
can post it.
Also there is a possibility that a name change may happen. At the
moment it is still under discussion and I'll let you all know about
it when it happens or not. In the meantime look after yourselves and
take care.
Linda.
Hi All
I appear to have fallen for a HOAX
see http://www.f-secure.com/hoaxes/jdbgmgr.shtml
SORRY
Graeme
dolfrog
dolfrog@...
www.dolfrog.com
dolfrog@...
www.apduk.org
----- Original Message -----
From: "dolfrog" <dolfrog@...>
To: "Stephanie Weintraub" <tweets@...>; "Stephanie Vaughan"
<steph@...>; <specialneedschildren@...>; "Special
Education Host (aka Brandi Millar)" <specialeducation@...>;
<sierra2@...>; <sid@yahoogroups.com>; <shutton1255@...>;
<shorey1@...>; <SHesk98150@...>; "sheretus"
<hedley@...>; "Sharon Bacher"
<sharonb@...>; <services_4u1@...>;
<seas02@...>; "Sassafrass" <agerard@...>; "Sarah"
<sarah@...>; "Sara Roberts" <choices48@...>;
"Roo" <MANDYDODD@...>; "Ron York" <mavron@...>;
<roger@...>; "Rod Robb" <Rod.Robb@...>;
<robinwickens@...>; "Robin Timm" <disabilityhassles@...>;
"Robert W. Keith, Ph.D." <zoomtown@...>
Sent: Sunday, September 29, 2002 11:17 PM
Subject: VIRUS ALERT
Nature
Hi all
I have just received this virus alert from a friend, and I found the
offending file on my hard disc. So as your email address is in my address
book you may also have the virus mentioned below. So as a precaution please
follow the instructions below.
____________________________________________
--- sarah potts <hadjipotts@...> wrote:
>
>
>
> >From: "Beth Huke" <beth@...>
> >To: <Undisclosed-Recipient:;>
> >Subject: Virus alert
> >Date: Tue, 24 Sep 2002 17:53:14 +0100
> >
> >This virus has been passed on to me by a contact.
>Our Address Book, in turn
> >has been infected. Since you are in our address
>book there is a good chance
> >you will find it on your computer. I followed the
>directions below and
> >eradicated the virus - without much trouble. Sorry
>for the inconvenience!!!
> >The virus (called jdbmgr.exe) is not detected by
>Norton or McAfee >anti-virus
> >systems. The virus sits quietly for 14 days before
>damaging the system.
> >
> >It's sent automatically by messenger and by the
>Address Book, whether or >not
> >you sent emails to your contacts.
> >
> >Here's how to check for the virus and how to get
>rid of it:
> >
> >YOU MUST DO THIS:
> >
> >1. Go to start, Find or Search option.
> >
> >2. In the files/folders option, type the name
>jdbgmgr.exe
> >
> >3. Be sure you search your C: drive and any other
>drives you may have.
> >
> >4. Click "find now"
> >
> >5. The virus has a teddy bear icon with the name
>jdbgmgr.exe
> >
> >DO NOT OPEN IT
> >
> >6. Go to edit; choose "select all" to highlight the
>file without opening it
> >
> >7. Now go to file and select "delete". It will then
>go to the Recycle Bin
> >
> >8. Go to the Recycle Bin and delete it there as
>well.
> >
> >IF YOU FIND THE VIRUS, YOU MUST CONTACT ALL THE
>PEOPLE IN YOUR ADDRESS BOOK
> >SO THEY CAN ERADICATE IT IN THEIR OWN ADDRESS
>BOOKS.
> >
> >SORRY ABOUT THIS.
> >
> >To do this open a new e-mail message
> >
> >Click the photo of address book next to"To"
> >
> >Click every name and add it to BCC
> >
> >Copy this message...enter subject...paste to
>e-mail...send.
> >
> >Many thanks!
____________________________________
sorry to cause any alarm
Graeme
dolfrog
dolfrog@...
www.dolfrog.com
dolfrog@...
www.apduk.org
Nature
Hi all
I have just received this virus alert from a friend, and I found the offending
file on my hard disc. So as your email address is in my address book you may
also have the virus mentioned below. So as a precaution please follow the
instructions below.
____________________________________________
--- sarah potts <hadjipotts@...> wrote:
>
>
>
> >From: "Beth Huke" <beth@...>
> >To: <Undisclosed-Recipient:;>
> >Subject: Virus alert
> >Date: Tue, 24 Sep 2002 17:53:14 +0100
> >
> >This virus has been passed on to me by a contact.
>Our Address Book, in turn
> >has been infected. Since you are in our address
>book there is a good chance
> >you will find it on your computer. I followed the
>directions below and
> >eradicated the virus - without much trouble. Sorry
>for the inconvenience!!!
> >The virus (called jdbmgr.exe) is not detected by
>Norton or McAfee >anti-virus
> >systems. The virus sits quietly for 14 days before
>damaging the system.
> >
> >It's sent automatically by messenger and by the
>Address Book, whether or >not
> >you sent emails to your contacts.
> >
> >Here's how to check for the virus and how to get
>rid of it:
> >
> >YOU MUST DO THIS:
> >
> >1. Go to start, Find or Search option.
> >
> >2. In the files/folders option, type the name
>jdbgmgr.exe
> >
> >3. Be sure you search your C: drive and any other
>drives you may have.
> >
> >4. Click "find now"
> >
> >5. The virus has a teddy bear icon with the name
>jdbgmgr.exe
> >
> >DO NOT OPEN IT
> >
> >6. Go to edit; choose "select all" to highlight the
>file without opening it
> >
> >7. Now go to file and select "delete". It will then
>go to the Recycle Bin
> >
> >8. Go to the Recycle Bin and delete it there as
>well.
> >
> >IF YOU FIND THE VIRUS, YOU MUST CONTACT ALL THE
>PEOPLE IN YOUR ADDRESS BOOK
> >SO THEY CAN ERADICATE IT IN THEIR OWN ADDRESS
>BOOKS.
> >
> >SORRY ABOUT THIS.
> >
> >To do this open a new e-mail message
> >
> >Click the photo of address book next to"To"
> >
> >Click every name and add it to BCC
> >
> >Copy this message...enter subject...paste to
>e-mail...send.
> >
> >Many thanks!
____________________________________
sorry to cause any alarm
Graeme
dolfrog
dolfrog@...
www.dolfrog.com
dolfrog@...
www.apduk.org
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
On 29/9/02 1:48 pm, "dolfrog" <dolfrog@...> wrote:
> Hi Simon
>
> APD has only just begun to be recognised. But I can see that it has been in
> my family for many generations.
> And can see how the disability has adversely effect some, me and the
> previous generations of my family. Some of my older relatives ( non
> currently alive) had been so frustrated by their inability to express their
> real feelings, and be properly understood, that some of them took to alcohol
> to escape the hurt of not being understood, which makes you feel that you
> are not accepted as part of a group, family, team.
This is the eternal problem. I don't blame folks for turning to the booze.
Its just so frustrating that teachers and social workers are so far behind
and in our experience, unwilling to receive input or training.
Simon
Hi Simon
APD has only just begun to be recognised. But I can see that it has been in
my family for many generations.
And can see how the disability has adversely effect some, me and the
previous generations of my family. Some of my older relatives ( non
currently alive) had been so frustrated by their inability to express their
real feelings, and be properly understood, that some of them took to alcohol
to escape the hurt of not being understood, which makes you feel that you
are not accepted as part of a group, family, team.
Graeme
dolfrog
dolfrog@...
www.dolfrog.com
dolfrog@...
www.apduk.org
----- Original Message -----
From: "Simon Purcell" <purcells@...>
To: "SEAS" <seas02@...>
Sent: Sunday, September 29, 2002 1:24 PM
Subject: Re: [seas] another newbie
On 29/9/02 1:05 pm, "dolfrog" <dolfrog@...> wrote:
> Hi all
>
> First I must thank the host for adding my web site in the links list.
> I have just added a second, this is the one for the new voluntary
> organisation (seeking Registered Charity Status) I am involved with,
> APDUK........
Welcome.
I hope that we can start some kind of useful dialogue.
Do any of you out there have any experience of Aspergeršs and alcohol abuse?
My step-son (AS) was sectioned last week due to severe delusions as a result
of years of drinking. Hešs been discharged (thank God) but canšt seem to get
any handle on what hešs doing to himself.
Best wishes
Simon
Yahoo! Groups Sponsor
To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
seas02-unsubscribe@...
Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo! Terms of Service.
On 29/9/02 1:05 pm, "dolfrog" <dolfrog@...> wrote:
> Hi all
>
> First I must thank the host for adding my web site in the links list.
> I have just added a second, this is the one for the new voluntary
> organisation (seeking Registered Charity Status) I am involved with,
> APDUK........
Welcome.
I hope that we can start some kind of useful dialogue.
Do any of you out there have any experience of Aspergeršs and alcohol abuse?
My step-son (AS) was sectioned last week due to severe delusions as a result
of years of drinking. Hešs been discharged (thank God) but canšt seem to get
any handle on what hešs doing to himself.
Best wishes
Simon
Hi all
First I must thank the host for adding my web site in the links list.
I have just added a second, this is the one for the new voluntary
organisation (seeking Registered Charity Status) I am involved with,
APDUK.
Auditory Processing Disorder is one of the most difficult invisible
disabilities to diagnose, because it be masked by so many other
disabilities from dyslexia to autism, and many more. Which is why the
site you have already listed has links for many other Invisible
Disabilities
APDUK is curently lobbying the Medical Research Council for more
research into the diagnosis and care of APD. All 3 of my sons are APD
and so am I.
best wishes
dolfrog
Hello from London.
My wife and I have a 25 yearold son with AS (diagnoised 5 years ago, but many
years of pain). We're in a terrible state as he's terribly depressed and
alcoholic,
leading to paranoia, delusions and threats to do himself harm....
We're heartened to hear others call AS an invisible disability. Our son's
suffered so much due to the stupidity and resistance of social services.
Has anyone else out there experienced the combination of AS and serious
alcohol abuse
We hope to participate in the group, and share/support.
Simon and Karen
Just a note to let you all know that the long awaited revamp of the
website has now begun. We have chosen a colour similar to the group
colours and does look quite smart. Please have a look and let me know
what you think. If you would also like to contribute to it, again
drop me a line.
Did anyone see the SUN newspaper in July? A deputy head teacher has
received a ban preventing him from teaching children under 14 because
he said "I hate special needs children - let them rot" that they
should "sink or swim" and to one pupil "I hate you. I want to kill
you".
With attitudes like this is it any wonder that our education system
is in such a mess? Drastic and rapid changes in attitudes are
definately called for.
How is everyone coping with the summer holidays?
All for now see you soon,
Linda.
PS. How do feel about a chat room? If there is enough response then
we can work out a mutual time for us all to get together and have a
natter.
Hi ted02uk, thanks for your welcome here. I suppose what I meant by
criticism was the chance that there may be people out there who have
home tutored and regretted it. I didn't explain my self well!!! LOL
It's such a huge thing to make a choice about, not least the fact
that I won't be able to work!! Hampshire North and South do not seem
to be much noted for a friendly LEA over Aspergers etc and there's so
much to consider in taking a child of my son's age out of mainstream
education. I guess I was just looking to hear from anyone who has
taken this route, good or bad :) I have been looking for a move of
house recently and have been offered one in West Wales...does anyone
know about the LEA there?? Are they ok?? Many thanks again for your
welcome, and Hi to everyone here :)
--- In seas02@y..., "ted02uk" <ted02uk@y...> wrote:
> Welcome to the group, Emma. Please feel free to contribute. If you
> haven't already done so, have a look at the book marks. Don't worry
> about criticism, we don't do that here - we are all in the same
boat
> one way or another.
Welcome to the group, Emma. Please feel free to contribute. If you
haven't already done so, have a look at the book marks. Don't worry
about criticism, we don't do that here - we are all in the same boat
one way or another.
Hello :)
I am not a home tutor in the professional sense, but I am a mother of
a 13 year old boy who has just been diagnosed with Aspergers
Syndrome, having been passed off in the past as dyslexic, ADD, ADHD
and sometimes just delinquent! I have been looking everywhere for
information on ABA studies on teenagers (most studies/programmes are
aimed at young children!!) and am finding this an un-fruitful task.
Does anyone know of anything that might help me? My son has a long
list of behavioural and social interaction problems that are only
exascerbated by the onset of puberty, and the ABA studies I have
looked into so far do not grab his attention enough to allow them to
even start!
Also I have been considering removing him from the school system and
tutoring him at home myself (I am on a low income and therefore could
not afford private tutors) I would appreciate comments/criticism any
response on this really!! Help ?? Thanks :)
Hi all.
This is to keep everyone up to date with what's going on down here.
First of all though, may I, on behalf of all at SEAS, extend a very
warm welcome to Deborah, who has recently joined. I hope you find us
interesting and will take part.
Second, SEAS is on the move! We have recently (yesterday!) printed
off some banners to increase our off-line group. A couple of us have
been canvassing support from local shops, health clinics and other
businesses to ask them to display a discrete notice. The response we
have had so far has been very encouraging, and, as a result, we have
had to print quite a few more. Also worth noting, our website
recorded over a hundred visits in the past three days, so we are
getting noticed!
Thirdly, we have had talks with someone at our local Carers
Association. Not only did they put one of our banners in their
window, but also have given us ideas about putting the message across
to a wider audience. Southampton Voluntary Services publish a
newsletter which we could appear in, and we also spoke of sponsorship.
This is very important for us, since when the off-line group meets,
we will need to pay for resources particularly the tea and coffee,
not to mention the fact that we can then have an advert free website
for at least a year.
One of our members children has been excluded for the last three
weeks of term. The parents have appealed to the governors against the
exclusion being made permanent. Obviously I can't say too much at the
moment, but I promise I'll keep you all informed.
So, that's it for now. Keep well and take care of yourselves.
Linda.
A new bookmark has been added which will be of interest to those who
have Coeliacs disease. The site is packed to the hilt with many
interesting and varied topics. Worth a look.
I have two children Elisha aged 6 NT & Jacob aged 4 with possible ASD/AS.
Elisha was an IVF baby and Jacob was a frozen embryo, (sounds awful but he
was frozen for 2 years). I am not saying there is a link between IVF/Frozen
Embryo Transfer, (FET), I was just wondering if anyone else in the group has
IVF/FET children with ASD, AS or other problems?
Pure curiosity!!
Thanks
Julia
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
For once, we have broken one of our own rules and we
name names. Today a child was excluded from school for
an alleged "unprovoked attack" on an LSA. The person
in question is not normally prone to exagerate and we
have no reason to doubt her. However, is it more than
coincidence that this child is normally excluded
towards the end of a term for the slightest reason?
Is it also a coincidence that the child is due to go
to Chessington with the school? The list goes on and
on.
So with the consent of the parents, we are naming the
school which is Redbridge Community School. Remember
the name and if you ever have to move to Southampton
with an As child, DO NOT send him/her to that school.
They are hopeless at this type of special need.
To read their blurb, they are a school of excellence,
and mentioned by OFSTED. What they don't tell people
is that their attitude to SEN is rubbish.
If you wish to register your disdain, please e-mail
the headteacher, Mr Richard Schofield at:
info@...
They will be appearing soon on our wall of shame and
will receive a certificate to hang on their wall.
More later,
Linda.
=====
Have you visited our website at: http://www.seas.0catch.com
Feel free to join our group where updates and bookmarks can be found at
http://uk.groups.yahoo.com/group/seas02/
__________________________________________________
Do You Yahoo!?
Everything you'll ever need on one web page
from News and Sport to Email and Music Charts
http://uk.my.yahoo.com
Thanks Kevin,
I'll keep you posted but we're not due to go back to the CDC for four
months!!
At least Jacob will be in school then and I should have an idea of how he is
or is not coping. Hopefully it will help with his DX. I'm really going to
insist when we go back as I feel it will make things much easier.
Take care
Julia x
-------Original Message-------
From: seas02@...
Date: 22 June 2002 22:54:21
To: seas02@...
Subject: [seas] Digest Number 8
To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
seas02-unsubscribe@...
------------------------------------------------------------------------
There is 1 message in this issue.
Topics in this digest:
1. Re: newbie!
From: kevin healey <kev20023@...>
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Message: 1
Date: Sat, 22 Jun 2002 07:25:21 -0700 (PDT)
From: kevin healey <kev20023@...>
Subject: Re: newbie!
hi julia im kevin from staffordshire let me know how
your son gets on its important that he gets diagnosed
i was diag at the age of 27 if you want help advice
email me on kev@...
__________________________________________________
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________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://uk.docs.yahoo.com/info/terms
html
.
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
hi julia im kevin from staffordshire let me know how
your son gets on its important that he gets diagnosed
i was diag at the age of 27 if you want help advice
email me on kev@...
__________________________________________________
Do You Yahoo!?
Yahoo! - Official partner of 2002 FIFA World Cup
http://fifaworldcup.yahoo.com
Hi.
As you probably know we are in the process of refurbishing our
website and we've had the idea of building a wall on it, sounds daft
I know, but on reflection the suggestion sounded too good to ignore
and we need help to build it.
What we would like is suggestions for names to put on a brick, people
or organisations who, for one reason or another, put their own jobs
first above the needs of the people they're supposed to be helping.
The prime examples are the LEA, MPs, Social Services, in fact anyone
who has given you a rough time in your search for help.
So this is your chance to let them know how you feel. Obviously we
need details of what they have or have not done, and what the reasons
they gave were. We do not want "grudges" but genuine grievances.
Let's see how big we can get it! Any nominations should be sent to me
at SEAS for possible inclusion. Who knows we might get enough bricks
to build some decent schools!
Thanks for your time
Linda.
P.S. Overseas contributions welcome.
Hi all, i've just joined your group and thought id introduce myself.
My name is Julia, im 37yrs old, divorced, from Lancashire and mum to
Elisha 6yrs and Jacob 4yrs.
Jacob has been assessed for AS but as yet i dont have a diagnosis,
(because his father doesn't want him 'labeling'). He is due to start
a mainstream school in September and we are currently going through
the statementing process. I have been told at Js transmission meeting
last week that I should have an answer in about 4 weeks.
Looking forward to getting to know you all
take care
Julia x
Although we are concerning ourselves with the welfare of chidren with
an invisible disability, spare a thought for those who have "slipped
the net" for what ever reason, and have to make their way in the
world. Below is a letter I received from a gentleman, who explains
what life is like when dealing with agencies. Please take time to
read it. He has given me permission to disclose his name, and the
website referred to can be found in our bookmark section.
Dear Linda
Thank you for your email. I am grateful that you took the time and
trouble to write back.
I think the Benefits Agency ought to be made aware of Asperger's
Syndrome much much more than they are now. I will give you an
example. At the end of January 2000 I was unemployed and signing on
and I was waiting a diagnosis. Well this person who dealt with my
claims starting hassling me to find work.
I told them that I would not be looking because I was waiting to get
diagnosed. This happened on 25th February. They said 'What happens
after then is nothing to do with us, but we are paying you to look
for work and action will be taken if you don't do that'. This was at
my 3 month interview.
Then two weeks later I brought in some literature on AS and the
fellow who dealt with me when I signed on said 'I am not interested
in people like you winging it with bogus or imaginary illnesses. I am
interested in literature showing you are looking for work'. Then I
got another grilling two weeks later saying that if I hadn''t found
work by early June I would be placed on New Deal.
They had been alright with me from late November to late January.
Then on 6th April I handed in a sicknote and the person dealing with
it said 'I hope to see you back in here looking for work when you
have beaten your illness'.
I went to this sick place in Barnsley and during the interview they
said they had never heard of it before.
I have an Incapacity Benefit hearing in September, now if the person
dealing with my claim is aware as these people, then I have had it
and will be forced to look for work. What if the person has had a bad
day or is in a bad mood? I may come across a knowledgeable person on
AS or a sadist who enjoys throwing people off. They won't take pity
on me. I even saw a disability employment adviser two years ago. I
wasn't impressed. This person knew nothing about AS.
I went to a disability meeting in June last year and the person
running
It said 'What I can never grasp about you is that why aren't you
doing a Maths degree with the calculating? You would get a 1st'. I
told them of my experiences and there was this guy who worked at
Mencap but had gone from hassling unemployed people for 6 years.
I said 'An unusual career move isn't it hassling disabled people who
are unemployed to helping them'.
They must be made aware of it with DLA and other payments too.
Why don't you write to Southampton Education Authority and tell them
off my website and show them about my school days? So they still want
to put other kids through what I and other aspies went through which
was worse in some cases do they?
I would like to join your group yes no problem.
Regarding the awareness of AS in my area. Hah!!!
You could show people my experiences at the hands of the Benefits
Agency to show them what we go through.
In the meantime thanks for writing and take care.
K
In response to the letter sent to Councillor Bridle, here is the
reply received from Peter Lewis at the education department. Please
let me know your opinions. The last piece, I think, says it all.
On the subject of provision for children and young people with
Aspberger's, we have not cut any provision at all. In fact, our
development plan proposes additional provision in a number of areas
including that for children with autistic spectrum disorders, speech,
language and communication problems. We are currently trying to
recruit a replacement for our specialist teacher who recently left
which, if we were trying to make cuts, would have been an obvious
target at this stage; but we're not cutting and so the recruitment
continues. In fact, our Education Officer for SEN has been
negotiating some additional provision through the Health services
locally and we hope to announce some further improvements over the
summer.
Of course, the picture is not universally `rosy'; there are some
areas where we continue to have problems. There is a national
shortage of speech therapists and the local Primary Care Trust has
done a huge amount to try and recruit locally. But everyone who
works in our field is fully committed to making sure we can meet the
needs of our children and young people in our local provision.
One aspect of this is our definition of `inclusion' which you refer
to as LEAs "relentlessly pursuing the course of inclusion". I make
no apologies for doing that; the alternative would be to neglect
inclusion or, even worse, pursue its opposite exclusion! But we
are very clear about what we mean by `inclusion' in Southampton. Our
definition says it is about the most appropriate learning environment
for the child. It is not about `every child in mainstream' in a way
that says some children will be there whether its good for them (and
the other children in school) or not. And it doesn't mean that we
don't challenge our mainstream schools to improve what they can
offer. It means being very careful to assess the child's needs and
match that to resources that will allow them to make progress.
Most of our special schools provide outreach to mainstream schools;
amongst the best of these is that from the special schools for
children and young people with learning difficulties working with
autism in mainstream schools. These are new services that the
council has introduced over the last 5 years of being a unitary
authority and more are planned. As a city we believe in investing in
our children and young people in just the way you describe. We also
need to maintain a good balance between special schools and
mainstream schools provision, not least because that is what many
parents tell us they want.
We have just come to the end of the consultation period for our SEN
development plans and review of provision. But if you want to pass
on any other comments, please do; I can certainly take what you wrote
to Cllr. Bridle as a contribution if you want me to.
As for further communication, now that we know about each other,
let's keep in touch. We try to make sure we have good communications
with parents individually and through groups like yours. Maybe we
could even arrange to meet so that we can demonstrate to your members
that we are listening very seriously to what you tell us. Let me
know what you think about that.
I hope to hear from you soon.
Peter
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
We cannot warrant the accuracy or completeness of the message. The
views contained in the message do not necessarily reflect those of
Southampton City Council.
Dear Linda
Many thanks for accepting me into your group. As you may recall I
have a 12yr old son Matthew who has ADHD and Aspergers. He is in his
final year of primary school at present and neither he or the rest of
the family are looking too forward to him starting high school next
year.
I hope you have a favourable response in getting facilities in your
main stream schools. Are there any schools in the UK that do have
special ed facilities for AS children? Here in Queensland, Australia
we are lucky(?) enough to have certain schools that accommodate AS
students within the special ed facility (even though it sometimes
seem that they only pay lip service ... and the children still need
more help in coping with social skills situations; learning etc.) I
do know that not all states in Australia have AS children recognised
as needing special facilities/help and no doubt there are many
parents fighting the same battle as yourself.
I would be interested to hear from anyone who has an AS child who
also displays facial or vocal tics, and any treatment that has
worked. Some so-called experts say it goes hand in hand with AS;
others that it is stress related; and then again paediatricians who
say it is a side effect of medication for ADHD - this is despite
Matthew being off all medication since Christmas!!
I look forward to joining in with the group and welcome individual
emails from anyone who would like to keep in touch or have anything
to pass on to me. Again - GOOD LUCK - and thanks for the site.
Dee (Australia)
Today the first step on the road to acheiving a change for children
in mainstream schools. It must be remembered that this was a getting
to know you session and a general debate. Aims and objectives were
discussed and it was agreed that we contact anyone, preferably famous,
to try and enlist their support. So, if you have any ideas or
suggestions please send them to us.
A working group was tentatively arranged and next month should see a
more co-ordinated move forward. We all know what we want, now we have
to double our efforts to move toward it.
There will be set backs, but we must not let them divert us. As
Shakespeare said " Nothing comes of nothing"
Keep watching - more news later.
Great news!!!! After the local elections in Southampton yesterday,
02/05/02, we now have a hung council! No one party has overall
control which means that we now have a chance to put our views
forward in the knowledge that someone HAS to listen! Let us now seize
the moment, for we now have more to gain than ever before!
Sent: 24 April 2002 21:02
To: councillor.j.bridle (present leader of the Labour party and also
leader of the council)
Subject: The forthcoming elections
Dear Councillor Bridle,
My name is Linda Williams, and I am secretary of a
group called SEAS - Southampton Education of Aspergers
Syndrome. We are a support group for parents who have
children with this disability and are currently
attending mainstream school in the city. Not only are
we a group for parents but also we offer on-line
support and advice to anyone thinking of coming to
Southampton and has a child with this disability. It
has been formed and run by parents, without any
funding or affiliation to any one political group or
party. It's sole intention is to get a better deal for
their children.
With this and the forthcoming local election in mind,
I am writing to ask what your party will do for these
parents and their children. Already the social
services budget has been cut and there is also a cut
due for Pupil Support services. These cuts will put
another, unnecessary, strain on the families, one they
do not need.
With little or no support in or out of school many
families will reach breaking point within a short
space of time. Surely the answer would be, since the
LEA is relentlessly pursuing the course of inclusion,
to provide specialist help within the school. This has
happened at Oak Lodge, and is planned for Romsey. Why
can't it be done in Southampton?
So, why can't a unit be attached to the new schools
currently being built and staffed by people who know
about and care about these children?
If proper support could be provided at school as part
of their education, then the result may well be a
reduction in the need for Social Services later in
life. Since special schools will be closing and
statements of SEN refused, the savings generated could
be used for the specialist units.
It is also worth noting that the LEA seems to regards
special needs as being for visible disabilities and
are currently building schools which will be more
"user friendly" and adapted for physically disabled
children. Nothing is ever said about autistic or
Aspergers children, who are called "normal" and
treated as being badly behaved with all the
consequences that ensue.
I would appreciate any hope you can give to our
members and look forward to your reply which can be
posted to the club. Thank you for your time.
Yours sincerely,
Linda Williams.
---------------------------------------------------
This is the reply I received the very next day. Before reading it, I
would suggest that you have a salt cellar handy because you might
need a few pinches of it. At least we have made a start.
Dear Linda
Thank you for your note and for sharing your concerns with me. I
have taken the liberty of forwarding your note to Peter Lewis who is
our Head of Childrens Services. He will no doubt be able to give you
a more detailed reply than I am able to do.
As you probably know, a full review of services for children with
special needs is currently underway and I believe comments such as
yours should help inform the debate for those children with the kinds
of needs that you mention. It is important that those parents and
carers who have experience of a particular nature have their views
heard and LISTENED to. Some of the parents you represent may
already, of course, have given their views as part of our
consultation process and they will be on record. Some may not,
and by raising the issue with me, you have ensured that those who
will take the decisions on education provision for all the city's
children will know and take their views into account before those
decisions are made.
I have also forwarded your note to both Cllrs. Richard Harris
(Education)
and Jacqui Rayment (Social Policy) so they are also aware of your
concerns.
I hope that you will feel, as I do, that this should not be an issue
on which political parties should campaign. Locally there is a
considerable degree of agreement on meeting the needs of all
children, regardless of what those particular needs are and local
councillors tend not to make this kind of issue a 'political
football'. I am firmly of the view that that is the correct way to
treat this issue.
Thank you again for your note.
Kind regards
June Bridle.
__________________________________________________
Thanks for the invite to join the group, it's nice to see someone
promoting the cause for people with an invisible disability. I'm
planning to write to the main political parties regarding the
forthcoming local elections to find out, if they win control of the
council, what they will be doing for AS children in schools. Will
post the replies as soon as I get them(assuming they bother to
answer!) Keep up the good work, Linda.
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