Autism

[cb_diamond]

50 minutes ago, effeffsee_the2nd said:

genuine question here, what is the likely affect of attending an ASN school on a young persons employment prospects? Assuming that a job is within their capability is it likely to swing the balance either way? i know in theory discrimination would be illegal but in the real world these things are often hard to prove

There's a huge focus on transitions and positive destinations as mentioned above. There is also a lot of flexibility with options around alternative and vocational qualifications as well as the ability to complete conventional qualifications. Placements are common in many ASN schools. 

[Guest]

genuine question here, what is the likely affect of attending an ASN school on a young persons employment prospects? Assuming that a job is within their capability is it likely to swing the balance either way? i know in theory discrimination would be illegal but in the real world these things are often hard to prove

It can go either way. There is nothing to stop who attended an ASN school going onto College or Uni and being as qualified as anyone else. However, just because discrimination is illegal doesn't mean it doesn't happen

[effeffsee_the2nd]

Glad to hear those replies lads (and lady) sounds much more positive than i thought.  I went to regular school from start to finish so it didn't quite apply to me but when i was applying for jobs, the apprenticeship i eventually got had, at the application stage, the option to declare any medical conditions that you have. My auld man furiously talked me out of it and told me never under any circumstances to disclose that information to any employer. his view was that if there were 200 applications then that declaration would help my application find it's way into the bin against all the others with nothing and I would be none the wiser to prove anything. TBF I've worked at my current employer for 10 years and they do have a history of employing the most convenient candidate , usually someone with a friend or relative already working there (doesn't apply to me), so as bad as it sounds , there may be some merit to what he said.

Cynical me thought that employers would just see the name of the school and go, nah not for me, don't want the hassle 

[the snudge]

On 13/08/2022 at 11:00, Gaz said:

I only just saw that I was tagged in this.

I have three daughters, my oldest two have autism. Our youngest is 2 but is showing the same kind of signs that our oldest two showed, and now we recognise them it's likely all three will have some form of ASD.

My wife is also autistic and has ADHD. It is likely that I am too and I am currently undergoing testing at the age of 39.

Early intervention is key. For our oldest daughter our local authority refused to allocate her a space in specialist provision, despite her attending the specialist nursery at the same school. We had to take them to a tribunal, lost that, but eventually she was allocated a space and is thriving. She is very unlikely to be fully independent as an adult and academically she is very delayed compared to peers at the same age, but she absolutely adores school and learning about things she is interested in. It's difficult though as she isn't fully toilet trained and when we're out we have to be careful about what we do in case we need to change her. Thankfully more places are getting Changing Places toilets with the full-size changing table so we don't have to lie her down on bathroom floors.

Our middle has a diagnosis of Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) and it's also likely she has ADHD but we are waiting to have her assessed through CAHMS. Unlike her older sister she was given a space immediately in our local specialist provision, but had a miserable primary one. She now attends an out-of-authority specialist school. Academically she is a sponge and soaks up everything she learns about. She is incredibly clever. She is also almost fully toilet trained but sometimes has accidents and so usually has to wear pullups just in case.

Our entire lives are governed by routine. We more or less do the same things every day and eat the same kinds of foods, go to the same kinds of places. It is incredibly challenging and draining on me and my wife's mental health.

My wife is the smartest person I have ever met and has three Master's degrees in various forms of childhood education / autism specialisation and is currently doing her PhD.

I'm happy to answer any questions anyone has about being a parent to children with autism.

Kind of off topic but how did you find getting ADHD testing for yourself? I'm on the waiting list, what should I expect?

[JMDPco]

Amazing thread, fascinating to read so many different stories.

I am the head of additional educational needs at an international school and have just over ten years experience in that field. If anyone ever has questions about things education wise, feel free to fire over to me.

[Shandon Par]

After recent news events it left me thinking “maybe it’s me that’s mad and not the rest of the country?”.

So, I did a couple of online tests for autism. One said something along the lines of “your answers show you have more signs of autism than is typical” and the other basically said “seek help”. 
 

Not going to bother taking it further but it was quite enlightening. There have always been situations where I’ve felt crippled by shyness and awkwardness yet in other situations I couldn’t be more relaxed and sparkling. 

[Raidernation]

Well so far the new school has been great. Sometimes challenging (very challenging ) but I absolutely love it

https://www.nhaweb.com/

Check us out.

[Gaz]

I received my diagnosis of autism and ADHD a couple of weeks back.

It's been pretty liberating, if I'm being honest.

[Guest]

35 minutes ago, Gaz said:

I received my diagnosis of autism and ADHD a couple of weeks back.

It's been pretty liberating, if I'm being honest.

Good man. Welcome aboard. Here in a personal or professional capacity if you've anything you need to ask

[grazza]

For an adult what would be first steps and involved in getting properly tested.  Is it case of just going to GP who make basic assessment then refer you on. There will be plenty folk that need more urgent attention  but just would be good to get idea of what is involved. 

I get the feeling something is going on with me. In the last year or so I got round to the idea it was anxiety. Though for a long time I do really struggle in social situations and making friends. Also that I come across differently outside of social norms towards others. I probably take things worse than I should and difficult to let go though that's an internal thing

I think it difficult to concentre, reading for example I struggle to focus. It is better for non fiction which I do part time course on history and politics, reading about facts is easier, concepts are trickier. Fiction though I really struggle, if it was something like Star Trek which I have watched plenty of  then that universe I guess I already have an idea for but reading something new from scratch I find difficult. 

Its not a case of just kind of accepting that's just me. I have pushed myself in terms of getting through uni a couple times  and force myself out the house going to gigs. There is good music community here but I still get anxious and struggle to engage with folk even when I want to and a lot of them are really kind about it. Eye contact I struggle with for whatever reason.  I think its assumed I'm quiet and shy but alright. 

It just feels like going down a rabbit hole the more I read about this and probably not good to self diagnose. Maybe just anxiety or a bit of something else.  If I go to GP we have what 10 mins?  

 

 

 

[Guest]

43 minutes ago, grazza said:

For an adult what would be first steps and involved in getting properly tested.  Is it case of just going to GP who make basic assessment then refer you on. There will be plenty folk that need more urgent attention  but just would be good to get idea of what is involved. 

I get the feeling something is going on with me. In the last year or so I got round to the idea it was anxiety. Though for a long time I do really struggle in social situations and making friends. Also that I come across differently outside of social norms towards others. I probably take things worse than I should and difficult to let go though that's an internal thing

I think it difficult to concentre, reading for example I struggle to focus. It is better for non fiction which I do part time course on history and politics, reading about facts is easier, concepts are trickier. Fiction though I really struggle, if it was something like Star Trek which I have watched plenty of  then that universe I guess I already have an idea for but reading something new from scratch I find difficult. 

Its not a case of just kind of accepting that's just me. I have pushed myself in terms of getting through uni a couple times  and force myself out the house going to gigs. There is good music community here but I still get anxious and struggle to engage with folk even when I want to and a lot of them are really kind about it. Eye contact I struggle with for whatever reason.  I think its assumed I'm quiet and shy but alright. 

It just feels like going down a rabbit hole the more I read about this and probably not good to self diagnose. Maybe just anxiety or a bit of something else.  If I go to GP we have what 10 mins?  

 

 

 

For Autism anyway, going to the GP is the done thing. If you think about how you've struggled with communication, sensory processing and social interactions in the past and present evidence to them. They would then refer you to a specialist and then eventually you would see a diagnostican.

[EvilScotsman]

40 minutes ago, grazza said:

For an adult what would be first steps and involved in getting properly tested.  Is it case of just going to GP who make basic assessment then refer you on. There will be plenty folk that need more urgent attention  but just would be good to get idea of what is involved. 

I get the feeling something is going on with me. In the last year or so I got round to the idea it was anxiety. Though for a long time I do really struggle in social situations and making friends. Also that I come across differently outside of social norms towards others. I probably take things worse than I should and difficult to let go though that's an internal thing

I think it difficult to concentre, reading for example I struggle to focus. It is better for non fiction which I do part time course on history and politics, reading about facts is easier, concepts are trickier. Fiction though I really struggle, if it was something like Star Trek which I have watched plenty of  then that universe I guess I already have an idea for but reading something new from scratch I find difficult. 

Its not a case of just kind of accepting that's just me. I have pushed myself in terms of getting through uni a couple times  and force myself out the house going to gigs. There is good music community here but I still get anxious and struggle to engage with folk even when I want to and a lot of them are really kind about it. Eye contact I struggle with for whatever reason.  I think its assumed I'm quiet and shy but alright. 

It just feels like going down a rabbit hole the more I read about this and probably not good to self diagnose. Maybe just anxiety or a bit of something else.  If I go to GP we have what 10 mins?  

 

 

 

I've no great expertise, but speaking to a doctor can only be a good thing; I expect you are right about them doing the initial assessment and referral if appropriate.

I hope all goes well; awareness and acceptance of neurodivergence is night and day from what it was not too long ago.

[the snudge]

On 05/12/2022 at 11:30, Gaz said:

I received my diagnosis of autism and ADHD a couple of weeks back.

It's been pretty liberating, if I'm being honest.

How have you been? Have you been through titration? I'm still awaiting assessment. Considering private but the GP said they wouldn't touch shared care

[RH33]

My youngest is now awaiting full assesment for ADHD and ASD. 

[Guest]

Offer still stands as a listening ear if folk need one

[Guest]

Can highly recommend A Kind of Spark that has been on CBBC. Autistic characters played by autistic actors. Well worth a watch if anyone has kids or is interested themselves 

 

Edited May 1, 2023 by Autistisches Nilpferd

[RH33]

Came across this article about,.basically private clinics cashing in and dishing out diagnosis.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-65534449

[effeffsee_the2nd]

28 minutes ago, RH33 said:

Came across this article about,.basically private clinics cashing in and dishing out diagnosis.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-65534449

I'm not the least bit surprised by this as the internet is absolutely full of c***s practically promoting it. As someone who's had it since way before it was cool, I'm slightly concerned that it's becoming the next "thing" amongst the militant left to latch onto for those who want to identify themselves as different and wear it as some sort of badge of honour. similar to the whole gender thing that's been going on for the last few years. 

 

[RH33]

1 hour ago, effeffsee_the2nd said:

I'm not the least bit surprised by this as the internet is absolutely full of c***s practically promoting it. As someone who's had it since way before it was cool, I'm slightly concerned that it's becoming the next "thing" amongst the militant left to latch onto for those who want to identify themselves as different and wear it as some sort of badge of honour. similar to the whole gender thing that's been going on for the last few years. 

 

A friend and I have been saying similar for a while. Pay enough money and they'll tell you what you want. There's a good reason why local authorities won't accept private diagnosis as frustrating as that is for parents with kids who need the help.

Anything "different" is now tiktoc etc thing. Damage being done.....

[effeffsee_the2nd]

1 hour ago, RH33 said:

A friend and I have been saying similar for a while. Pay enough money and they'll tell you what you want. There's a good reason why local authorities won't accept private diagnosis as frustrating as that is for parents with kids who need the help.

Anything "different" is now tiktoc etc thing. Damage being done.....

The one thing I feel is hard to get the balance right with in terms of treatment is; the NHS see people on a priority based on severity, the NHS doctors I've seen as an adult were surprised at how well my life was on the surface to the point of not taking me seriously, whereas the private ones( which weren't cheap btw) definitely appear to tell you what they think you want to hear . It was only on getting a prescription through a private one that my GP wasn't too happy about that i even got into the NHS by the backdoor anyway.

 I think I was fortunate to get diagnosed as a child in the mid 1990's though I actually have no idea my parents had to wait to get things moving. I was given help and support for the remainder of my schooling & TBF I had a pretty instant transformation from dunce boy to doing pretty well academically as soon as it kicked in. But broader  understanding of the condition was less advanced then than now, for instance my parents were told it was a childhood condition that I would grow out of, the doctors were purely concerned with classroom performance and behaviour, there was nothing beyond that which seemed to matter, like the awful social skills that take years of (extra) practice and learning by calamities to get right. Or the fact that I was told upon leaving school that since I wasn't going to be doing an office type of job, I would no longer need support or medication -  Turns out it was spectacularly wrong. 

 I also received zero guidance on approaching the adult  world with it, the impulsiveness or short temper being two things that can easily get you into big trouble in no time. I was a problem drinker for maybe 8 years and had to cut out alcohol entirely because as soon as I'd had 2 pints I would impulsively get blootered and spend the night harassing uninterested women until I ended up chucked out or in a fight.

long story short, It's a c**t of a condition to be lumbered with & I really hope it turns out your youngest doesn't have it, but if he/she does then at least now there's enough knowledge that they don't have to go down the same route as those before did. If it turns out they do though I'm more than happy to offer some advice, my parents got a lot wrong but only because they never knew better.