Newbie - please be gentle...

Post Reply New Topic

Hello all.

I am the thirty year old mother of an eleven year old boy and a nine year old girl. I am a nurse and researcher (more on that later - i need your help). I wouldn't exactly describe myself as neurotypical but i guess by most functional standards i am. My son has autism and has just made the rather stressful, for both of us, transition to high school.

The themes of our life currently revolve around Captain Jack Harkness (boychild) and lolcats (girlchild and i).

Nice to meet you.

Hi there,

Welcome on the planet. Transition or big changes on that age are always tough for everybody but especially for autistic people.

Good luck to you and your family.
C.

Welcome to WrongPlanet!

There's many people willing to give advice on how to help your autistic son should you need it. Hope you enjoy your stay

Hi welcome dogfish, the teenage years are hard anyway.... my son who is on the autism spectrum now 14 hates change, but I have found allowing him his quirks and differences really helps, if he needs space, we agree a later time... school days often he needs a good half an hour or more in his own space before anyone talks to him. Its often the little things that really help and if he closes down do find the odd text, email a better way to communicate sometimes. Pressuring him will just make him angry and frustrated, and even trigger a melt down. But I also believe clear boundaries and rules are vital to keep an even balance, we are close and talk about everything, but I am on the autism spectrum myself so do get his need for space.

Nice to meet you, dogfish.

Aw. Thanks guys.

He does need some alone time with his lego when he comes in, and i try to keep to a routine that allows plenty of time to prepare and organise. I know i need my own space too after a day of socialising. I am diagnosed with a borderline personality disorder and mood disorder, though i disagree with the former.

I am also a fan of rules and boundaries, i think they make kids feel safe, especially those whose worlds are a little overpowering sometimes. My daughter disagrees however, she just thinks i'm mean.

Welcome to WP!

Welcome to WP glad your son is doing well in High School. IMO 11 is way too young to make the change anyway especially with autism. Here in Victoria Australia kids are normally 12 turning 13 when going to high school.

Thanks Tim.

That's an interesting though Catster. I think you're right.

Is there a rule about advertising for research participants on this site? I can't see a relevant forum or thread about it. I don't want to get thrown out before i have settled in.

This is a huge site. I feel a little lost.

Welcome to Wrongplanet

I see you live in a beautiful country, it is one of my favourite parts of the world.

Hello

Welcome to the Wrong Planet Forums, enjoy your time here.

Oh thank you iceb and autism.

Oh and i have gone from being an emu egg to a butterfly - cool

Hi! Welcome to wrongplanet. I absolutely *love* the user name you chose.

Thank you shadesofme.

Actually it came from a time we were camping near the sea with my parents, and my sister was telling a story about some boys catching a shark. Everytime she said shark my dad said 'dogfish'. My son (with autism) then mimicked this by jumping into consequent conversations and yelling 'dogfish dogfish dogfish'.

So does any 8-21 year old fancy being in my research? I'd email you the information and a consent form and it would involve you making a video recording about yourself. PM me for more details or to get involved. Under 18s need to get a parent to sign the consent form too.

To WrongPlanet!! !

thanks richie