Letting off steam!
Thursday, 19 September 2013
Steam!!!!!!!!!!!! - careful - its hot!
Letting off steam!
despite being proactive and telling the teachers and all the staff about Lucas' problems with timekeeping and his lack of realisation that he needs to be in school at 8:55am - and explaining this to the teachers and thinking I had their understanding of this particular ASD trait - and making a point of really making the effort - new term etc - and verbally speaking with teachers each morning - I have just received a personally addressed "late attendance" letter - so I went back and saw the receptionist and gave her a piece of my mind. Her reply? Oh we have to follow protocol...... —
feeling angry.
Friday, 6 September 2013
Year 4 and the Sledgehammer Returns
Hello Blogland
How are you?
We had a great summer break - relaxing, no overnight breaks anywhere - but it was lovely just not being tied to the clock at all.
Year 4 started - I was a nervous wreck. Lucas was fine - but I was a wreck.
I had not met Lucas' teacher, (there was an opportunity last term - but it wasn't convenient) - Lucas had had sessions with her so that was fine.
The Night Before School (Year 4) began I decided to type up a "Good Luck New Teacher Note" and put it in his book bag. I filled the letter with all the changes over the holidays that had happened - and told her that he was now aware of his condition - and was talking about it! - and politely asked her that if he did start suddenly talking about his condition - please don't shut him up but encourage him to talk - as I think this is his way of accepting things.
I didn't want to speak to his teacher on the first morning as she had 29 other little people to get to know - I thought a note would be best I also slipped one one of the NAS Aspergers Notification Cards in the envelope too - with his name on it.
Oh I think I covered the bases and prepared for New Year as best I could.
I saw the Teacher the next day - and she thanked me for the letter - saying it was fantastic! - and that Lucas had a great first day, and to come and chat to her at a moment's notice and other really positive "I read your note" words too. WOW - a good start to the year!
At the end of Day Two, Lucas was at home, and suddenly the Sledgehammer Hit us - Hard! - A MAJOR UNEXPECTED "behaviour problem" appeared - and it was a shock to both Marcus and Myself - a big shock - completely unexpected - we dealt with it the best way we - as Lucas' Parents thought best -
Lucas then went into Major Meltdown and Meltdown proceedings took precedence, along with Meltdown recovery. I don't know about other Parents - but it always takes me a good day or two to recover from one of Lucas' Meltdowns. I think I am still reeling a bit - and its Friday.
I am also trying to fight the Depression Gremlin - I am going to win the fight with the Gremlin - he will NOT beat me. He may think this week he has scored some points from me. BUT I will not be beaten!
We were hoping to meet up with some friends next weekend. BUT due to "lots of reasons" - our part of the reunion has had to go on hold - AGAIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! - I think this is about the 10th time now.
I am finding it very hard to accept it - I am fed up of having to cancel all the potential nice aspects of my life ALL the time! - I want this to change. I am not a selfish person - I am a loyal person - I bend over backwards to help others and just wish the goal posts would stay still and the obstacles stay away - I am pretty sure one of my friends thinks I cry wolf all the time.... but sadly I don't - I just have other obstacles thrown in my way instead.
Message to the Man Upstairs - My obstacle remover is now broken beyond repair - please stop sending me obstacles - thank you.
Love and best wishes to all my friends.
Louise
How are you?
We had a great summer break - relaxing, no overnight breaks anywhere - but it was lovely just not being tied to the clock at all.
Year 4 started - I was a nervous wreck. Lucas was fine - but I was a wreck.
I had not met Lucas' teacher, (there was an opportunity last term - but it wasn't convenient) - Lucas had had sessions with her so that was fine.
The Night Before School (Year 4) began I decided to type up a "Good Luck New Teacher Note" and put it in his book bag. I filled the letter with all the changes over the holidays that had happened - and told her that he was now aware of his condition - and was talking about it! - and politely asked her that if he did start suddenly talking about his condition - please don't shut him up but encourage him to talk - as I think this is his way of accepting things.
I didn't want to speak to his teacher on the first morning as she had 29 other little people to get to know - I thought a note would be best I also slipped one one of the NAS Aspergers Notification Cards in the envelope too - with his name on it.
Oh I think I covered the bases and prepared for New Year as best I could.
I saw the Teacher the next day - and she thanked me for the letter - saying it was fantastic! - and that Lucas had a great first day, and to come and chat to her at a moment's notice and other really positive "I read your note" words too. WOW - a good start to the year!
At the end of Day Two, Lucas was at home, and suddenly the Sledgehammer Hit us - Hard! - A MAJOR UNEXPECTED "behaviour problem" appeared - and it was a shock to both Marcus and Myself - a big shock - completely unexpected - we dealt with it the best way we - as Lucas' Parents thought best -
Lucas then went into Major Meltdown and Meltdown proceedings took precedence, along with Meltdown recovery. I don't know about other Parents - but it always takes me a good day or two to recover from one of Lucas' Meltdowns. I think I am still reeling a bit - and its Friday.
I am also trying to fight the Depression Gremlin - I am going to win the fight with the Gremlin - he will NOT beat me. He may think this week he has scored some points from me. BUT I will not be beaten!
We were hoping to meet up with some friends next weekend. BUT due to "lots of reasons" - our part of the reunion has had to go on hold - AGAIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! - I think this is about the 10th time now.
I am finding it very hard to accept it - I am fed up of having to cancel all the potential nice aspects of my life ALL the time! - I want this to change. I am not a selfish person - I am a loyal person - I bend over backwards to help others and just wish the goal posts would stay still and the obstacles stay away - I am pretty sure one of my friends thinks I cry wolf all the time.... but sadly I don't - I just have other obstacles thrown in my way instead.
Message to the Man Upstairs - My obstacle remover is now broken beyond repair - please stop sending me obstacles - thank you.
Love and best wishes to all my friends.
Louise
Tuesday, 13 August 2013
Thoughts - it has been a few years between Hospital Visits....
Hello Blogland
How are you?
It is the Summer Holidays - and we are part way through - so far so good! - its been great not having to be tied to the constraints of the clock.
We haven't done much - Lucas has been playing Minecraft alot - he's happy - we have been out and about Geocaching alot! - I've managed to lose 2lbs from walking/hiking/geocaching! - cool!
Lucas has had some lovely playdates - urban geocaching with Sienna last week was so lovely - we are going to try "rural" next week. Yesterday he met another of his friends in the park for a picnic, it was so lovely seeing him mingle with his friend and his friend's brothers and sisters - he looked like "one of them" it was wonderful.
Lucas has developed a really lovely little circle of friends.
OK... so he fell off the 2 person swing and got hit on the back of the head by the swing which had gathered lots of momentum and struck L on the back of the head.... tears flowed and the beeline to me was perfectly straight. After 10 minutes of TLC and initial first aid - and checks he was ok, he had not been sick, given a drink etc etc L was back on the swings again having lots of fun.
It was a REALLY lovely afternoon.
We got home about 5pm - but Lucas was not firing on all cylinders. He was happy, but docile. Then he started complaining of a Grade 5 Headache (1 to 10 on the pain scale) with added dizzyness too - his eyes were not good - a bit bloodshot. SO... I discovered how to use the NHS 111 system. After a 30 minute telephone interrogation Lucas and I were instructed to spend the next 3 hours in A&E. Lucas had never hit the back of his head before - so I was "a little bit concerned" - and maybe I've watched too many episodes of CSI - too - haha.
Lucas was very good waiting in the waiting room - but after 1 hour he was starting to head towards a meltdown. His headache had gone up to a 7 - He had been observed already but was showing signs he was not happy in the waiting room - I was a big brave girl and went up to one of the nurses and (with NAS card in hand) said - I think Lucas is heading towards a meltdown... the nurse was lovely! - She explained there were another 3 people in front of us still, but she would clear a cubicle for us - and within 5 minutes we were in our own cubicle and the same nurse came and did all the observation tests again on Lucas - and made a fuss of him and dosed him up with magic medicine. She was lovely.
Long story short - the Dr came to see Lucas and gave him a thorough thorough thorough testing - and told me I did exactly the right thing - and also gave me some excellent medication advice. Lucas got home and fell fast asleep (un-medicated!) and probably had one of the best nights sleep he has had for ages.
Note to self... hmmm take him to that park more often!! - JUST KIDDING!!!
Today has been a quiet day.
Tomorrow - if its nice - we are off to a Train Museum (yawn!) but Lucas and Marcus will love it! I am sure there will be a coffee shop there... with cake.
How are you?
It is the Summer Holidays - and we are part way through - so far so good! - its been great not having to be tied to the constraints of the clock.
We haven't done much - Lucas has been playing Minecraft alot - he's happy - we have been out and about Geocaching alot! - I've managed to lose 2lbs from walking/hiking/geocaching! - cool!
Lucas has had some lovely playdates - urban geocaching with Sienna last week was so lovely - we are going to try "rural" next week. Yesterday he met another of his friends in the park for a picnic, it was so lovely seeing him mingle with his friend and his friend's brothers and sisters - he looked like "one of them" it was wonderful.
Lucas has developed a really lovely little circle of friends.
OK... so he fell off the 2 person swing and got hit on the back of the head by the swing which had gathered lots of momentum and struck L on the back of the head.... tears flowed and the beeline to me was perfectly straight. After 10 minutes of TLC and initial first aid - and checks he was ok, he had not been sick, given a drink etc etc L was back on the swings again having lots of fun.
It was a REALLY lovely afternoon.
We got home about 5pm - but Lucas was not firing on all cylinders. He was happy, but docile. Then he started complaining of a Grade 5 Headache (1 to 10 on the pain scale) with added dizzyness too - his eyes were not good - a bit bloodshot. SO... I discovered how to use the NHS 111 system. After a 30 minute telephone interrogation Lucas and I were instructed to spend the next 3 hours in A&E. Lucas had never hit the back of his head before - so I was "a little bit concerned" - and maybe I've watched too many episodes of CSI - too - haha.
Lucas was very good waiting in the waiting room - but after 1 hour he was starting to head towards a meltdown. His headache had gone up to a 7 - He had been observed already but was showing signs he was not happy in the waiting room - I was a big brave girl and went up to one of the nurses and (with NAS card in hand) said - I think Lucas is heading towards a meltdown... the nurse was lovely! - She explained there were another 3 people in front of us still, but she would clear a cubicle for us - and within 5 minutes we were in our own cubicle and the same nurse came and did all the observation tests again on Lucas - and made a fuss of him and dosed him up with magic medicine. She was lovely.
Long story short - the Dr came to see Lucas and gave him a thorough thorough thorough testing - and told me I did exactly the right thing - and also gave me some excellent medication advice. Lucas got home and fell fast asleep (un-medicated!) and probably had one of the best nights sleep he has had for ages.
Note to self... hmmm take him to that park more often!! - JUST KIDDING!!!
Today has been a quiet day.
Tomorrow - if its nice - we are off to a Train Museum (yawn!) but Lucas and Marcus will love it! I am sure there will be a coffee shop there... with cake.
Tuesday, 6 August 2013
Milestone - Lucas read All Cats have Aspergers
Hello Blogland
First of all, apologies, this post is being written "after a few private tears" have been shed.
For some reason - mid decluttering Lucas' toy pile - while looking for his Jenga - I decided we would sit down and read "All Cats have Aspergers" together.
Lucas read the book to me.
We discussed each picture (glossy photo of a different gorgeous cat on each page) and Lucas read the words - and discussed each statement.
It was a "one small step for man - one HUGE step for Lucas moment" - there were no tears on Lucas' side - just - that's right - that's me; turn the page - I agree, that's Me, I'm like that - that's me. Oh cool! - she's so cute!! (tickle cat under chin).
He was so calm and collected and almost at peace it was amazing. Then I asked him what he thought, he said - its a great book - I wish there was a school for people like me......
That last part knocked me for 6 a bit. I just said - maybe there is, we can cross that bridge when we come to it.
THEN he went back to Minecraft - and said - but ... where is my Jenga?
Normal service resumed......
Post written in a very RAW state of mind.
Love and best wishes to all.
First of all, apologies, this post is being written "after a few private tears" have been shed.
For some reason - mid decluttering Lucas' toy pile - while looking for his Jenga - I decided we would sit down and read "All Cats have Aspergers" together.
Lucas read the book to me.
We discussed each picture (glossy photo of a different gorgeous cat on each page) and Lucas read the words - and discussed each statement.
It was a "one small step for man - one HUGE step for Lucas moment" - there were no tears on Lucas' side - just - that's right - that's me; turn the page - I agree, that's Me, I'm like that - that's me. Oh cool! - she's so cute!! (tickle cat under chin).
He was so calm and collected and almost at peace it was amazing. Then I asked him what he thought, he said - its a great book - I wish there was a school for people like me......
That last part knocked me for 6 a bit. I just said - maybe there is, we can cross that bridge when we come to it.
THEN he went back to Minecraft - and said - but ... where is my Jenga?
Normal service resumed......
Post written in a very RAW state of mind.
Love and best wishes to all.
Friday, 19 July 2013
A Eureka Moment
Hello Blogland
Its the last week of Year 3 - 3 more school days left before the Summer Holidays!!
I'm quite looking forward to NOT having to fight Lucas to get out of the door by 8:50 to be in the School gates by 8:55 and not having to sign in the late book - ah - 6 weeks of not doing this this :) - bring it on :)
Ok... the Eureka Moment explained.
This happened last week - and it was purely spontaneous and low key and completely "off-the-wall" and un-planned - but it happened - and it was a major one small step for man - one huge step for Lucas and his ASD-Life.
Long story short - Lucas has been accepting his condition over the last 6 months, we haven't had any deep and meaningful conversations, Lucas has just been putting 2+2 together and getting 4 all the time. - Note to others regarding when to tell - my advice would be - not to worry and just let Nature take its course - and when it "happens" seize the moment - and carry on :) - TV programmes help big time!! - and can take you by surprise especially as you don't know their schedule.
Lucas found out while watching a CBBC'S Newsround Special on Autism, Aspergers & ADHD - the Teenage Girl "told" him - and he compared himself to another boy in the programme who was really good at a World of War Game - Lucas was glued to the programme, learned alot - and said when the Boy came on - He's Like Me - and Minecraft... that was in the Easter Holidays.
LAST SATURDAY
Lucas was watching TV - and playing Minecraft - and maybe inventing something too - he can multi-task - and he was watching 12 Again on CBBC. This is a Programme where day to day celebrities that Children know share memories of how things were when they were 12.
Lucas was watching this - and Louis Smith came on. Louis_Smith_(gymnast) - Wikipedia Page
Lucas watched him with 100% focus. He was talking in a low key and really friendly manner about his school, how much Gymnastics meant to him - and then - he said I've got ADHD - this is " ..... explanation ....." he went on to spend about 3 minutes discussing his ADHD and how it affected him - and how he put all his energy into his Gymnastics - I did not listen word for word - I was too busy focusing on Lucas' reaction.
Louis Smith said he was diagnosed at 7 - Lucas immediately said - Like ME! - and then at the end Lucas said - SO... that means I can win Olympic Medals too!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Cool!!!!!
The Celebrity changed, and then I left the room...
Got in the car and drove off to have a moment on my own (a few tears too).
Ok, this may not make sense to many people, but to others - I am sure you will "understand" :)
So.... in a nutshell - Lucas wants to win an Olympic Medal - I'd better add it to the list :-)
Happy Friday People!
Its the last week of Year 3 - 3 more school days left before the Summer Holidays!!
I'm quite looking forward to NOT having to fight Lucas to get out of the door by 8:50 to be in the School gates by 8:55 and not having to sign in the late book - ah - 6 weeks of not doing this this :) - bring it on :)
Ok... the Eureka Moment explained.
This happened last week - and it was purely spontaneous and low key and completely "off-the-wall" and un-planned - but it happened - and it was a major one small step for man - one huge step for Lucas and his ASD-Life.
Long story short - Lucas has been accepting his condition over the last 6 months, we haven't had any deep and meaningful conversations, Lucas has just been putting 2+2 together and getting 4 all the time. - Note to others regarding when to tell - my advice would be - not to worry and just let Nature take its course - and when it "happens" seize the moment - and carry on :) - TV programmes help big time!! - and can take you by surprise especially as you don't know their schedule.
Lucas found out while watching a CBBC'S Newsround Special on Autism, Aspergers & ADHD - the Teenage Girl "told" him - and he compared himself to another boy in the programme who was really good at a World of War Game - Lucas was glued to the programme, learned alot - and said when the Boy came on - He's Like Me - and Minecraft... that was in the Easter Holidays.
LAST SATURDAY
Lucas was watching TV - and playing Minecraft - and maybe inventing something too - he can multi-task - and he was watching 12 Again on CBBC. This is a Programme where day to day celebrities that Children know share memories of how things were when they were 12.
Lucas was watching this - and Louis Smith came on. Louis_Smith_(gymnast) - Wikipedia Page
Lucas watched him with 100% focus. He was talking in a low key and really friendly manner about his school, how much Gymnastics meant to him - and then - he said I've got ADHD - this is " ..... explanation ....." he went on to spend about 3 minutes discussing his ADHD and how it affected him - and how he put all his energy into his Gymnastics - I did not listen word for word - I was too busy focusing on Lucas' reaction.
Louis Smith said he was diagnosed at 7 - Lucas immediately said - Like ME! - and then at the end Lucas said - SO... that means I can win Olympic Medals too!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Cool!!!!!
The Celebrity changed, and then I left the room...
Got in the car and drove off to have a moment on my own (a few tears too).
Ok, this may not make sense to many people, but to others - I am sure you will "understand" :)
So.... in a nutshell - Lucas wants to win an Olympic Medal - I'd better add it to the list :-)
Happy Friday People!
Monday, 8 July 2013
Proud Parent Proud Parent Proud Parent
Hello Blogland
How are you?
Today is a good day.
First of all for new readers - a bit of a recap.
Lucas does not do well in Groups. He has problems with Group work at School. At School he even does Group Activities Solo.
Tennis Club is Not School - and Mel has worked her amazing Magic and made Lucas 100% part of not just one Group but TWO! - this is an amazing achievement. He is a permanent member of the Mini Tennis Orange & and Mini Tennis Orange/Green Squads that meet Mondays & Wednesdays - and they miss him when he's not there :o)
Watching him in his Tennis Groups you cannot tell he has Social Behaviour Group Issues - he is in his element and its brilliant (thanks Mel!)
Today was Monday
Today was The Spring Term Tennis Assessment Tournament for Monday Group.
Lucas asked me to to watch - so I did. :o)
From the outside it looked like he was paying attention 100% and I saw him hit some great serves and lovely rallies - Ok, I was a bit of a proud parent regarding his on-court behaviour - he looked so "relaxed" and happy too. Thank you Mel for all your hard work getting him so perfectly settled into Groups :o)
It was an end of term assessment - he came 5th overall today - with some great feedback. I was very impressed and told him how proud I was of him.
He has a 1-1 Lesson tomorrow - photos will follow :)
Love and best wishes to all
Today's result
Tennis 6 - ASD 0 !!!!!!!!!!!!!
How are you?
Today is a good day.
First of all for new readers - a bit of a recap.
Lucas does not do well in Groups. He has problems with Group work at School. At School he even does Group Activities Solo.
Tennis Club is Not School - and Mel has worked her amazing Magic and made Lucas 100% part of not just one Group but TWO! - this is an amazing achievement. He is a permanent member of the Mini Tennis Orange & and Mini Tennis Orange/Green Squads that meet Mondays & Wednesdays - and they miss him when he's not there :o)
Watching him in his Tennis Groups you cannot tell he has Social Behaviour Group Issues - he is in his element and its brilliant (thanks Mel!)
Today was Monday
Today was The Spring Term Tennis Assessment Tournament for Monday Group.
Lucas asked me to to watch - so I did. :o)
From the outside it looked like he was paying attention 100% and I saw him hit some great serves and lovely rallies - Ok, I was a bit of a proud parent regarding his on-court behaviour - he looked so "relaxed" and happy too. Thank you Mel for all your hard work getting him so perfectly settled into Groups :o)
It was an end of term assessment - he came 5th overall today - with some great feedback. I was very impressed and told him how proud I was of him.
He has a 1-1 Lesson tomorrow - photos will follow :)
Love and best wishes to all
Today's result
Tennis 6 - ASD 0 !!!!!!!!!!!!!
Monday, 1 July 2013
Meetings and Meltdowns
Hello Blogland
A quick update.
How are you all?
Dayna - thanks for the nudge - and thanks for the chat, as usual, even though you are millions of miles away in China - you again prove that you "understand" me - please send friends the instruction manual :) - One day we will meet again in Starbucks and have a major face-to-face catch up - until then (((((((((((((thank you))))))))
ON A lighter note - I went on a Course - How to Deal With Meltdowns. I hoped I could get some tips and tricks from it.
OK - it looks like I am a complete natural at Coping with Meltdowns - I thought I just used common sense - but - apparently not -
I have found out that I am an Expert on the Low Arousal Technique (oh I can see all the double entendres here! - I WISH! haha) - but apparently that is the name of the "Technique" - and apparently I am an expert at it.
*** The course was great - I just was really surprised that what I have been doing was 100% the correct way to cope - I was surprised - I didnt realise I have had the "LAT" serum injected into me :)
GREAT I have found my Purpose!!!! - NOW can I have a nice purpose? One with wine? and flowers and holidays maybe?
I have decided I want to learn Sign Language - I think this will help alot. I know that "Universal Sign Language is also extremely useful" haha - but I seriously think I should look into signing up for a course (haha) - does anyone know of any good ones?
Lucas moves on to Year 4 in September. He is already doing Year 4 Maths - and finding it great fun. His Teacher has finally set some great classroom procedures for him - that work for him - I hope that she makes sure his New Teacher carries on the techniques.
Until Next time...
Best wishes People!!!
(and for ASD People - Watch out for the Sledgehammers - they are hitting regularly at the moment! - must be the weather).
A quick update.
How are you all?
Dayna - thanks for the nudge - and thanks for the chat, as usual, even though you are millions of miles away in China - you again prove that you "understand" me - please send friends the instruction manual :) - One day we will meet again in Starbucks and have a major face-to-face catch up - until then (((((((((((((thank you))))))))
ON A lighter note - I went on a Course - How to Deal With Meltdowns. I hoped I could get some tips and tricks from it.
OK - it looks like I am a complete natural at Coping with Meltdowns - I thought I just used common sense - but - apparently not -
I have found out that I am an Expert on the Low Arousal Technique (oh I can see all the double entendres here! - I WISH! haha) - but apparently that is the name of the "Technique" - and apparently I am an expert at it.
*** The course was great - I just was really surprised that what I have been doing was 100% the correct way to cope - I was surprised - I didnt realise I have had the "LAT" serum injected into me :)
GREAT I have found my Purpose!!!! - NOW can I have a nice purpose? One with wine? and flowers and holidays maybe?
I have decided I want to learn Sign Language - I think this will help alot. I know that "Universal Sign Language is also extremely useful" haha - but I seriously think I should look into signing up for a course (haha) - does anyone know of any good ones?
Lucas moves on to Year 4 in September. He is already doing Year 4 Maths - and finding it great fun. His Teacher has finally set some great classroom procedures for him - that work for him - I hope that she makes sure his New Teacher carries on the techniques.
Until Next time...
Best wishes People!!!
(and for ASD People - Watch out for the Sledgehammers - they are hitting regularly at the moment! - must be the weather).
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