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Carpet burns
Sep 7, 2008

It was little 's birthday on Friday. He had some nice presents and a treat for his birthday tea - fish and chips.

The following morning, he was feeling really sorry for himself. We went out on Saturday for a pizza and a film. He doesn't seem to handle anti-climax well and there were signs on trouble with a flash of anger over something he perceived as being a slight, but which really wasn't. He decided he was going to make real popcorn and do it his way with no interference from me. He was really robust about that. In the event, he managed to burn the popcorn in the microwave - he put far too much in, then when it wasn't popping, set it on again and this time, the already popped popcorn turned to charcoal and there was thick smoke. Shortly after that there was popcorn spilled all over the living room carpet. I made him pick it all up.

Today, I was making food in the kitchen when I smelled a burning smell. On investigation, there was soggy burnt pieces of paper all over the living room carpet. I'm not quite sure what he was doing, but it seemed to involve lighting pieces of paper and then dropping them when flames licked round his fingers, then stamping on them then pouring water on them. Needless to say, the carpet is thoroughly singed in 4-5 places. I did give him a bowl of water, some carpet cleaner and a sponge, but to no avail. I've placed a rug over it. It looks dreadful. Previously he had been at a friend's birthday party. It seems that anti-climax has struck again.

(8 replies, Latest reply: Sep 8, 2008)

Fit and lean
Aug 2, 2008

I've been worried about little 's weight and I've been nagging him about it. I hate nagging, but I've been unable to find a way of getting through to him. I'm aware that I'm heavier myself than I would like. I woke up last night and three words came to me, 'Fit and lean'. Yes, I thought - what he needs is a target, not to focus on what he doesn't want. I spoke to him about it this morning and he said yes. I asked if he had a role model to model himself after. He couldn't immediately think of one. I asked if he could suggest anyone for me and he said, "Paula Radcliffe". http://www.paularadcliffe.com/ Actually, I'm thinking, I could do worse. I'll never have her hips, as my bones are much wider than hers.

I wonder who a good role model for little would be?

(16 replies, Latest reply: Aug 7, 2008)

New perspectives - through the forge
Jul 28, 2008

The discovery that my son is on the autistic spectrum has really made me re-examine my own life and also to look at those round me. I'm handling a young adolescent who's going through some challenging times. Last night, I had another outbreak of rage. This time, I was aware that the rumblings portended rage, so I tried to deal differently with him. The presenting issue was money. He wanted what amounts to two months pocket money. With it, he was going to take me to the cinema or to have a meal and he also wanted the latest electronic game. I'm not sure that he could have done both, actually.

I think this outburst was a symptom of something else. He hasn't any friends close by and it's holiday time, so people who might have been available aren't. The friend he most wants to see (an Aspergers boy) and is just about within walking district has been taken out of school (a different one to my son's) because of bullying and I think that he has seen him only once since then - that's once all year. I think he feels he wants stuff to fill the void.

As for me, although it's not pleasant coping, I'm finding I'm growing through the process.

(30 replies, Latest reply: Aug 7, 2008)

President ZSF!
Jul 8, 2008

Today was my first meeting as President of my Toastmasters club, however the day started out with an appointment for the Community Paediatrician. She confirmed that little has autism - or rather is on the autistic spectrum (ASD) and he has been told this today. So for the first time, I've been able to discuss why his problems are occurring. Well, OK, 'Why' might be a bit much, but it does mean that I can discuss the fact that he has a condition which causes him to have problems.

On the positive side, it means that she will write to the school and suggest that provision is made for him, which might include having a laptop to help with the dyslexia - he struggles to write quickly and legibly - and that he may be able to get swimming lessons again. He was getting swimming lessons, but they stopped after he achieved the national standard. He doesn't like football, and stays in during break times because of the bullying and was just eating and not getting exercise. The paediatrician says that swimming will not only provide exercise but will stimulate both sides of the brain and will work symetrically on both sides of his body and give both upper and lower body workouts. If that happens, it's a result!

She is also going to refer him for music therapy. This will mean that he gets the chance to try out musical instruments. I know that he loves listening to music and I think he may have perfect pitch as he seems to be able to tell if music is played in different pitches days apart.

I may also now be able to access help with his behaviour as the CP will refer him to the Family Support Centre (I think that was the name) and I will also be able to find support from the local autistic society. I've found not knowing what to do for best at times very difficult and there have been times when I've just wanted to walk away and never come back.

I took him to school and then went to work, and then came home, as I was feeling a bit wobbly. I got a call from the school counsellor, who sounds lovely, and she is going to work with him from September.

As far as the Presidency goes, it didn't have the most auspicious start. I prepared my address and was just about to get in my car, when I noticed that another car had blocked me in my drive and I didn't recognise it as belonging to one of my neighbours. I phoned a couple of the other officers to let them know I was going to have a problem and would be late at the very worst. In the end, I found it did belong to a near neighbour and she moved it quite quickly and amazingly, the traffic was reasonably light and I got there just on time!

I think my address went down well and I got a cheer, which was very nice. I've got a chain of office - very smart!

(36 replies, Latest reply: Jul 19, 2008)

Bike to work day
Jun 19, 2008

Today was bike to work day. I got my folding bike out from its rather dusty cover and pumped up the tyres. It had been raining in the morning and I saw grateful that the rain had stopped. Then I had a go at putting it up - for some reason, one of the folds wouldn't work. Eventually I did. The off I sauntered down the hill, around the corner then down again. I walked the bike across the junction as I didn't feel confident enough to cross on the bike. I thought that all the way to work was down, but it wasn't, so I got off and walked up the long hills, deciding to go up and off the main road, so I could use a side road, which wasn't so busy and not quite so hilly. From there it wasn't too bad until I got to the main road near to work. Then I got off again and walked up almost to our building, then got on again for the last little bit.

Oh dear, I'm not a very good example. I was dreading going back home as it is reall mostly uphill. As it happened, going back was down for a bit, then uphill really steeply, so I walked for quite a bit, then across (and the wrong way up a couple of one-way streets - but there wasn't anything coming the other way, so I wasn't worried. Down a big hill and turn right on my bike and up a bit, although I was feeling a bit stronger now. Off again and walking up another steep bit, then on again and up to the junction. Off the bike again and walking across the road, then on and along till my road, when I turned uphill for a short while, until getting off seemed a good idea, then a steep walk up to my place.

Isn't it funny - coming home was easier than going and I felt more comfortable, although I hadn't thought I would be.

(13 replies, Latest reply: Jun 24, 2008)