LIFE WITH AUTISM

Home again overnight Andrew, my son, was an absolute darling.  Happy, relaxed, ate all his food and was content to watch Barcelona v Real Madrid on the tv with his dad during the evening.  But today, his switch has been flicked and by whom I know not, and he's a changed person.  Agitated, loud and uncooperative in the extreme he has slammed doors, fiddled with door handles, switched lights on and off 00's of times and if he opens another cupboard door and shuts it this century, I'll crown him.  Maybe he knew he was returning to Lorien this afternoon.  If only I knew.

Lawrence.

On the train to Lichfield, Thursday 25/11/2010 there sat my boy on his day out, or trip out for lunch.  And he was happy, well-behaved and ate all his food.  (No surprise there then.)  The home are so good to their clients and Avril and me are so happy Andrew has settled.  Like all parents we worried about his future now we are old and decrepit but his home and the care he receives are an answer to our prayers.

On the train to Lichfield, Thursday 25/11/2010 there sat my boy on his day out, or trip out for lunch.  And he was happy, well-behaved and ate all his food.  (No surprise there then.)  The homeare so good to their clients and Avril and me are so happy Andrew has settled.  Like all parents we worried about his future now we are old and decrepit but his home and the care he receives are an answer to our prayers.

Hi I took Andrew my son out today for a good walk.  Although he was noisy as soon as we hit the path the sun came out.  How good was that?  Needless to say he was sometimes loud, but he smiled all the way and we had a good laugh.  It was his way of communicating and it helps.  He is so much fun to be with in that mood.  It wipes away all the dark days.

Regards

Lawrence.

A walk in the sun; a cloudless sky; smiling people.  Not our Andrew today: I have no idea if he took some 'grumpy' pills this morning with his breakfast, but when I took him out for a walk on a near perfect morning, not one smile did he send me.  Not that was until he had his satsuma the crafty young man.

Regards

Ah, the dentist.  Taking a child to the dentist can be traumatic anyhow.  But taking a child with autism can be an experience that is never forgotten.

Have you parents had difficulties at the dentist with your children?  And if so how?

Best Wishes

After the sad realisation that my son Andrew was so challenging in his behaviour, and with severe health problems at home with my wife and mum in law, I had to find a Utopian residential home for Andrew.  I found it in a place called Lorien in Erdington Birmingham, and with help from health employees and social workers, and not to place too much 'thanks' on it, our MP who was so helpful.

Last night, 3/11/2010 having been away for 2 months, despite my regular vists to him, he came home.

The look on his face when he entered the kitchen, opened the cupboard with cereals in and got his favourite bowl out to put them in, I'll never forget as long as I live.

The constant smiles. the cuddles, the eye to eye contact was amazing.  He turned on the charm.  He came home alright, and knew it.  By God did he knew he was home.

His favourite meal, spag bol, his fave drink of Ribena and he was happy, so happy.  I told him several times, tho' I have never known how much, or what he understands, that if he didn't sleep that night I would not have him home again.  ( I was joking of course.) In bed at 21.50 hrs when his mum and I were deadbeat, he went to sleep immediately, and until 2.00am.  His mum got up, covered him up again, and he slept till 6.25am.  Did he understand my comments re' his sleeping?  You tell me. 

I only know when I returned him to his new home this afternoon he did not appear happy.  Nor was I, I hate having to leave him and can only hope he no emotion when I do.  When I left his home his eyes buried themselves in my back.  I hate that, because at that point I know I can never look back at him because it hurts so much.

How I hate what I had to do for all our sakes, and every day that goes by I kick hell out of myself for having had to let him go.  Friends say it's for the best - of who?

Sad Regards

Lawrence.

Adjusting to changing the clocks twice a year is a problem for many, adults and children.  But for Andrew it means he gets out of bed even earlier at this time of year.  Wowee!

So, when my boy Andrew is not so happyor needs abit of TLC what is the best way to deliver it?  Send for his sister Anna, and a nice juicy satsuma orange, that's what.  Always brings a smile to his face and never fails.

Regards  and have a good weekend