Friday, 17 December 2010

Merry Christmas to us!

Stephs Two Girls December 17, 2010 autism, PDA Life, SEN, Statement of Educational Needs

Yay! yesterday we received the news we have been waiting for... the council SEN team has finally agreed that they will now assess Sasha to see if she needs a Statement of Educational Needs. Paperwork which should help her as she travels through school. I'm delighted on one hand, but on the other it does kind of reinforce again that Sasha has a problem, one which I really wish she didn't have - for her sake as she grows up, not for mine. As I said to one of the lovely nursery ladies today, there is never a dull moment with Sasha around and we love her so much.

As I collected Sasha from nursery, she was handed a present from Santa (who had been to visit there the day before), and she kept repeating 'Sasha's birthday present', despite being told it was a Christmas one.

She loves birthdays, particularly candles and cakes, but presents too, and of course wants it all to be for her (I often relight candles for her regardless of who they were intended for originally ;) ). Which is ever so sweet and lovely, but of course it does make me a little sad inside that she doesn't understand something as basic as Christmas while all others around her of her own age already do. But she is still developing and I have no doubt she will get there :)

So to the Statement. Do I think Sasha will get one? No, probably not, but that's a battle we may face in 6 months time (that's about how long it takes for them to get all the paperwork together). Seems our council aren't too keen on giving them out for 'non-obvious' disabilities. Whilst Sasha may not need full time care, she certainly does need extra care and attention compared to others her age - and though at times I've felt guilty about wanting this, as if it's special treatment, on the other hand at no time did I ever want it for Tamsin as she just doesn't need it. I honestly can't imagine any parent expecting it if their child doesn't need it, so I really don't understand why it is such a struggle to get a statement put in place.

We will just have to wait and see what happens. In the meantime I'm excited and slightly apprehensive about the start at her new school nursery in January. She'll go for a settling session on the 5th but then not actually start until the 16th or so. The staff there are lovely and welcoming, and Sasha has enjoyed being there a couple of times, but I am kind of living in fear of the first time she has one of her meltdowns... Just hoping it's not on the first day when I try to leave her!! Am relieved though as I'm sure we made the right decision by starting her at that nursery now, as it will mean both she and the school are more prepared when it comes to starting reception next September. Wow that seems like a long way off but I'm sure it will fly by!

So the madness of Christmas is nearly upon us and whilst a relaxing one would be nice, to get rid of all the germs that have been flying round, relaxing is not a word you would often associate with our house, and probably most houses at Christmas to be fair! So I'm guessing there won't be much time for blogging over the next week or so, and I'd like to wish anybody reading (is there anybody reading I sometimes wonder?!) a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! 2011 will certainly be a fresh start for us, let's hope it's not quite as roller coaster-y (is that actually a word?!) as 2010 has been...

To find out more about our experiences, please check out our 'About Us' page. If you are looking for more information on Pathological Demand Avoidance, the posts below may help.