More battles on behalf of our son.

So how is it going?  Slowly...

There seems to be a lot on in October, what with Statement Reviews, Transition Plans, DLA Interrogations, all to do with our younger son who has ASD turning 16.  Apparently when you turn 16 you should be able to fill in your own DLA application renewal form....Um...what is it about Autism that you bureaucrats don't understand?   Why is it that everyone makes things so difficult?  Goodness, most adults struggle with filling in these forms let along teenagers, especially those with an ASD.   Perhaps a few of you should try living with and helping a child with Autism?  Whilst there is much joy, it is also very, very hard work, and something that we don't necessarily see an end in sight as much as we would like to think he will eventually be able to live independently, there is no way he is going to be able to cope without significant help.  Of course by the sheer nature of his Autism and one of the ways in manifests itself, he doesn't see himself as 'disabled'  and why should he to a certain extent, and yet there does come a point where some acknowledgement and awareness of the difficulties ahead has to become a reality.  Can he travel independently in unfamiliar areas?  NO.  Could he cook 'properly prepared' meals? NO  Does he needed to be reminded frequently of various needs that need to be met?  Yes.  Well the list could go on.  So yet more pressure is being heaped upon our shoulders as we try and justify why we feel our son's Disability Living Allowance should continue, after all, just because he is turning 16, doesn't mean the Autism is magically going to disappear!  I'm sure we would all  wish that!  Whilst he is going to have to try to come to terms with things we have written about his needs, which he is going to take offence to and disagree with as he doesn't see things from anyone else's point of view.  Why is everything a battle to get his needs met?  

So now I also have to get the place sorted, tided and spotless for this INTERROGATION by the beginning of the second week in October.  Nothing like a bit of pressure eh?

So not only that but I also have my hospital visit to see the Neurologist to see if he can do further tests to see if the Chiari Malformation has progressed/changed in any way and also to see if he has any more suggestions of ways to get rid of the chronic pain.

Stupid Boy!

Stupid boy.  You think things are going reasonably smoothly until you ask said child to sort out his washing as it is completely covering the floor of his bedroom...he refuses, so you go in with some plastic bags to put all the cra....clothes, rubbish, etc... into them to clear the floor for vacuuming which hasn't been able to be done in months...so he decides to not go to his GCSE exam and bunk off school instead.  As Captain Mainwaring says..."You stupid boy!"  As if we haven't got enough to worry about with our dog currently in the vets receiving the equivalent of dialysis treatment having been diagnosed just this morning with failing kidneys.  

If you have a Mug Bag you must need a...?

Now how many plastic bobbins of embroidery thread do you think I sorted through and counted last night?

Well the first bag came to just over 100!! I haven't even started on the second bag yet. I should have plenty of embroidery thread to keep me going for a very long time.

Now over at Contented Rachel has posted a tutorial on how to make a mug rug. I'd never heard of one of these before until I started reading about them on her blog. The idea is that you have space for your mug and a biscuit (or 2). Now having just made my mug bag, I thought this would be a perfect companion to make as we always have a cuppa and a biscuit at the stitching groups I go to. Now Rachel only posted the first stage of the tutorial...I was too impatient to wait for stage two so cheated with some wide gingham bias binding and just machine sewed it on.

All set for Thursday evening now.

Who's this sneaky boy on the settee? Enjoying a snooze, he is feeling so much better.

Now I have yet another project to undertake at some stage...

A tatty sewing box...

Well it just HAD to have a blue lining didn't it?!

Lining in the drawers as well.

Very cute, just calling out for some TLC.

Now my 14 year old son has ventured into London this afternoon to meet up with a couple of girls from school to go to the pictures. I'm hoping he doesn't get on the wrong train coming home. He has got instructions...but it doesn't stop me worrying though does it. Having an ASD makes him that much more vulnerable, however we need to give him a bit of freedom and trust.

The intrepid explorer has arrived safely home having enjoyed the cinema. :-)

Lake District - Day Three - 26th July

Are you sitting comfortably with a nice hot, or cold drink and something to nibble on? You're going to need it as this is a very picture heavy post as we take a wander round the South Lakes Wild Animal Park.

I'll let the pictures do most of the 'talking', adding just a few comments here and there...

Mandrill

Motherhood...

Oi! How did you get here Mr Rat...I'm sure you're not supposed to be part of the Wild Animal Park!

Ring-tailed Lemur

Cotton-topped Tamarin

Capybara...I believe is a distant relation to the domestic guinea pig.

Jaguar...coming out for their evening meal...

Climbing the pole for their meat provides good exercise.

DS2 stroking a wallaby.

Who's this cheeky fellow?

It's a Prairie Dog. A very cute little fellow.

Scarlet Ibis

King Vulture

Andean Condor

Lioness

Which profile do you think is best?

Emu

We had a lovely day at the Wild Animal Park...spoilt somewhat towards the end by the boys having a rather major fallout...instigated by DS2 unfortunately...just as we thought things were going well!

On the way home we admired the scenery...

Stopped off at some Lakes...

No not another photo Mum!

Reflections...

Today was the last day that DS2 came out with us...preferring to stay at the cottage the rest of the time...Autism really can take it's toll...and can make holidays very difficult...because he is now at the age where we can leave him for short periods of time, it makes things easier for both us and him...Yes we would like to share all our adventures with him, but he doesn't seem to like taking part and as such can make life very miserable for us...Last year's holiday was complete nightmare...not so this holiday as the arrangements suited us both, and he enjoyed his 'holiday' albeit spent on a playstation, playing swingball or watching TV, whilst we enjoyed the gorgeous scenery and walks....