Autism News - February 2004

The publisher Jessica Kingsley each year produces a number of books on Autism - many of them are jolly good books too!

It seems surprising to me that in addition to this fact, she is also a member of an "on line" discussion list - a jolly active member too!

A few days ago she posted prior notice that the late evening BBC programme would feature an item on Autism. As soon as I saw it I posted it straight onto

the news page of our group website and immediately circulated it to those members whose email address I had right at hand. Sadly though it was short notice to Jessica and the rest of us.

The article was to deal with what is perceived to be the "postcode lottery" or how it might be that the care and treatment someone with autism receives depends more on where you live rather than your actual need.

Otherwise I know nothing of the programme as I was personally unable to see it.

Did anyone manage to see this item please? If so, can you please tell us if it was interesting or relevant - particularly did it have any Wakefield or Yorkshire content?

Also should anyone get a prior "whiff" of autism related broadcast items please tell me and I'll happily post it for everyone to see on;-

Jrc

Garden Street Centre, Back Garden Street, Wakefield

“Open House” is a drop-in project for people experiencing mental ill health (I assume these sessions are for teens and adults only.) The aim of the service is to provide informal support and leisure activities at evenings and weekends in a relaxed and friendly environment.

Individuals are invited to drop-in to the Garden Street Centre any Thursday evening (5 pm – 9 pm) or Sunday (11.00am – 5.00pm).

There is also a session held in:

Activities are chosen by the members and include light meals and refreshments, pool and board games, outings and day trips, quizzes, raffles and bingo, arts and crafts and special interest groups are arranged, such as horticulture, folk music and bowling.

For more information, you can contact Helen on

Tel: 01924 327681 Mobile 07876 476 702

Carole

ADHD children need a sense of personal success in their lives otherwise their self-esteem and confidence can become low and this can result in difficult behaviour. Do try and recognise the strengths and talents of your child whether artistic, athletic or creative and try to find some way of developing these in any way you can.

Try not to expect too much too soon. Try to decrease difficult behaviour gradually and always remember the importance of praise when improvements occur.

Try not to deal with the child’s bad behaviour at once. Choose one or two particularly difficult traits and try to work on those first. Your own family values and properties will help you decide which “traits” to focus on.

Try to “shape” behaviour rather than remove it altogether. For example, if a child seems to be demanding your attention all the time, explain to him/her that you will deal with his questions/demands at certain times of the day. Suggest to him that he makes a note of his questions and show them to you at a certain time of the day.

Sleep problems can be a difficulty for these children. Try to help the child feel relaxed about their way of sleeping and to feel there is nothing wrong with waking up early or finding it difficult going to sleep…as long as they bother no one else. Reading in bed and story tapes can help a child feel happy in bed, even if he is not asleep.

ADHD children do respond well to structure and a routine at home. A timetable for homework, meals and getting up in the morning all help these children to cope with the unpredictability of other aspects of their lives.

Try to ensure that both parents share the same policies on and reactions to the child’s actions.

Homework can be very difficult for these children. The distractions of home life can make it extremely hard for homework to be finished. A routine helps good study habits. There should be no TV or other distraction allowed during the homework hour.

Life with an ADHD child is not easy and you cannot anticipate or prevent all the day difficulties that can arise. Some parents find counselling gives them the extra strength and insight they need but do try to ensure that the person advising you has a good understanding of ADHD. It is most important that the parents are not made to feel it is "all their fault." This leaves parents feeling guilty and even less able to cope.

(Information obtained from ADHD Support Group, Wakefield)