Hi all Its such a difficult task for a parent given the social acceptance of drinking , especially to excess . As I'm basically a non drinker the ex and I ( &her Italian heritage ) started giving our two drinks of wine mixed with lemonade when they hit the teens. I always stressed the importance of moderation . Once they turned 18 with parties etc they both had a few but didn't get wiped out like most of their peers. Yes they drink . They now know their own limits. Like one of the others have said on here my taxi is always available no matter what the time of night . . ... View more

Hi Readthe manual This is where we have to try to trust their judgement. I know I'm a dad but when my girl started dating I sat her down and , didn't lecture, discussed the issues that I was concerned about that would affect her. I brought up the ugly issues of what boys are after, pregnancy , you know the rest.. The biggest thing I impressed upon her was to not be pressured into doing something she didn't want to do.. Until she was a little older I set a time to be home and eventually I meet him.. She knew to carry her phone so she could call me to come get her, no matter what the time was. I hope this helps you a bit and good luck ... View more

Hi Readthemanual Unfortunately 13 years ago there wasn't any of the early intervention programs available to me . I'm in a small country town where there was virtually zero help with Autism. All efforts were city based. The Internet was my biggest source of info. Been to workshops and lectures by Richard Eisenmejer, Tony Attwood and Sue Larkey to learn what I could.. I kept my kids in mainstream catholic school where there was basic support from the school and special needs from the diocese . Richard actually did the diagnosis for both my daughter (8 yrs) and my ex (41 at the time). I did the positive parenting workshop when my kids were early teens but it was based on working with younger children. I ended up getting questions from other parents as theirs were all younger and I'd already "been there" I feel that I'd done the hard yards before all these wonderful early intervention programs were implemented... Also location has a lot to do with assistance as well. I know there was times I made mistakes yet I look at my two children now , one lives in Melbourne doing his computer course and no two started studying occupational therapy at Charles Sturt this year and still lives with me. All three of us volunteer with service providers for kids with disabilities... ... View more

I love winter Lovely thick home made soups, hearty casseroles. Nothing like snuggling into the recliner with a good book or movie to watch.. I use this as my " my" time. ... View more

Hi Maggiemay You're on the right track with routine etc. Interested to know your grandsons age. Even when mine were young I had to be the calm one. My ex was a screamer and because of that they basically disregarded whatever she tried to enforce.. I set definate boundries and was consistent , they get confused when they get changed. Don't use the old "wait till your father gets home" cos by the time dad gets home they will have forgotten what they are in trouble for. Dependant on where he is on the spectrum will also determine how he responds to family life.. I wish you and your family all the best ... View more

Evening folks. It's been a bit tumultuous lately with my daughter. Aspergers, relationship problems, depression, anxiety, self harm and university.. An overload of emotions. Routines have been messed up.. Just being there for her has been the main focus. I'm her sounding board for everything. I've learnt how to listen and when to interject , to direct her thoughts in a positive way. No matter how I'm feeling about any part of all this I have to remain quite calm and reserved. When you're in the middle of a major melt down raising my voice seems to create extra anxiety. I'm extremely lucky that my teens both feel comfortable being able to tell me everything that's on their mind. My daughter ( D ) told me of an indescretion her boyfriend did that rocked her. He didn't want me to be told but after he left D came to me and told me . I had to promise not to approach the bf ... D took my advise and is seeing a counsellor as well as our gp giving her antidepressants. So far the pills have started to take effect , the lady she sees has set up a crisis strategy in which D has a list of significant ppl to call in times when needed. Patience and perseverance , that's my way of looking at our Aspy lives ... View more

Hi stHubbins thanks for the reply. The social cues are the hardest part of anyone with Aspergers . The boyfriend has had a lot of difficulty dealing with that and the obsession she has with him. Her whole school life she has had to take dexamphetamine to slow her thoughts down for study. We had to start with an anti d that was compatable. First year of uni this year as well   ... View more

Just being here. Had a serious fight with cancer 2 yrs ago that nearly took me. All I wanted was to see my children grow up and make their own successful lives . So far I'm still standing and intend to for a long time yet 😎 ... View more