We have met with some very supportive autism parents, some inspirational professionals and some autism cynics (in this day and age it is hard to believe that we are having to explain the many guises of autism - but then again it is the 'hidden disability').
We have met with like minded people who want to see express a success in the community and who have been willing to share information and offer advice. We have also met with obstacles from unlikely sources...
Our search for premises goes on. We have identified a potential site and this has led us into the world of 'community right to bid'. This legislation is so new and appears to be open to interpretation which is leading to email 'ping pong' with the local Council. Not sure who's advising who but we'll get there hopefully. Luckily we have some great supporters and advisors. All further support is very welcome!
So let's get fundraising! You can support us at www.localgiving.com/charity/expresscic either by donating or setting up a fundraising event. We have one lovely volunteer who has offered to jump out of a plane for us - any others?
Our next fundraiser we have planned is a comedy night with 'My Sons Not Rainman' at the CornerHOUSE, Surbiton on the 19th April 2013. We are so excited. This is an Edinburgh preview and having seen it ourselves we can say that this is one not to be missed!www.mysonsnotrainman.com/what-people-say . Further details to follow.
On another note we have had the dreaded IEPs to deal with. For those of you who don't know, these are 'individual education plans' where you have the opportunity to go into school and meet with the SENCO, teacher and any other support staff to review and set targets. This could be very useful and we all have different experiences. However to be told that your diagnosed autistic child is 'the least autistic child I have ever taught' is one of those 'and breathe' moments we referred you to earlier. A triple A moment, (not referring to the UK economy) ie. Autism Awareness Alert. Enough said. However this is a very useful link
www.autism.org.uk/living-with-autism/understanding-behaviour/behaviour-common-questions-answered/different-behaviour-between-school-and-home
Hope your half-term and going back to school was uneventful in the nicest possible way.
Just to make you smile - autism can be surprising when your previously tactile defensive child decides to tell someone in no uncertain terms 'hey! I want that!' when he is referring to a python round his neck. You can only stand back and be amazed and stand well back is what you do ....