I thought I would start a support thread for people here with children with special needs, especially during this shit show that is the Covid lockdowns of 2021. I have 3 children, two boys aged 7 and 13 have special needs. DS7 has ADHD and GAD and DS13 has ASD level 2. Home learning is an absolute shit show every day. DS7 needs constant supervision and after a good start, DS13 has started melting down over doing certain things for school. I would give anything for some peace and quiet. The constant talking, moving and asking questions from DS7 is doing my head in. I’m also trying to do full-time Uni online. It’s impossible to get anything done.

Great idea as being a special needs mum can be lonely… I have 12 year olds i don’t want to share their diagnosis as I m scared it would be identifying but I will say they both have multiple diagnosis each. What i struggle with particular DD is her disabilities aren’t obvious so whereas due to DS behaviour people are more aware of his challenges no one seems to understand that DD in a lot of ways is harder as she falls apart at home Happy to lend an ear to anyone needing some support

Thanks for starting. I have two kids, bods with SN. The older one at school has pretty mild ASD - he’s pretty good with online learning and I think is actually more anxious about going back to school. The younger one has a few issues going on - Cerebral Palsy and probably ASD - he’s non verbal but can walking move pretty well. We’re not sure about his intellectual disability, if any. He pushes me to the edge most days - and has some charming tendencies like smearing his poo on available surfaces. He is so beautiful but somedays I could just get on a plane. I’m very thankful that daycare is still open and he goes 4 days a week. Last year’s lockdown, when I kept him home from kinder because we weren’t sure what to do was so, so hard. I was working at the same time - really felt my mental state deteriorate. This lockdown gives new meaning to the ubiquitous advice to fit your own oxygen mask first. Maintaining sanity is really the only important thing right now; which is why I wanted to punch the lady in the lift who saw DS watching the iPad and told me to “be really careful with screen time, I’m doing research on it at the moment and cerebral cortex shrinkage…”. I refrained from telling her that he’s already got brain damage so anything that keeps him happy and stops him screaming is preferable right now during a fucking PANDEMIC. Ahem. Anyway, yes, vent away.

RichardParker Don’t you just love how everyone else knows best….because you couldn’t possibly know what your child needs???? That sounds tough i can relate to some of your post my DD is going to really struggle going back to school as she is loving home schooling too. I know its not much but you have an internet random listening and caring for you here

Three boys here all on the spectrum plus anxiety, ADHD and the youngest has learning difficulties. Online learning suxs!!! RichardParker I am not sure if I could keep my cool if anyone said anything like that now, my patience is wearing thin!

Twin2 Naaw, you too - I’m in awe of you dealing with twins with SN. My cousin has had two babies (now toddlers) diagnosed with a very rare genetic disorder - they’re amazing parents but it sounds so tough…every day. xo

Sorry I hope I’m not intruding… I don’t know if I belong here or not. DD has severe treatment resistive depression. Anyway the other week I was so overwhelmed and couldn’t stop crying for 2 days straight 😭 So in desperation I was googling for help for carers and I found out about this government support service. I ended up calling them and bawling my eyes out to the poor intake guy lol, but he spoke to me for ages to calm me down and then he booked me in to their counselling service. You’re entitled to 6 free sessions of phone counselling as a carer. I didn’t have to fuss around with any supporting documentation either, it was all just what I told them. I’ve had 2 sessions so far and she’s been great, not only for venting but also given me some small manageable things I can do to help ME. I have so many appointments and things for DD, so it’s nice to actually have someone there for me for a change. Anyway just thought I’d share incase it’s helpful for someone. https://www.carergateway.gov.au

Children with special needs/ venting and support thread

MrsT

I thought I would start a support thread for people here with children with special needs, especiall...