Welcome to our group, SiS

Most members are based in the UK, and most are now on holiday, or near the end of term, so anxieties are lower, and there is not so much 'business' being done here on the Forum.

You have clearly been working hard at finding solutions, and work-arounds for your son's difficulties, and it looks like you have had educational help, help from therapists and psychiatrists, support from your doctor, and more, and still not found the magic wand that will make this go away.

Sadly, I have to tell you that few, if any, of us here have found that magic wand.

Calling yourself 'Sleepless in Seattle' tells me that it is time for you to take time to look after yourself. We have to be there for our children when they need us, and when we get exhausted, we are not at our best. Most of us have found that we have to let this run its course. You have set a deadline of High School (sorry, but I do not know how that compares with the Scottish education system), and that may be realistic, but most of us have found that 'school refusal' can still be with us at college/university.

And yes, it is possible to get to that stage of education - it just takes a bit longer.

I don't think I have helped much, but there are very supportive parents here, so do keep in touch,

Yours aye,

Simon

Hi Simon - Thank you so much for your reply. I was amazed as I got through just the first page of posts last night how the experiences are so similar, so much of what people said I could relate exact memories to from when the same things happened here. I will definitely keep checking for posts and reading a bit each day as I'd like to get through the whole history. Sounds like I should check out the mental well being forum as you are right, this definitely takes a toll on all of us parents. It helps so very much just knowing there is a whole community of parents out there. Please know how much you have impacted us all by starting this website! Best, SiS :)

Hi SIS

Welcome to the forum and so glad you found us. Your story mirrors so many of us on here. I can hear your frustration and know exactly how you feel. And yes - no short story on this one.
I don't have a magic answer either but I know that this forum has helped save me from despair on many occasions.
We are currently at the crossroads re educational avenues and choosing somewhere (I will add a separate post).

Simon is so right about having to look after yourself as well. I have found it is essential to do things just for us - as well as keep everything in perspective and whilst it does take over our life- try to keep a balance.

Do you think going back to home schooling might be a temporary answer to the stress levels? If you can maintain links with his friends but still be home schooled - that sounds positive. But perhaps there are other reasons why he can't be home schooled. It is a huge commitment.

Hang in there and hopefully some of the posts on here and replies to your posts will help support you along the way. You are not alone - there are lots of us out here and it is such a shame it takes us so long to find what help is out there.
Come on here any time - myself or someone else is usually around to offer our support in whatever way we can. There are some good news stories which always gives us lots of hope. Each of our children are individuals so what works for one might not work for another - but they are all worth trying.
Take care and take some time out for just you - hear from you soon
Linda