Janet,

Assuming that you are in the UK - what are you doing up at 5:18am?! Time for yourself, I guess, but you need to keep fit and well.

I nearly made the suggestion responding to an earlier post that you use your son's IT skills, but this seems to have come through anyway. Research does require longer periods of concentration, and may lengthen that attention span that you were concerned about. I am sure there is more he could do without him realising that he is self-teaching. (Is that a word?)

Our school avoided the Social Work (Social Services if in England) referral, but I still wonder if that might not have been more helpful. Scotland is introducing a controversial 'named person' scheme which will provide a single point of contact to look after the welfare of every child under 18. Problems with the scheme are that the state 'guardian' could take over parental responsibilities and intervene inappropriately, and with data protection issues. But sharing information between people who need to know is a huge barrier. Currently when the 'story' has to be retold endlessly and one wonders if any progress is ever going to be made. Our daughter hated going over old ground.

So, to the point. Getting differing departments together is a big step forward and will, I hope prove helpful for you.

Simon

Hi Janet

Sounds great that your son did that research and what a great way of learning.
In regards to you sons barricading themselves inside their rooms when a tutor comes, my son used to do the same thing. He never did explain to me quite how he felt but I have heard from others on the forum that their children have done similar things. Perhaps the unknown expectation, the feeing of making s mistake? Don't know. Makes it tricky for you,though.

You certainly have your hands full. You deserve a medal for your continued pursuit of ways to give your sons an education, despite the obvious stress you must be under. Can you do things just for yourself sometimes? Do you ever get a break apart from work? How does your husband handle the boys being home all the time? Does he get much of a break?

As I have said, all steps,no matter how small are good but keep up the opportunities for them to get out of the house. Will your son go with his dad to look at cars to buy? Do you have family nearby who your sons interact with? Do your sons avoid all socialising or just in certain situations?
Hang in there, I am sure you will be able to find some help of the right kind soon.
Take care
Linda

Hi Janet

Just came across this site about An expert on Aspergers who is is giving talks across the Uk at the moment and during June.
Not sure if this is of interest to you at the moment but I did stumble across this when searching up more information on school refusal. His website is:
www.tonyattwood.com.au

Linda

Hi again

Unfortunately the talks as mentioned in previous post have already occurred in the UK. The website might still be of interest perhaps.
Linda