He always liked being outside when he was a baby. But then he started to hate it!!! His parents didn't realise that this was a sign...
He has a few people who love him, but most of them have moved away or passed on now... His family doesn't have much real life support or help...
While he doesn't like to go outside much, he would do it more often if his mum didn't have a disability, or had someone to help out...
Nicky has only been to the beach three or four times, even though he only lives an hour away. He's often at home, not doing much. Not that he minds. Nicky has Aspergers and the beach, while fun, can also be scary at times. It's noisy and unpredictable - much like all "outside activities".
Home is safe, and generally quiet. However Nicky's mum thinks that he needs to get out more, and experience things in the real world too...
Nicholas has been seeing a psychologist to help him deal with his anxiety and teach him emotional regulation. Because he is so young, the once a fortnight sessions are too far apart. He doesn't really remember it on any sort of deeper level. And his mum, who has been really sick, is not much help.
He is a good kid, who always wants to do the right thing. It frustrates him when he doesn't understand the world around him, or when he can't control his emotions. He is gifted, and so needs to see a psychologist who has learned about both Aspergers and giftedness and can tell which of his behaviours are being triggered by which (as a lot of things can be signs of both).
Last year, he was eligible for 18 sessions with a psychologist. This year he is only allowed 10. His parents can not afford to pay for any more.
Every two weeks was ok, but not enough. Every five weeks is next to pointless.
This means more anxiety, more meltdowns, more anger... more of just about every negative emotion really...
The new services that are meant to take the place of Better Access are not suitable for Nicholas - they will not take him on, and even if they did - they will not have the expertise to deal with him, and will cause damage, rather than help.
He is a gifted child. For real - he has been tested. His mother worries that all that potential could get lost in a sea of anxiety and confusion if he doesn't get the help he needs.
Not to mention that his psychologist has been great with explaining to his parents what is going on with him and how to deal with it all, as well as being a support when it comes to advocating for Nicholas at school.
Nicholas isn't alone. There are thousands of children with Aspergers like him...
They all deserve the best chance we can give them don't you think? If only so that we help them gain the most from their unique spirit...
Dear @Mark_Butler_MP Meet Nicholas. He's six. http://lindamadhatter.blogspot.com/2012/01/meet-nicholas-hes-six.html #betteraccess #asd #aspie #ruralmh #mentalhealth #31blogs No. 2
A wonderful post and hopefully Mark Butler maybe able to help your family. I was so moved by your post that I have now started following you on twitter. Keep up the fight my family is behind you all the way on this.
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