DXB2OZ Posted November 23, 2016 Report Share Posted November 23, 2016 I think one of the most terrifying aspects of coming to a new country is wondering what to do if you need support - with no friends or family, no knowledge of how the system works, not knowing which way to turn, this can be incredibly scary. Our son has aspbergers. High functioning, he is at a main stream school. This has its advantages and disadvantages, one of the key disadvantage being that they are not necessarily geared to cope with some of the issues this throws up, creating a stressful environment for school, child and parents. To be fair, he is getting a great education and am very pleased with schooling for our daughter who is in their accelerated program. But on this aspect we are really battling. After a particularly rough term last term, and ending up crying at his paediatrician, we were referred to a governmental organisation. Over the last few weeks, we have had several sessions with the psychologist (meeting and assessing everyone in the family), been introduced to an educational specialist who will be working with the school to implement some better strategies, had both the psychologist and educational specialist attend a meeting at the school to discuss strategies for next year. Over the next few weeks, we will be getting referred to several specialists within the organisation (they keep it all under one umbrella for a more cohesive approach) to best assist with things like social skills and OT. We are working with friendly, efficient, highly skilled individuals. The cost of all of this? Nothing. Amazing. I pay my tax dollars with a smile on my face. So, yes, like everywhere else there are ups and downs. Nothing is perfect, but there is the most amazing support out there. When you hit a bump in the road, there is someone to help you over and on your way. 7 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dill Posted November 23, 2016 Report Share Posted November 23, 2016 Hi DXB2OZ Wow! Having lived in DXB for 17 years, I shudder to think what you would have gone through there. We also pay our tax dollars happily. Not only on account of our private school still receiving state funds, but for the way in which my healthy, 40 year old brother in law was looked after when struck by a mysterious virus which generated a catastrophic auto immune response. To cut a long story short, he was a ventilated quadriplegic who required 24 hour a day care for 6 years. The state provided 3 carers per day on 8 hour shifts, as well as his medical care. Sadly, we lost him 4 days after arriving to settle in Australia but he has left an awesome legacy. Sorry to digress, but loads of people in DXB questioned why we would go somewhere with such a high tax rate! We would give anything to have him back, but also hope that our tax dollars are going to similarly needy people and worthy causes. Wishing you all the best for your son and if you need support yourself, please don't be shy to take it! It's well-deserved and well-earned! Cheers Dill Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DXB2OZ Posted November 23, 2016 Author Report Share Posted November 23, 2016 Dill, I am so sorry for your loss, but so relieved that your brother in law had such good care. Thanks for sharing and for your kind words. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wonderer Posted November 24, 2016 Report Share Posted November 24, 2016 On 11/23/2016 at 9:53 AM, DXB2OZ said: I think one of the most terrifying aspects of coming to a new country is wondering what to do if you need support - with no friends or family, no knowledge of how the system works, not knowing which way to turn, this can be incredibly scary. Our son has aspbergers. High functioning, he is at a main stream school. This has its advantages and disadvantages, one of the key disadvantage being that they are not necessarily geared to cope with some of the issues this throws up, creating a stressful environment for school, child and parents. To be fair, he is getting a great education and am very pleased with schooling for our daughter who is in their accelerated program. But on this aspect we are really battling. After a particularly rough term last term, and ending up crying at his paediatrician, we were referred to a governmental organisation. Over the last few weeks, we have had several sessions with the psychologist (meeting and assessing everyone in the family), been introduced to an educational specialist who will be working with the school to implement some better strategies, had both the psychologist and educational specialist attend a meeting at the school to discuss strategies for next year. Over the next few weeks, we will be getting referred to several specialists within the organisation (they keep it all under one umbrella for a more cohesive approach) to best assist with things like social skills and OT. We are working with friendly, efficient, highly skilled individuals. The cost of all of this? Nothing. Amazing. I pay my tax dollars with a smile on my face. So, yes, like everywhere else there are ups and downs. Nothing is perfect, but there is the most amazing support out there. When you hit a bump in the road, there is someone to help you over and on your way. Hi DXB2OZ, I'm so pleased to hear this and that you are getting the support, may I ask some more info as its sounds from other people that allied professions are not covered by medicare. Does he need to have a 'disability' or very specific diagnoses? Is this through health or education? May I ask how old he is? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DXB2OZ Posted November 24, 2016 Author Report Share Posted November 24, 2016 Alfred Cymhs works with many areas including youth and mental health. As Aspbergers falls into this category, coupled with a direct referral from the paediatrician, they reviewed his case and believed they could help. Things at school had got pretty bad and something needed to happen quite urgently. I know that generally, if you wish to see anyone other than a GP, you need a referral. I needed a referral from my (private) GP to see my (private) paediatrian to work with these two governmental organisations. So this is health and education working together as the one impacts heavily on the other. As far as allied professions not being covered, my understanding is that everything can be eventually covered, but there are naturally long waiting lists and you need to go the referral route. He is in his first year of high school, so this has been a tough year on many levels. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wonderer Posted November 24, 2016 Report Share Posted November 24, 2016 @DXB2OZ thank you for sharing! It is a worry, and the cost of these services can be quite something. There is nothing worse than seeing your child struggle (well mom's always there in the struggle with them) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thestains Posted March 29, 2017 Report Share Posted March 29, 2017 (edited) Hi I'm new to the forum although I have obtained heaps of useful information over the past year whilst browsing the site. I'm seeking information regarding special needs schools in Melbourne. We will be doing the great trek in July & need to secure a school for our son before we embark on our accommodation search. Our son has a mild to moderate intellectual disorder and requires facilitation with academic subjects. He is ADHD and has a moderate speech impediment. Can anybody recommend high schools in the south or anywhere in Melbourne for that matter, which accommodate teenagers with learning disorders? Edited March 29, 2017 by Thestains 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mara Posted March 29, 2017 Report Share Posted March 29, 2017 @Thestains Welcome on becoming a member! I did a search for you, with my friend Google, there is quite a lot of information to wade through... hope it helps! https://www.google.com.au/search?q=melbourne+high+schools+specialising+in+special+needs+children&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&client=firefox-b&gfe_rd=cr&ei=t0TcWNm0MNPu8weB3IagDA Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dill Posted March 31, 2017 Report Share Posted March 31, 2017 Hi Thestains I may be mistaken, but I think @Eyebrow did extensive research on this and may be able to help. Might be worth looking at some of her older posts (Journals, about 3 years back) to see if there is any relevance. All the best with the great trek in July! Dill 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eyebrow Posted March 31, 2017 Report Share Posted March 31, 2017 Special needs schools only accept students with IQ<70 If more than that and student must go to mainstream school. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thestains Posted April 1, 2017 Report Share Posted April 1, 2017 Hi @Eyebrow thank you for the information. I've contacted a few schools and been informed that they require an IQ test result first. Can we have this assessment done in Melbourne? We will be in the city for 2 weeks in April. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thestains Posted April 1, 2017 Report Share Posted April 1, 2017 Thank you @Mara & @Dill any information at this stage is worth looking into ?? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eyebrow Posted April 4, 2017 Report Share Posted April 4, 2017 On 02/04/2017 at 2:20 AM, Thestains said: Hi @Eyebrow thank you for the information. I've contacted a few schools and been informed that they require an IQ test result first. Can we have this assessment done in Melbourne? We will be in the city for 2 weeks in April. Yes it can. But these approved psychologists are usually booked out well in advance. If you have a school in mind, u can ask them for a list of their preferred testers. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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