maggie Posted May 26, 2006 Report Share Posted May 26, 2006 Hi there. I am new to the forum but have been in Perth for three years. I have three children - all very close in age (4, 2.5 and 1). I am finding it really difficult coping with the children as my son (2.5 year old) is autistic. I was wondering if there are any other SA families (in Perth/ we live in Ellenbrook) in the same type of siuation as we are - meaning the usual stress of children plus having a disability as well. I would like to find out if there are any volunteer organisations that could be of help to us - e.g. caring for my other children while I attend therapy with Jamie. I do not know whether there would be any assistance out there but it would be good to know that I have at least tried. Carers WA was suggested to me. Does anyone know anything about it? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dreamcatcher Posted May 28, 2006 Report Share Posted May 28, 2006 Hi Maggie,I am not in your unfortunate situation, but I find that there are a lot of support groups and organisations around. Have you tried asking your local volunteer centre if they know of something? They are usually good on referring you to the relevant organisation, as they have a database with lots of information, and good contacts. I really hope you find someone, as my sister has an autistic son, and they can be extremely demanding. Greetings,Dreamy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
maggie Posted May 28, 2006 Author Report Share Posted May 28, 2006 Thanks for that. I have been doing some research and it looks like I may have to go through Rotary to get some help. Does your sister live in WA or back in SA? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Riekie Posted May 29, 2006 Report Share Posted May 29, 2006 Dalk kan jy hier aanklop vir hulp - hulle weet dalk van dienste wat ouers met kinders met Autisme bystaan. Autism Association of Western Australia (inc)ABN 54 354 917843Locked Bag 9, Post Office, West Perth WA 687237 Hay Street, Subiaco WA 6008Telephone (08) 9489 8900 Facsimile (08)9489 8999Email: autism.org.au"]autismwa[at]autism.org.au Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dreamcatcher Posted May 29, 2006 Report Share Posted May 29, 2006 Maggie,She is still back in SA, calls me a traitor for leaving Funny, just realised her name is also Maggie!Good luck, I hope that the info that Riekie posted will help you.GreetingsDreamy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Seoul Sister Posted May 30, 2006 Report Share Posted May 30, 2006 (edited) Hi there maggie,I am so sorry to hear about your situation. I have managed to find the following for you and hope it might be a good place to start (in addition to the one already posted by Riekie).Carers Western Australiahttp://www.carerswa.asn.au/List of support groups http://www.autismnsw.com.au/resources/weblinks.asp?hid=4Forum where you might want to post and chat to ppl who share your situation http://www.aspect.org.au/forum/default.aspGood luck ! Please come back and share with us if you have had some success, as I am sure your experience will help others.LoveSeoul Sister *editing *Found a few more :http://www.winningconnection.com.au/web/menu6_1.htmlhttp://www.isadd.org/http://www.autistic-people.com/australia.htmlhttp://www.autismwa.org.au/http://autism.cure.ro/Autism-Support-Group...-Australia.htmlhttp://www.theagapecenter.com/Organization...n-Australia.htmhttp://www.kandi.org/aspergers/Detailed/258.htmlhttp://www.familyvillage.wisc.edu/countries/australia.htmlhttp://www.users.bigpond.com/pjjcdenton/http://www.acrod.org.au/divisions/wa/member_links.htm Edited May 30, 2006 by Seoul Sister Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
maggie Posted May 31, 2006 Author Report Share Posted May 31, 2006 HI there, Maggie again. Thank you so much for all your ideas. Jamie already belongs to the Autism Association and goes there twice a week for some therapy. I will have to check out the other sites and let you know how it goes. Also just wanted to say that if there is a parent out there who suspects their child has Autism I would be happy to chat to them (on-line or on the phone or even face to face) about the whole diagnosis process and everything else that goes with it. It is an emotional journey and you do need lots of support, especially if your family is not in the same country as you! Thanks again for all your suggestions, Maggie. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Seoul Sister Posted June 19, 2006 Report Share Posted June 19, 2006 Hey Maggie,For some or other reason I have been thinking about you a lot lately. How are things with you and with Jamie ? Have you managed to find anything interesting or worthwhile yet in terms of help and support ?Love from KoreaSS Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
maggie Posted June 20, 2006 Author Report Share Posted June 20, 2006 Hey Maggie,For some or other reason I have been thinking about you a lot lately. How are things with you and with Jamie ? Have you managed to find anything interesting or worthwhile yet in terms of help and support ?Love from KoreaSS Hi there SS,We are doing alright, at the moment Jamie is very sick and his compliance (understandibly) is worse than normal. I was fortunate enough to have met up with Lindy-Lee from the forum, as we live in the same area and she has given me a contact at the Savation Army who I think is going to be an excellent support for me and my family. She is trying to get a volunteer to babysit my toddler while I take Jamie into Perth city for his Autism Association therapy sessions. This would be a huge relief for me. I have looked on a few of the websites, all with varying degrees of information - probably carers WA was most beneficial. You can access a carers card that allows you into certain places free of charge with your special needs child. It is nice to know that there are people out there (incl yourself) that are willing to offer support and help to others in need. Thanks again, Maggie. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dreamcatcher Posted June 21, 2006 Report Share Posted June 21, 2006 Hi Maggie, Sorry to hear that Jamie is not well. Wish I was closer, so that I could help in a more substantial way. In the meantime, I will be praying for you for strength, and patience. My thoughts are with you constantly. Greetings, Dreamy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
maggie Posted June 24, 2006 Author Report Share Posted June 24, 2006 Hi there Dreamy,Thank you for your prayers - they must have been answered because Jamie is so much better! We missed all our usual therapies this week due to his being sick, but now we can get right back on track! If you like I could email you a photo of him - he is so adorable if I do say so myself! It is hard to come to accept that even though he looks like a normal two and a half year old, he only behaves like a one year old. Anyway, hope you are well, Maggie. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dreamcatcher Posted June 24, 2006 Report Share Posted June 24, 2006 Hi Maggie,I'm glad to hear Jamie is better. You have all the right in the world to be proud of him. Our children are our treasures, and there is a special reason that you were blessed with a special child. It takes someone very strong to be able to cope with that. Just remember when you feel weak and alone, you are never alone. There are always Angels around you to support, and love you. I would love to see a picture of your son. I will PM you my email address.GreetingsDreamy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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