the adventures of the phillipson household as a
TRANSCRIPT
The adventures of the Phillipson household as a single mum of two
Now fantastic young adults,……but…
Mark was diagnosed with autism at three years old.
Spoke to Social services
Social care said …no
Promised Mark, and my daughter I would not fail them
Structure• Extra time for my daughter once Mark
had gone to bed.
• Learn everything there is to know about Mark’s condition.
Behaviour• This can be hard at times, but • Warning in advance• Risk assessment on new activities• Social stories• And diverting negative behaviour• And if all else fails a suit of body
armour
Inclusion
Enrol Mark into music and movement, and my daughter had dance, and later they both chose other classes
Had a varicose vein
• Asked Social services for help…..
Social services said …….no
Gave Mark and my daughter pocket money
• This was to promote choosing, and develop likes, and hobbies
Asked Social services about additional clubs
Social services said….. no
• They could not help with local clubs, that assist with inclusion.
Mark joined swimming and had great time, and loved his
Saturdays as he could choose his tea
My daughter now 17 years old, and had a boyfriend
Mark as the world of work tasters/ experiences
• Mark chose to look into his own, and went to the BBC Weather Centre, and Skillset in London.
• And our local Fire Services• And gave a presentation at Cadbury
World
A lesson on keeping safe
A lesson on how to design a computer game
And today’s weather will be …..
Leaving school
• Options
Service lands first response
• What about his peers
• We will remove his statement
Leaving School
• Mark left school at 16 years old, and began a new adventure, and one where his dreams and ambitions are coming true. With a mix of Direct payments, and natural support.
• Our friends, and teachers who Mark see frequently
My daughter has since moved out, and now Mark wants to do the
same
This is not the end of our adventure
• As Social services are advising that Mark goes into another family environment, or unit
• There is so many opportunities out there, and Mark to live, and to have control of all aspects of his life is essential to progress further.
• Asked for a Carers assessment, a bit of extra support would be nice.
Social services said……No, you are not allowed a Carers
assessment until Mark is 18 years old
• This is not the case under the Children’s and Carers Act 1995, and updated 2004 …….yes I am.
• Well you can have a family placement or unit
Replied
• No will not meet Mark’s needs, and I am not handing Mark over to just anyone, and where does Mark’s choice come into this?
So why do I feel the need to do what I have done, as a parent
• Well firstly I want the best for my children.
• Mark needs a voice, and express his rights as a person within the community.
• I have different interests
• To treat a person, as they want to be treated, and to be respectful of their wishes.
– Our children are the future, and everyone should be given the chance to blossom.
What has kept me strong
• To begin with would have to be Power Ballads
• The support from the fantastic networks that I am part of, as well as the lovely friendships that have developed from them.
• Seeing them both my children progress, and develop their own identities
To live, laugh and love
