Learning difficulties support

[Greenteddy]

Hi my son was 3 1/2 last year nearly a whole year ago now, when he had an unexplained illness, since which following a lot of tests and ruling out of other conditions he has been diagnosed as having a rare late autistic regression -( he regressed in communication / social skills only). Essentially this seems to be because of the regression as it’s so unusual However he also appears to have significant difficulty in understanding / learning. With the long wait times for autistic diagnosis / therapy I am concerned that there is something else we could / should be doing to help him in the meantime ? Is there any other support I can access. Or has anyone got any advice? My feeling from looking at forums is it isn’t as rare as I’ve been told? Any help would be appreciated! My poor boy has been struggling for a year now, he had amazing acute care but no support available as he aged out of early years .

[Bluey203]

Hi Greenteddy, so sorry to hear about your sons difficulties, it must have been extremely stressful for you.

My son has autism and a learning disability, diagnosed at 3yrs, now 20. Back then I was lucky to have a playgroup nearby specifically for those diagnosed with autism, and I attended a course for parents called 'the early birds course', which gave information to parents all about autism and communication.

We also received a 'Portage support worker', they help pre-school children and their families, she would visit my son at home and introducing learning activities and give advice.

We learnt to help our child with communication and understanding, to use just 2-3 key words alongside pictures or photos, and to slow down our speech to allow time for them to process the information. Nearly all those with autism learn visually more than through words, even my other son who would be described as aspergers learns through demonstration better than description.

We also used a 'PECS' book with my son when he was young, which is a Picture Exchange Communication System, it is far simpler than it sounds and can really help. You will be able to find out more about it on Google or YouTube.

I would think your doctors should put you in touch with a learning disability team, you should deffinately be getting more support, best of luck. 🤗

[Greenteddy in reply to Bluey203]

Thanks so much for your detailed reply, I have found it very helpful. Now he has started school the teachers are very supportive but don’t really have expertise in this area so are looking to us for direction. I do feel a bit less lost though as they will clearly start to identify his learning needs and the ILP process has now been explained to me.

[Jofisher]

I would speak to social services they have a child disability team and the autistic society as they will be able to share advice and information and mencap helpline and the carers association I would start with these first. Good luck

[Greenteddy in reply to Jofisher]

Thank you!