Shocking story, but truly representative of our lives

[espadrille]

http://www.shu.ac.uk/theautismcentre/courses.html

 

There are courses in Aspergers / ASD / etc at most universities up and down the country. This was simply not the case 5-6 years ago. More teachers are specialising in ASD than in teaching the deaf.

 

It's perhaps not the same "service" you provide? I believe there is lots of room in an ever expanding market though!

 

 

 

I agree totally!

 

 

 

 

 

I said before that I've never met a child with Aspergers who wasn't obviously ill. Sadly I have met many children with ADHD who coincidentally come from terrible families...

 

Some parents (terrible ones) may wish to have their child diagnosed with something in order to get:

1) A statement of special needs.

2) Something to blame their child's behaviour on.

3) Disability funding.

 

The courses in the link above are for professionals or parents who can afford to go on the courses to learn more. What I was meaning when I said there is little or no support is just that. Little or no support particularly for adults who have Asperger Syndrome and this is why the parents have set up their own groups, to educate themselves and others.The provision is better for children than adults but we are all placing our hopes on The Autism Act but all worry that we will be disappointed if it doesn't have meat!

[bananagirl]

The courses in the link above are for professionals or parents who can afford to go on the courses to learn more. What I was meaning when I said there is little or no support is just that. Little or no support particularly for adults who have Asperger Syndrome and this is why the parents have set up their own groups, to educate themselves and others.

 

 

I see what you are saying, however I still think Aspergers is a growth industry. Do you think your own business would have been as successful 10 years ago? As awareness has grown, so has interest, so has the marketplace.

 

It's a shame there isn't more help provided free of charge, but in a growth industry like Aspergers, everyone is scrambling to make some money I suppose. Do you provide any services for free?

 

There's nothing at all wrong with using your skills to make money, I think £70 is actually a very good price for a course, cheap for schools and other government agencies who are effectively spending other people's money - but £70 is still a lot for a private individual.

 

Your website is impressive and you seem to really know your stuff - I wouldn't mind coming to one of the courses.

[espadrille]

I see what you are saying, however I still think Aspergers is a growth industry. Do you think your own business would have been as successful 10 years ago? As awareness has grown, so has interest, so has the marketplace.

 

It's a shame there isn't more help provided free of charge, but in a growth industry like Aspergers, everyone is scrambling to make some money I suppose. Do you provide any services for free?

 

There's nothing at all wrong with using your skills to make money, I think £70 is actually a very good price for a course, cheap for schools and other government agencies who are effectively spending other people's money - but £70 is still a lot for a private individual.

 

Your website is impressive and you seem to really know your stuff - I wouldn't mind coming to one of the courses.

 

I started an adults group social group once a month on a voluntary basis, but the people who come along would come on their own now anyway as it is well established. I think that I shall have to wait to see what happens with The Autism Act before I can answer the question about 10 years ago.

 

You are most welcome to come on the course if you are interested.

The last conference that was run for individuals was just £35, but the problem was that all the professionals wanted to come and that was all they paid also so it wasn't very cost effective as there are many overheads with this type of thing!

[bananagirl]

I started an adults group social group once a month on a voluntary basis, but the people who come along would come on their own now anyway as it is well established. I think that I shall have to wait to see what happens with The Autism Act before I can answer the question about 10 years ago.!

You are most welcome to come on the course if you are interested.

The last conference that was run for individuals was just £35, but the problem was that al the professionals wanted to come and that was all they paid also so it wasn't very cost effective as there are many overheads with this type of thing!

 

I am impressed that you offer reduced rates to private individuals! You obviously care a great deal about raising awareness and helping people!

 

Do you think there was as much interest among professionals 10 years ago though? I think interest has grown exponentially in recent years. Would love to come to the one in September, will have to arrange it with school. Shouldn't be a problem with this much notice!

 

I think £70 for a professional course is a very reasonable rate. Too cheap even! The last 1 day course I went on cost £150 and it was arranged by the LEA themselves! Perhaps you could charge more and use some of the extra money to offset the cost of helping those who can't afford it?

[espadrille]

I am impressed that you offer reduced rates to private individuals! You obviously care a great deal about raising awareness and helping people!

 

Do you think there was as much interest among professionals 10 years ago though? I think interest has grown exponentially in recent years. Would love to come to the one in September, will have to arrange it with school. Shouldn't be a problem with this much notice!

 

I think £70 for a professional course is a very reasonable rate. Too cheap even! The last 1 day course I went on cost £150 and it was arranged by the LEA themselves! Perhaps you could charge more and use some of the extra money to offset the cost of helping those who can't afford it?

 

I knew very little 10 years ago as my son was only 10 then and hadnt even had any diagnosis. he has epilepsy, dyspraxia and is on the spectrum, possibly PDA. I guess it is better for all if awareness is raised so I guess we must have moved on from 10 years ago.

Re the charges, the problem with upping the price is that in this kind of industry people think it should be provided by the local authority for free anyway so many would not pay more, some, like universities may have done but I guess with the cuts that will all change now anyway as budgets are slashed.