So, a while ago, we got approved for 8 hours a week (school holidays only) direct payment for someone to look after our child. This means that I can get the washing and food prep for the week done without losing my mind. It also gives her a chance to interact with adults that are not myself or her father.
Like most things that are under the remit of local or central government, it is reviewed on a regular basis. Just to make sure that she hasn’t ‘grown out’ of autism, I guess?
At this last review (which was over three months ago) I was asked what we do to manage her endless energy and need for activity and stimulation during the term. I showed her case worker the number of clubs and activities that she is signed into at the gym. She blinked at me and sarcastically asked if that was all. When I said no, and that she also swam, spent time in the soft play area, and generally wasn’t back in the house until 6pm after school every single night, plus we spent at least 4 hours every Saturday and Sunday there so she could blast around the soft play, her jaw metaphorically hit the floor.
She asked how much it cost. I admit it’s expensive, we pay a lot for the privilege of wearing her out. Somewhere in the region of £400 a month for all of us, including her swimming lessons. Then something amazing happened.
“I will see what we can do. If nothing else, it’s a no-brainer that we should cover part of her membership.”
To my amazement, this month I received a phone call stating that it had taken time because it was unusual, but the panel had agreed! They will pay £100 a month toward her membership because, frankly, it’s cheaper than “kid’s clubs” every week, and she is doing more than a couple of hours a week there (ya think?!)
So, the moral of the story is, talk through your options because every now and then people will be on your side and help you if the choice is logical. And, as they say, every little helps.
Raising the Modern Fae 