In 2003 my nine year old son was diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome, (a mild form of autism). I was devastated, I had never heard of this condition before, I wondered what the future was going to hold for us as a family.

To my shock, my youngest son was then diagnosed with Autistic Spectrum Disorder in July 2007. I was absolutely devastated. I cannot begin to put into words how I felt. My heart literally broke into pieces. I became very low, unable to cope and had a mild breakdown in September last year.

It was at that time that I met Chris from Home Start. She came to visit me at my home. She was very kind and very understanding. She said that Home Start would like to help me. Later on that month I was introduced to one of the Home Start Volunteers, Sue. I was very reluctant to accept any help or support from Sue. I felt a failure as a mother that both of my beautiful son’s were on the Autistic Spectrum,  I felt a failure that I was unable to cope and I also felt a complete failure having to ask for help.

Sue came to visit me each week. At first we planned that she would play with my younger son so that I could do a few little jobs, maybe a little ironing, even manage to wash up or make a few uninterrupted phone calls. It soon became clear that because of my youngest son’s Autism he would not settle with Sue. He became very stressed if I left the room which in turn upset me..

We decided it would help me more if Sue just came for a chat and a coffee each week. This worked really well. Sue would listen while I talked and talked while my son would play happily at our feet. She always took me as she found me. I never felt that I had to panic and have the house all tidy. She would always greet me with a big smile. She would just sit and listen while I poured my heart out to her. I did share a few tears with her too. She helped me to see things more clearly. I started to find the strength to cope more and more each week. She helped me to see that I wasn’t a failure and that I was actually a brilliant mum. She is such a wonderful lady. She is kind and generous, giving up her own free time to come and listen to me.

When Home Start had their Christmas Party Sue came with me to support me. She stayed for the duration, giving up her own free time on a Saturday when she could have been spending time with her own family. I had lost so much confidence, if it hadn’t been for Sue I would not have been able to even walk through the door. We ended up having a lovely time. My sons even received a present from Santa which they were thrilled with.

When Home Start introduced a new Mother and Toddler Group I was very reluctant to give it a try. I used to struggle taking my three year old son anywhere where there would be other children, especially somewhere new. Yet again Sue urged me to go and just give it a try. Sue met us there and my son had a lovely time.

Since September last year, as a family we have come along way. We still have a way to go but with the help of Home Start life has been so much easier, especially for me. I am so glad I wasn’t too proud to accept Home Start’s help.  I did take their help and look at us now.

Thank you soooooo very much.
Lisa