Getting a Social Worker for My Autistic Child

Expect lots of hoop-jumping when you have a child with special needs. Nobody makes it easy and just because you have a diagnosis, it does not mean that you will automatically be connected to the services you need. Kids don't come with a guidebook, especially autistic ones.

A few of my friends who have autistic children have recommended that I get a social worker to advise on appropriate services for my son. At first the idea seemed terrifying: a Social Worker? I'm not a child abuser or neglectful parent, why would I need one of those? But a little research allayed my fears and I now understand that child protection is only one of many roles performed by Social Services. A social worker can perform an assessment on a child and advise on appropriate services and funding to help you.

Easier said than done. Having decided I was going to get a social worker involved, my first problem was finding one. It seems that they are quite an elusive species. After a LOT of internet research, I dialled what I thought was the right number, only to find out that it was the department for adult social care. The lady kindly gave me another number to dial.

Unfortunately, this too, was the wrong number. Right department, but wrong number. They needed a referral from another team in order to assess my child. She gave me ANOTHER number to dial.

At this point, I was a bit shaky and teary. I'd spent ages researching and phoning around, only to hit dead ends. I was physically unable to dial the number as I was too upset. I got my husband to do it. He got through and the lady took some details from him and said she would call back. It was only when I checked the number on the Internet that I realised that particular department dealt with vulnerable and neglected kids rather than special needs ones. Oh great, so now I'm probably on some "list" that I really don't want to be on...

...anyway, I haven't had a callback yet, although I have a horrible mental image of a SWAT team bursting into my home later today to drag my kids off.

And all because I just wanted advice about Saturday clubs...!

*UPDATE Social services were excellent and gave me a full "Carers Assessment." This resulted in my son being offered a place at a youth club for autistic children and also a grant for me to have some relaxation. This could be a spa session, gardening work or decorating. It allowed me to get my bathroom decorated and create a little sanctuary for myself.