I just knew something was different with my son before he went to pre school like I couldn't find the right switch to turn him on. But when he went to pre school the teachers miss diagnosed him with ODD. Which I knew was untrue. And many teacher meetings later was told he was just a naughty boy and that I need to try harder as a single first time mum. Eventually when he went to infants he ran away from school because the kids told him to go home to mummy. The school told me again that I was a bad mum and that my child was a flight risk and would be locked up in lunch and recess with additional needs kids. Now that was the last straw for me I had completed many early childhood courses and nothing worked apart from very strict rules and constant routines. My mother helped me out financially to finally get my son diagnosed. Within the first 5mins I was told definitely he has ASPERGERS and ADHD. Well I cried with relief that now I can find that switch to help my son cope. But the hardest part of all is that he looks normal so he is expected to act normal which is very hard for my very bright son who is constantly getting put down and in trouble for being just him.

Linda-lea Gruber
East Maitland, Australia