1. The adventures of the Phillipson
household as a single mum of two

2. Now fantastic young adults,……
but…

3. Mark was diagnosed with autism at
three years old.
Spoke to Social services

4. Social care said …no

5. Promised Mark, and my daughter I
would not fail them

6. Structure
• Extra time for my daughter once Mark
had gone to bed.
• Learn everything there is to know about
Mark’s condition.

7. Behaviour
• This can be hard at times, but
• Warning in advance
• Risk assessment on new activities
• Social stories
• And diverting negative behaviour
• And if all else fails a suit of body
armour

8. Inclusion
Enrol Mark into music and movement, and my daughter had
dance, and later they both chose other classes

9. Had a varicose vein
• Asked Social services for help…..

10. Social services said …….no

11. Gave Mark and my daughter
pocket money
• This was to promote choosing, and
develop likes, and hobbies

12. Asked Social services about
additional clubs

13. Social services said….. no
• They could not help with local clubs, that
assist with inclusion.

14. Mark joined swimming and had
great time, and loved his
Saturdays as he could choose his
tea

15. My daughter now 17 years old, and
had a boyfriend

16. Mark as the world of work
tasters/ experiences
• Mark chose to look into his own, and
went to the BBC Weather Centre, and
Skillset in London.
• And our local Fire Services
• And gave a presentation at Cadbury
World

17. A lesson on keeping safe

18. A lesson on how to design a
computer game

19. And today’s weather will be …..

20. Leaving school
• Options

21. Service lands first response
• What about his peers
• We will remove his statement

22. Leaving School
• Mark left school at 16 years old, and
began a new adventure, and one where
his dreams and ambitions are coming true.
With a mix of Direct payments, and natural
support.

26. • Our friends, and teachers who Mark see
frequently

45. My daughter has since moved out,
and now Mark wants to do the
same

46. This is not the end of our adventure
• As Social services are advising that Mark
goes into another family environment, or
unit

47. • There is so many opportunities out there,
and Mark to live, and to have control of all
aspects of his life is essential to progress
further.

48. • Asked for a Carers assessment, a bit of
extra support would be nice.

49. Social services said……No, you
are not allowed a Carers
assessment until Mark is 18 years
old

50. • This is not the case under the Children’s
and Carers Act 1995, and updated 2004
…….yes I am.
• Well you can have a family placement or
unit

51. Replied
• No will not meet Mark’s needs, and I am
not handing Mark over to just anyone, and
where does Mark’s choice come into this?

52. So why do I feel the need to do
what I have done, as a parent
• Well firstly I want the best for my children.
• Mark needs a voice, and express his
rights as a person within the community.
• I have different interests
• To treat a person, as they want to be
treated, and to be respectful of their
wishes.

53. – Our children are the future, and everyone
should be given the chance to blossom.

54. What has kept me strong
• To begin with would have to be Power
Ballads
• The support from the fantastic networks
that I am part of, as well as the lovely
friendships that have developed from
them.
• Seeing them both my children progress,
and develop their own identities

55. To live, laugh and love

56. • Thank you all so much for your time.
• Melanie.star@yahoo.co.uk/ 07985345058