We are inviting all young ones to contribute to their own page on the website so that their Voice can be heard accurately. This will help us to better understand their world.
On request, identities will be honoured at all times but the words will always be those of the young people who have contributed.
PLEASE LISTEN!
Since joining the Butterflies Support Group my mum understands my difficulties a lot more. She is also more confident in herself and we have stopped arguing as much.
I don't feel that my School Teachers understand how hard it is for me. It is easier for them to blame me when things go wrong with another pupil rather than investigate who really did cause the problem.
To make things easier for me at school, teachers should try to understand and investigate more.
I used to find it difficult to make friends but now that I have told some of them about my problems we seem to get on more and I find it easier to make new friendships.
I would like a local group for teenagers because it would help me to gain more social skills, understand other people's problems and I would feel more supported and understood.
Written by:
Sean Caddick, aged 14. (Keynsham, Bristol).
My letter to David Cameron explaining why I Faye Parsons want to go to Farleigh College.
Dear David,
Hi, my name is Faye Parsons and I have Asperger's Syndrome.
I am trying to get into Farleigh College, a school for AS kids because I couldn't cope with mainstream school.
At my old school it was so noisy and too busy which makes me feel dizzy. However, the teachers kept telling me off for things I couldn't help like not making eye contact and I don't like being close to people's faces. So when a teacher came too close to my face I would pull away.
They didn't get why I wasn't looking at them and why I kept pulling away. They just thought I was being arrogant and not listening when I wasn't. It was just that i'm not comfortable with their eyes and also people too close to me.
My mum went to the school to tell them that if I do that it's because of my AS and that I am listening. I just can't look them in the eye and have to be a couple of steps back from their face. Some teachers got this message and some didn't. I spent more time out of the class than i did in it, being punished.
Every day when I got home i would shout and punch because I would have held in my anger all day and it was time to let it out. This then made my family feel upset because i would take my anger out on them. I then started going to school less and less. However, when I did go, I would be late because I wouldn't wake up in time.
We all had enough. I couldn't go on at that school. I needed a school which would understand me.
My mum had a look around some schools and picked some which she knew would fit my needs. So I had a look at them and chose Farleigh College as I thought it would be the best. So did my mum and sister.
My mum arranged for me to have a look around and to have a two day assessment.
I really enjoyed it. It was nice and quiet because you only have about 4/5 in a class and instead of moving classrooms for different lessons the teachers came to you.
However, on my first assessment day when I had to go to Art I found it a bit too much and the 'helper' saw this straight away and took me out of the class to have a breather.
When I got home I was in a really good mood which everyone noticed straight away. My sister said I was like a different person. That was it! I wanted to go to Farleigh College because I knew it would fit my needs and teach me to understand other people and myself better.
It would also help me to be more independent for now and the future.
The local council are not helping this to happen. I think its down to money issues.
I feel that my education should not come down to money issues.
The reason I want an education is because I have plans for my future when I leave school.
I would like to be a Vets Assistant or join the Police Force and for both of these I will need my exams.
I feel I have to write to let you know what is going on and see if you can help or advise me with this situation.
I'm looking forward to your reply and look forward to hearing back from you.
I thank you for your time as I know you are a really busy man.
Yours sincerely,
Faye Parsons.
Faye's list of reasons why Farleigh College would best suit her needs:
- The people understand me.
- They knew when I was getting upset.
- No-one shouted.
- It was quiet.
- The classes were small and friendly.
- They knew how to cope with all the children.
- I felt welcomed and safe.
- I feel I can do well there.
- They taught me how to use a knife and fork.
- I will be with other Asperger's people who have learnt life skills from the staff.
- It's a relaxing place to learn.
- They take you out of school for some lessons which helps you learn how to cope in a different environment with the right support.
- I felt happy there.
Faye Parsons, Stockwood, Bristol
A Letter from Molly and her mum, Saltford, Bristol.
I would like to meet friends my own age who are like me and who will play with me without judging.
I really miss having friends to play with as I never get invited out and no-one ever rings me to see if they can come over.
I have met lots of new people in Butterflies and love playing skittles on Saturday nights.
My mum loves Butterflies too as she is now meeting families in the same situation and Trish has been an amazing support and help to finally get the Diagnosis we had been wanting for too many years.
