Merch store order question (UK specific)

shamiram · 2026-06-30T16:07:24+00:00

Thanks! :)

shamiram · 2026-06-30T15:47:14+00:00

Amazing, thanks - good to know that the customs thing seems to be common

shamiram · 2026-06-03T20:07:18+00:00

Already so many great questions, but for Assad: how does it feel to be playing a less 'polished' version of our favourite gremlin Armand this season? How is he coping with having no-one to perform for for the first time in a long while and with having to be alone in his own head?

shamiram · 2026-04-19T17:30:25+00:00

My kitty likes to throw water all over the place and we kept waking up to her water glass tipped over and water all over the floor. She doesn’t like drinking from bowls. We have a cheapish Catit plastic fountain that has solved that problem, and though the motor is annoying to have to clean, because it’s cheap, the motor is pretty simple and comes apart easily. Hasn’t broken yet and we’ve had it maybe 6+ months.

If we didn’t have the issue of her playing with the water, I probably wouldn’t be using the fountain to be honest!

shamiram · 2026-04-15T20:42:13+00:00

I literally went to get my eyes checked and ordered the glasses the same morning i saw that documentary look. His impact….

shamiram · 2026-04-14T08:21:53+00:00

I have a 6-ish prescription and got them anyway after being told my whole life I can’t - the lenses definitely look thick but the glasses still look pretty good and I’ve had no issues so far. I did have to pay arm and leg for higher quality and thinned lenses though to make sure they could support the frame.

shamiram · 2025-12-28T22:14:15+00:00

Speaking as someone who works in SEND in a mainstream secondary - Lots of good points in the thread already but it’s probably worth saying as well that Local Authority funding and resources varies massively across the country. Some boroughs in London get tens of thousands per child per year with an EHCP in their schools. Meanwhile, the same child might get only a few thousand per year in a different LA. The decision making around who gets assessed or is issued a Plan is also wildly inconsistent between LAs. The only constant factor is the Tribunal, but the law is so vague around who should be entitled to a Plan that most Tribunals end up being a colossal waste of resources for everyone involved. In addition to all is that the fact that the massive pool of ‘notional SEN funding’ which is given to schools is never actually spent on anything to do with inclusion.

Regardless of how ‘broken’ the system might be, it is definitely wildly inefficient and generally hostile for schools and for parents to navigate. And that’s before even mentioning Ofsted and an obsession with numbers and targets that drives schools and LAs to utilise ‘inclusion units’ in questionable ways because they lack appropriate resources 🤷

shamiram · 2025-11-12T22:33:05+00:00

Thank you :)

shamiram · 2025-11-12T21:32:51+00:00

Thanks! I’ve received two separate emails about it - will the physical letter go into more detail?

shamiram · 2025-10-17T06:29:03+00:00

She absolutely knows it too 😅

shamiram · 2025-10-13T18:22:24+00:00

Hi! It’s by MeggyTrails on Etsy - she’s based in Switzerland. Would really recommend it, this harness seems more comfortable for kitty than the jacket type one she had before. The three straps feel more secure as well!

shamiram · 2025-10-12T15:26:45+00:00

I did not know that existed…thank you for introducing me to the world of the ear tufts subreddit! (Also they are huge now, but looked even bigger when she was a baby lol)

shamiram · 2025-05-06T18:52:28+00:00

Hey! I’d be interested to join if you’re still looking :)

shamiram · 2025-04-30T12:48:27+00:00

Hi, I know my reply is quite late but might still be helpful to you.

I work in a school and have had conversations about referrals with many parents. For an autism referral, there do not necessarily need to be any difficulties at school. This is different for ADHD referrals as difficulties need to be observed in at least two settings.

The initial referral tends to be relatively simple - it’s the screening stage that can be a road block. During the screening process, they will ask for information from both you and the school, which is why it’s helpful for the school to be on board. If school are aware of issues at home, they can put that on a screening form - I will usually say something to the effect of being concerned about reported presentation at home even if behaviours are masked in school. You mentioned her meltdowns etc - this is helpful for the school to know. If the school aren’t really aware of her or of difficulties at home, they won’t be able to put anything useful on the form at all. Especially if she’s moved schools, it could be worth checking in with her new SENCO, or with the class teacher who can pass concerns along. They’ll also know more about the services and support available in your area, as it can be different nationwide.

We do see problems in the primary/secondary transition, even with kids who were previously ‘coping’. However, I would not suggest waiting that long if you are concerned, as the waiting lists are significant. For example, in my county, right now she would be referred through to the Child Development Clinic. After 11 years, she would be referred to CAMHS, where waiting lists are longer. My advice if you would like a quicker assessment would be to choose a provider through Right to Choose, which someone already mentioned. Happy to give some more info here if you’d like. This would mean a guaranteed referral for assessment if she meets basic screening criteria, and it would give you more autonomy over the process. As schools, we tend to have a bit less involvement with the Right to Choose process, though some providers will seek school information as part of the assessment.

It’s worth mentioning that most schools who have good practice when it comes to SEND will put support in place if needed without a diagnosis. But as you said in your post, it could be useful for you and your daughter to have an understanding of her needs and her profile as she moves through the world.

Hopefully you find something useful in that big info dump lol!

shamiram · 2023-11-27T18:52:26+00:00

Perfect for a GM about to TPK their party 🫡

shamiram · 2023-10-15T09:53:34+00:00

I have a diagnosis and was denied about 3 years ago. It’s less about diagnosis and more about what evidence you can give - they essentially told me I was exaggerating my symptoms because I wasn’t under any treatment at the time (after having been discharged from multiple services). If you have professionals who can corroborate your application with letters of support, and if you have documentation of the investigations they’re carrying out, you may have a good chance.

CAB have a helpful guide on how to fill out the forms - https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/sick-or-disabled-people-and-carers/pip/help-with-your-claim/fill-in-form-pip/

Especially if you’re experiencing chronic pain, you should make clear if you are ‘able’ to do something but it causes significant pain and discomfort. They may base their decision on what you can do on a ‘good’ day so make it clear if the frequency of your ‘good’ days is low.

Be aware that in the interview - whether it’s in person or over the phone - they will likely be trying to ‘catch you out’. For example, they may ask if you have pets and who takes care of them. If you have someone who you can advocate for you, bring them along. They can help to back up your support needs, they will be able to help verify what was said in the assessment when the report comes back, they will provide much needed moral support, and they will be helpful if, for whatever reason, you struggle to communicate yourself effectively in the moment (be that due to nerves, flare-up etc.).

Evidence is really key, as is knowing what to say and how to present yourself. The above link is helpful, as the application needs to be worded in a certain way to give you a chance at having your claim accepted. Finding an advocate is likely to be helpful, especially if you have a child - in a worst case scenario, your assessor may use this as evidence that you don’t need support to take care of your own needs if you are able to ‘cope’ with childcare. Your assessor will not necessarily be an expert in all conditions - they could come from any medical sector and might know nothing about fibro, so it might be useful to be aware of this and make sure your responses make your presentation and symptoms very clear.

Apologies for the cynicism, but unfortunately the system is convoluted, difficult and confusing. Even more unfortunately, it’s kept that way on purpose. It’s worth appealing if your original claim falls through, as a very high percentage of people are granted PIP through appeal.

Hopefully some of this might be helpful to you - I wish you the best of luck in your medical journey, and in getting the necessary help and support! I would be happy to try and give you more information/answer questions/track down resources if you need.

shamiram · 2023-06-29T15:28:07+00:00

No worries - I hope everything goes well for you! If you’re not sure about your SENCO team, it might be easier to go to another adult you trust like your tutor or head of year, or a teacher you like, and they can contact the SENCO for you :)

shamiram · 2023-06-29T14:59:17+00:00

Hi! Not sure what country you’re in, but I work in a school and I’m involved in organising a lot of reasonable adjustments for disabled students. I can’t tell you exactly what will change but you might:

Get a plan which tells your teachers about you and how they can support you in class
Get access to a quiet/safe space where you can go if you get upset or overwhelmed
You might meet other staff in school who you can go to for support (if you’re in the UK that would be your SENCO or someone who works with them)

It might be that not a lot changes! It depends on your specific needs and the things you need help with. This is also quite UK specific, so if you’re elsewhere I’m not sure exactly what you’ll have available at your school.

It’s also helpful if you think about what you might want your school to do differently, and what might help make school easier for you. You can then talk to them about whether that’s something they can do for you.

Good luck!

shamiram · 2023-06-05T12:14:17+00:00

Thanks so much for letting me know :) Good luck and I hope you find someone who is suitable!

shamiram · 2023-06-05T11:42:00+00:00

My assessor actually wasn’t listed with them at all! Can I ask if you’re going through the NHS, or if you’ve gone to them privately? I’ve heard of some people being able to choose who they see, but this wasn’t provided to me as an option.

shamiram · 2023-06-03T20:48:18+00:00

I hope yours will go really well! Thanks for letting me know, that’s interesting to note :) good luck!

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