Askye, every time you mention St. albans, I am amused to know that real people live there. There is a huge immigration service center there that I deal with all the time. Just like seeing your teacher outside school, it's funny to think that it's a real place.
ION, one of my best friends is a single mom in Iraq. Her son, 17, has been tested for autism, but didn't "pass". His 20 yo sister is his guardian while mom is gone. Today, I got a call that he was at his orthodontist (no appointment, just showed up) saying he didn't feel safe at home; feared for his life. The police officer who handled the call was great but he told ms point blank he was worried about the boy's mental state and I was too, frankly. Both the police officer, and my therapist, who I spoke to later, independently expressed concern about schizophrenia.
I just got off the phone with the mom. I know telling her all this was the only responsible thing to do, and was the right thing, but I feel like I just dropped a load of crap in her lap. Inwas worried enough that I asked about taking guns out of the house and other safety issues be aide I'm worried about this boy hurting himself or his sister.