h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Its been some time (years actually) since I last posted anything to h2g2. I was wondering if you still remember me, and if you could give me a very brief update on what has been happening on this site in the last years.

How have you been, ZSF?

HELL

My goodness, Hell - of course I remember you! How are you - and how's Anna and the babies (probably not babies now)? Are you still in Brazil?

I'm probably not the best these days to give you a proper update on what's been going on, as I don't get on-site that often. I'm no longer a scout or a sub-editor, as work and home issues have taken a bigger proportion of my life. Little is just about to go to secondary school in September and has been provisionally diagnosed with high functioning autism. Interesting times.

Warmly,

Hey there.

We're in the US now. Between LA and San Diego. Whatever .

Anna's doing fime - she's involved in all types of things over here. Among other things, she's the head of a russian school - which doesn't deserve her, but what the hey.

The children have grown a bit (they're 5 and 6) and speak English with an awful Californian accent.

Provisionally diagnosed high functioning autism? Explain that...

I have seen some children who have been diagnosed this, and it is my impression is that at times a lot of people (including me) can fall under that category. How does one diagnose this?

Hope to hear more from you in the near future!

Hell

Hi again, Hell

Head of a Russian school? Wow! From what you say, she's under appreciated and also maby underpaid? I still have the little Baba Yaga musical box that she sent me. It was a very thoughtful gift and I really appreciated it. Please say hello to her from me.

'I have seen some children who have been diagnosed this, and it is my impression is that at times a lot of people (including me) can fall under that category. How does one diagnose this?'

Oh, I agree - the Autistic Spectrum is just that - a spectrum. I think little 's problems are about social development - partly to do with recognising social clues and partly about being self-centred and not being sufficiently aware of non-verbal communication. As a younger child, he didn't engage in imaginitive play to the extent I expected.

Actually, giving a proper response was more difficult than I thought it would be. I'll give it some more thought. I may also exhibit tendencies on the spectrum.

Oh, you were asking about the 'provisionally diagnosed bit'? The school thought he might have autistic spectrum autism and referred him to a speech and language therapist. I haven't had the report from that. I went to see my doctor and he referred him to the hospital and he's been seen there. The consultant wanted to refer him to someone else and was circumspect in discussing it in front of little . So as yet, although I've been given strong indications that he has it, I've not been given any formal diagnosis, nor have I been given any suggestions as to how to help him yet. This all kicked off in February, so it's been a while.

21 minutes ago... and logged off... pity! I could've caught you online.

Anna just read your reply. But before she drops you a line... A few words from Hell - if you don't mind.

She took over one of the Russian Schools (there are two here) - which works as a kind-of non-profit, volunteer-basis, type of self-organized chaotic thing - well... "non-profit" does actually NOT mean that there's no money involved... But what do I know? It's a lot of work, very little money, no recognition, and when anything goes wrong it's her fault. On the other hand, there are also lovely people there and a LOT of gossip to keep one's mind busy.

Highly functioning autism... OK. Got the picture. Do you have the impression that this type of thing did not exist in the old days? A spectrum can be a verrry broad thing. In an absurd extreme any little deviation from the statistical norm would be enough to put a stigma or label upon a person. Frankly - I hope that it will be possible to take all the 'diagnoses' with a big grain of salt. Also: Very successful people do have a tendency to be considered "strange" - I know one fellow (a distinguished professor and all that) who is a diagnosed "highly functioning" autist. In my opinion the guy is a pretty normal weirdo if you compare him with the rest of us science geeks. I really hope that little can fall under that category. Keep me informed. H.

Now Anna:

Good evening, Zarquon's Singing Fish! Thanks for greetings and remembering "old days". Well, under-appreciation is Marvin's syndrome. Sometimes it looks like I am as him, but only sometimes. I wasn't used to that amount of Russians any more, but now I adjusted and it goes smoother. You know, I am a stay-at-home mother, since children need me and we decided to carry on with our three languages, English is the fourth one for the children and it's pretty much my "job" to get them there. Well, I turned also to enjoy Harry Potter, although my English is quite limited for all the humour, packed in there. It helps a lot.
I am very sorry to hear news about your son, maybe it's not that bad as doctors describe it. It would be apparent if it would be completely out of order. Don't let that get you and little fish down, come over to see the Californian sun and flowers. We are quite close to the ocean too, it is beautiful!!!

Oh, I sorry I missed you too, Hell and Anna,

I've been running aroung and out for the past couple of days. I'd love to connect with you when you're on line. Do you still have my address? If you have Skype, we might even be able to talk. I think you have my name, so I should be easy to find.

Thank you for the invitation. I'd love to see you sometime. If you are thinking of coming to London, you are welcome to stay with me.

I'm just wondering about the Russian school. How many pupils does it have? I'm also wondering about your polyglot children (4 languages is wonderful - it will give them such breadth - is that the right word - richness, maybe?).

We're looking forward to the new Harry Potter too. I'm sure it's for the adults as much if not more than for children.

As far as little is concerned, the appointment we had with the hospital didn't tell me any more than I already knew. There was a mix-up with a date the ASD specialist should have seen him (he was on school visit to his new secondary school), so she'll have to see him in September. Until she's seen him, he's not diagnosed one way or the other.

I've had a look for you on Skype, Hell and Anna and you don't seem to have it: http://www.skype.com/ - great idea - free instant messages *and* free calls via your computer. I've spoken with friends in the US and South Africa with it. You just need a microphone and maybe a headset. You can even attach a video camera (I have one, but I don't don't where it is!) Great for staying in touch with far-flung friends and relatives.

Anna,

Yes, I appreciate the likeness to Marvin - also Eeyore in the Pooh Bear stories.

http://www.eeyorespatch.co.uk/

http://www.just-pooh.com/eeyore.html

(links for the littlies)

mind you, Marvin had a brain like a planet, so maybe he is a better model, although I can't say that either really fits you, Anna.

But of course we skype...

Try looking for "Hell", there's only one in Orange County, USA - That's us. If you're in doubt, look at the profile - if there's a pic of a prince with a goatee you're at the right place. The best day to catch us online is Saturday (evening for you on that side of the world).

See you there...

HELL

Done - once I sorted the various 'Hell's out into countries, it was easy to find you.

I've sent you a message asking you to authorise me. It'll be good to chat.

OK, I'll be checking in my skype account this evening.

See you there!

HELL (and ANNA)

OK. I have not checked my skype account yet - I'll do so this evening.

See you then,

HELL (and ANNA)

BTW - Checked it, but... You contacted the wrong Hell, possibly. I didn't get any request for contact

(Try seeing the pic, you should see a prince with a goatee)

HELL

Oh, that's a shame - it was Hell in Orange county too. I'll try again.

Otherwise, my Skype name is 'khair-un-nisa' and I'm based in London.

Best to you both!

Contact established

Yes - I'm so pleased.