With the end of 2018 drawing closer it’s a time to reflect and to think of the next year ahead. When I was younger a new year seemed such a big thing. It was almost as if the new year would be the start of a new life or some grand event. Some years have…
Category: Special needs
Autism: Surviving a visit to Santa
Today was a day that I’ll remember for the rest of my life. We went to see Father Christmas…something I didn’t think would happen. The last time J saw Santa was when he was 1, and he cried his eyes out. When he was 2 he wouldn’t go anywhere near a grotto, when he was…
When your son is the ‘different’ one in a group…
I’m sat in one of J’s groups (the best kind where parents sit and watch rather than having to join in, haha) and I’m watching with a huge grin on my face. There are times where my son is just like the rest of the 3-4yr olds. They feed off each other don’t they? One…
How it feels to be the parent of a biter & suggestions that worked for us…
At the time of writing this I had just signed another incident form at nursery. Yet again, my son had bitten someone. There’s a mixed emotion when you are told this. Half of you is waiting for it, the other half is crushed it’s happened again. There are a lot of positives about J. He…
Autism: Buying new shoes…
Well the time has come where I can no longer let J continue wearing his maroon ankle boots. His feet are just too big. J often has a favourite. He is the same with shoes. When given free choice they are the shoes he goes for…sometimes he ‘favourite’ (which does change time to time) just…
Our 1 Year ‘Autism Anniversary’…then and now.
Today is a very special anniversary. It was one year today that J received his formal diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder. I can’t quite believe that a year has gone past already. The gap between starting to assessment process and getting our diagnosis was torture. I don’t mean to sound dramatic but the ‘limbo’ you…
Applying for Primary School…mainstream and special needs provisions.
I can’t quite believe it’s time to apply for Reception at ‘big school’ already. J will be 4 in December and the forms have to be sent off by 15th January 2019 in our area. I’m actually far more emotional than I thought I’d be. I was bad enough when choosing a nursery for J,…
What Is It Like To Visit Legoland With An Autistic Child?
In August 2018 we visited Legoland Windsor as our family holiday. My little boy, J is autistic. Going on days out and over night stays are stressful but we love to do them as they are such great experiences. J loves Lego. We spent a lot of time watching the various Lego movies and Tv…
5 Lego Activities to Amuse Children when Travelling…
We are off to Legoland this week and are very excited about it. However, it does mean a long journey and a stay in a hotel with a 3 year old. So I searched for some ‘connecting blocks’ (in our case for use with lego) themed activities on the Twinkl website… 1. Duplo Mix and…
Bringing Magic into my Little Boys Life…Amazon Jungle Adventure Show Review
When J was little I remember thinking that all the milestones were going so fast. All the ‘firsts’ were coming and going, and one day I worried there wouldn’t be anymore. What I didn’t realise is that there are more milestones than ‘first word’, ‘first steps’ etc. There’s the ones that don’t have a slot…
A Parents Guide to Autism: Why is YouTube so appealing?
I’m on many, many Autism based forums and websites. I find it helpful to chat to other parents, hear things from the perspective of autistic adults and just to read that we’re not alone in all this. One of the topics discussed quite frequently is YOUTUBE. There’s questions ranging from ‘how long should I let…
How Do You Encourage Speech in Young Children?
One of my favourite memories of motherhood was the first time my son called me “mama”. I had looked forward to it for so long and was beginning to wonder if I’d ever hear it. Whilst my friends were posting the precious milestone as early as 9 months, but mostly around a year old, I…
