Wednesday 31 January 2018

Top five tips for helping autistic kids in the rain

Boy in a coat in a park with a grey sky over head - Top five tips for helping autistic kids in wet weather

We used to think Anthony didn't like rainbows because rainbows in the sky meant it was raining. Anthony used to hate the rain.  He said it hurt his face and he'd do anything to be out of it.  He used to be scared of getting out of the car if it was wet outside.  Now though we do much better and part of that is down to him learning about it and getting some things to help him in the wet.

Saturday 27 January 2018

SEND & SpectrumSunday #66

SEND and SpectrumSunday linky badge

Welcome to our next SEND & Spectrum Sunday linky, where you can link-up and find blog posts about autism, mental health, education and anything related to SEND and SEND kids. Sensory play, autism, disabilities, mental health (parents or kids), education and any other related topics are all welcome!

Wednesday 24 January 2018

How Youtube and Minecraft helped my autistic son with conceptual thinking

A Minecraft character with a sword, part of the game which helps autistic Anthony develop his conceptual thinking.

Anthony has the type of autism and ADHD that's often not noticed until it's too late.  Anthony speaks, has good eye contact and understands a lot of what's going on around him.  He's on some medication for his ADHD which means that although he moves about and doesn't always pay attention, he's not bouncing off the walls.   But he still struggles in many areas like other kids with the same conditions.

Thursday 18 January 2018

Rewards that help with interaction and behaviour

Boy with autism on a colourful train

Some kids respond really well to reward charts.  There's a lot to be said for them.  But they require an understanding of what's being rewarded.  For some kids especially those with communication difficulties, rewards work really well, but they need to be instant and they need to have meaning.

Tuesday 16 January 2018

Facing an Education, Health & Care Plan (EHCP) deadline

Boys at the Tower of London

I’ve been thinking about significance of deadlines. This morning the BBC breakfast show featured a story about the approaching EHCP transfer deadline. This was set by Government for all local authorities to transfer an old document called a 'Statement of Special Educational Needs' to the new Education, Health and Care Plan - a document set out as part of the Children’s Act 2014 to improve things for kids, like mine, who need additional support with their education.

Friday 12 January 2018

Home ideas for an autistic household in 2018

Jane paints the wall

Everyone knows the home is where the heart is.  We all want to enjoy our home but sometimes with kids it can seem like making our home safe, or nice or suitable for the family is challenging.  Our kids don't understand many boundaries so the place can end up a mess or be unsafe.  Here's some easier ideas to help make a house a safe home for a neurotypical and autistic family..

Tuesday 9 January 2018

Has Toby Young been backed into a cave?


Politics. Half way through the last season of House of Cards, I said to my other half, “I just don’t think like this lot.” But who does really? I mean it’s all drama on the TV right?

I’m generally one for weighing information and thinking about things. Then finally saying my point. Isn’t that what most people do? Or not?  Take for example, Mr Toby Young.

Monday 8 January 2018

Make your own StickMan Family with this kids motor-skills craft activity

Child playing with Stick Man Family

Inspired by preparing for our latest autistic and neurotypical family visit to see Stick Man Live last week, Jane I set about making our own Stick Man Family by using up materials leftover from Christmas and delving into our craft box.

Thursday 4 January 2018

Navigating the sea of homework

Kids with autism can find some things difficult.  An autistic boy tries to walk in the water at a beach.

Out of our three school-age kids, two of them get homework. Young Jane is excited to do hers. She loves learning and practising and getting better. Anthony though finds it difficult.

Monday 1 January 2018

5 reasons to start a passion project


There’s never a better time to think about yourself than right after your children head back to school after winter break.  As a parent, it's easy to put yourself last.   But the New Year is a great time to focus if you’ve been putting off doing something you want to do - why not start a passion project.

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