Using technology to help as my kids grow-up

My eldest son just finished his SATS.  It's the start of measuring him.. testing to see what he has learned and retained in core subjects.  I'm also spending time at the moment invigilating GCSEs at one of my local secondary schools. These tests could help the young adults sitting them get into college, university or get a job.  Thinking about that and what my kids might do is a bit scary.

Looking out for the mental well-being of my kids

"I didn't have a good day today."

"Oh dear Jane, what happened?" I asked sincerely whilst being aware that we should already be in the bath. Bathing with our six year old daughter is as much a practical as bonding thing in our house.  We've three kids so it's any easy way to save the water and all that.  I also find it's a time without TV,  iPads, toys etc and we can actually chat.

To my autistic son as he begins his SATS

My 10 year old autistic son goes to a mainstream primary school. He is unlikely to spend all his education in mainstream as he struggles with the environment and language demands of large classes. But his school have done the best they can for him and this week he sits his SATS.  Like everyone else is his year he received this note from his Year 6 teachers - I'd love to share it with you.

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It's been a busy month of school and bank holidays - whatever you have been up to, I’d love to hear about it. Come share your SEND & autism posts with me here on our SEND and Spectrum Sunday (or in this case Bank Holiday Monday) linky - the place you can share and find blog posts about autism, mental health, education and anything related to autism and special educational needs and disabilities parenting.  

Marking the end of AutismAwareness month with our top posts

It's the end of World Autism Awareness Month.  Along with millions of people worldwide, I am, always, hopeful that the week will help highlight what autism is and is not and how fabulous people with autism (like two of my kids) are and also how challenging life can be for them and those who care for them sometimes.   The hope is that awareness leads to acceptance - that's the real goal. So here's my top five autism awareness posts from my blog.

How diet can affect the sleep quality of autistic kids

Sleep troubles are not uncommon for anyone on the autism spectrum, but the effects of sleep loss or low quality sleep are much more intense for someone whose life revolves around routines and a particular level of energy throughout the day.

This guest post highlights some ways that diet could be affecting your sleep quality and quantity, and then the rest of your life.

SATS preparation for our autistic and ADHD son

It may be the Easter break but that doesn't mean learning stops.  Or more accurately, for our son Anthony, preparation for SATS. 

No heat required - Easter Chocolate Nests recipe and activity

One of my kids loves cooking and baking but with three kids and some with disabilities, it’s not always easy. Things can get messy and using the hob and oven can be dangerous with them all around.

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It's been a busy Autism Awareness week - but whatever SEND related awareness you are trying to raise, you are welcome here. I'd love you to come share your SEND & autism posts with me here on our SEND and Spectrum Sunday linky - the place you can share and find blog posts about autism, mental health, education and anything related to autism and special educational needs and disabilities parenting.