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.

SEND & SpectrumSunday

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. 

AutismAwareness - when I first thought my son might be different

Anthony was a May baby. The timing worked really well. It wasn’t too hot for the last few months of pregnancy and by the time Anthony was a few months old it was beautiful sunshine and walks in the park. Every now and again we went with the antenatal class mums and their kids.

The highs and lows about writing about Autism

Both of my older children were diagnosed with autism before they were four years old.  We weren’t surprised by either diagnosis.

No, this won't pass.. why parenting my autistic kids is different

Sometimes people say things that mean well. I recently wrote a post about how parents need time to themselves. Parenting can be overwhelming and exhausting in many ways and I need a little (often just a tiny) space to express myself to stay sane.  Many of my readers agreed.  Some added their support, saying "this will pass" but of course the reality for us is that it probably won't.

Growing plants, a spring learning activity

It's finally looking like spring! Understanding the world around us is one of the fundamental areas of learning for all kids.  Many autistic kids like ours need concrete or physical activities to engage them and help them learn. So if we are want to learn about growing, then the best thing to do is actually grow something.

An inspiring character for our autistic son

This #worldbookday, Anthony's school were focusing on 'inspiring characters'. Marvellous, I not only have to think of something my autistic son will dress up as but it now had to be a character that's also inspiring?