Giving our autistic son a COVID19 test

Get tested.

We all know it. But when a child has autism it’s not the easiest thing to do. One day this last week I missed a call from David’s school. I always pick up the voicemails quick.

Working from home more with an autistic family

Before the words COVID-19, Coronavirus, pandemic or lockdown had really entered our household vocabulary, we'd often dreamed of being able to work from home. 

What I've learned from working in schools

Did you get any of those 'how to be a parent' books before you had kids or when you were pregnant? I didn't.

String and paint fireworks sensory activity

Usually we would spend  a lot of time in our house looking out the bedroom windows over fireworks weekend. Fireworks used to be a real worry for us but slowly, the boys have come to delight in the sparkles in the sky.  We prepare for them coming but this year the big displays might not be happening at all.  So we don't miss out, we have fun in other ways and this string and paint sensory craft is a fun way to remember about them.

Trying to get time to yourself when you are a parent

 

Raising children is one of the best and one of the most time-consuming jobs ever. Taking care of the kids as they grow up is mentally exhausting.  And for the last eight months I've been with them a lot more than I would usually.  For several months they were not at school, or at least not full time, we didn't get any the usual breaks during 'holidays' and we are often all just in the house on top of each other too. To cope with this, I've got to do something else other than worry about what's currently not working for my kids.

Taking our autistic kids on long journeys

It's half term and, in the chaos that is my after school pick up routine, there were lots of cars loaded ready to go on a short staycation visit.  Some families are taking advantage of their ability to go away while they have the chance at the moment.  Our kids are used to going on long road journeys in the UK - my folks live on the north coast of Scotland - literally the other end of the country.  They are happy with driving and flying and all else involved like getting through the airport. But not all kids travel well, and if it's something new then some autistic kids like mine can need some extra support. 

Remembering the good things about our schools

My kids go to three different primary and secondary schools, I work at another and a at college too.  Usually my posts about schools are how we are coping getting our kids with additional needs the support they need.  There seems to be plenty to be concerned about, and rightly so - our schools are vital, our kids education important.  Schools have a lot to deal with at the moment.  

Looking out for my kids on World Mental Health Day

I heard on the news the other day that there had been a reduction in the referrals to mental health services since the pandemic.  I don't know about everyone else, but it seems to me that we need these services now as much as ever.. if not more.  Things have been different, and change can create a lot of uncertainty and anxiety and many people have been coping with a lot more. 

Looking for a new school for a child with SEND during the pandemic

David is coming up to his secondary transfer.  In our area, we have to think about secondary school decisions for our children with special educational needs or disabilities up to two years before they'd start there.  Finding the right school is often very challenging but it's even more so like this.