Monday 27 February 2017

Gruffalo's Child Mini Pancakes

Gruffalo Child Pancakes

The Gruffalo has been very big in our house since last year.   Jane even got the Gruffalo Crumble and other recipes cookbook for Christmas.  Here is a recipe for Gruffalo's Child Mini Pancakes that we've adapted from some of the ideas in the book. It uses raspberries as the Gruffalo's Child's pink prickles, icing sugar as snow and mint leaves as some of the deep dark wood.

Friday 24 February 2017

Tips for kids that struggle to sleep

child asleep

None of our children sleep great. Estimates say between 50% and 90% of autistic people have some sleeping difficulties, whether that's going to sleep, staying asleep or sleeping at the wrong time. We've had it all. Over the years we've seen a few specialists and received lots of advice for our boys who have ASD and ADHD. Though it didn't all work for us, there's lots that can be tried to help children many children feel calm, safe and ready for sleep.

Wednesday 22 February 2017

Monday 20 February 2017

Madeupmilestones: Talking to the teacher with @BrisonSharon

madeupmilestones picture

I'm proud of so many of my kids achievements.  My boys often don't hit the same milestones as listed in the 'little red book' milestone chart and I've learned that creating our own milestone charts celebrating their own achievements is more valuable to me.  This series celebrates the #madeupmilestones of those we care about. This month it's from Everyones Buck Stops Here who shares a milestone about her daughter and her selective mutism.

Thursday 16 February 2017

The disassembled abandoned cake - autism eating out and about

Lonely cupcake

We were having a family day out at a well known visitor attraction. Nothing too exciting or expensive but a day out that involved catching a train, a little walk and a wander about. Apart from a bit of jumping and squealing the kids were having a good day.  And overall I'd say it was a good day... unless you were the disassembled abandoned cake.  And it's the cake that makes me wonder how can I do the right thing?

Wednesday 15 February 2017

WonderfulWednesday: BAPS SEND Blog Awards Finalists via @weareMFON

BAPS SEND Blog Awards

It's been an exciting week in the world of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) blogging.  My wonderful Wednesday post this week is highlighting the The BAPS Awards.  Although I'm blown away to be one of the finalists this isn't really 'vote for me' post.  I'm quite excited about some wonderful things I've noticed in the week of nominations and finalist announcements.

Monday 13 February 2017

How my daughter's comment caught me off guard


"I was very sad today."

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

Thursday 9 February 2017

When it was another mum standing up for my son's special educational needs

Woman standing up for my SEN son

When David was at nursery, he didn't get the support he needed. The nursery were given some funding for a member of staff to 'be with' David for some of the time but there was very little support for them, no real training.  As a child diagnosed with autism he needed help to engage  exist in a class of other kids.  David didn't speak (still hardly does) so he communicated in other ways.  When he was sad, he would cry. When he was happy he would smile and laugh.  When he got upset with someone he would scratch them.

Wednesday 8 February 2017

WonderfulWednesday: #TimetoTalk with @YoungMindsUK


This last week's social media has been buzzing with mental health and has included a great push for Time to Talk Day 2017.  As such it seems fitting that this week's wonderful Wednesday share is via Young Minds, a leading UK charity committed to improving the emotional wellbeing and mental health of children and young people.

Tuesday 7 February 2017

Valentines red velvet cake motor skills fun

Red Velvet cake motor skills fun

Making cakes is a great way for kids to develop their motor skills and explore their senses.  We had fun making this valentines day themed red velvet cake with the kids.  We used a cake mix which made it easy and cutters so the kids could be as hands on or off as their senses dictated.

Sunday 5 February 2017

Spectrum and SEND Sunday #42

Spectrum Sunday #42

Can't believe it's February already.  I hope you are feeling over the January blues - if not don't worry you aren't the only one.  This is our Spectrum and SEND Sunday #42 post.  Here you can share your autism, special educational needs and disabilities, mental health posts. Whatever stage of diagnosis or life you are at.. you are welcome to join in.

Thursday 2 February 2017

What I see now my autistic sons are at school

What I see at playgroup now my autistic sons are at school

I visited a playgroup I haven't been to in over a year.  In fact I haven't been to it much since David was really little. I tried to go for a while before David went to preschool.  Honestly I tried.

Wednesday 1 February 2017

WonderfulWednesday: The thief of joy @mumsomeone

WonderfulWednesday: Personal Progress

At first my wonderful Wednesday will seem a bit gloomy this week.  It's really not though.  It's from Danielle at Someone's Mum and is about the happiness she has over her son's personal progress.

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