Helping our autistic son figure out what is real

We were so pleased when Anthony started using his imagination. Many children with autism struggle to use their imagination, at least in the traditional sense.  So when Anthony started Tree Fu Tom, Ironman and then Anakin Skywalker we encouraged it.  He can even go crazy and though he's close to teenage years can make a pretty good impression of Godzilla from the lastest Godzilla Vs Kong movie too.  Obviously this isn't real, but it's often still difficult for Anthony to know what could be real from a movie. 

Finding a school for a SEND child

David is approaching his secondary transition.  For those whose kids are starting on their educational journey, secondary transition is the move from primary to secondary school. It's not going to be easy.  David is a child with SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) and needs a whole host of support in order to access education.  

Easter break activities and games for my kids at home

It's the last week of Easter Break and despite the weather trying to convince us otherwise, it's spring at last.  So what can we do to keep our kids busy at home for the last week of the Easter holidays?

Highlights for World Autism Awareness Day

It's World Autism Awareness Day.  Along with millions of people worldwide, I am, always, hopeful that today (and the awareness week and month) will help highlight what autism is and is not and how fabulous people with autism (like two of my kids) are along with 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 four autism awareness posts from my over the last year sharing all sorts about autism in our lives and over the last year. 

Supporting my kids learning now they are back at school

It's so good to have the kids back at school.  I know that being able to send my autistic kids to school for at least some of the time during lockdown was important for them (and us), but it's so good for them all to be back.  My daughter has always been a quick learner and enjoys this part of being back at school.  Like many she's missed friends, but has then also struggled with getting on with peers again.  Even though they are all back to learning at school, we can still support them at home with this - especially if they've fallen behind when they could be.  

Helping our kids develop their independence

Raising our kids is a real privilege.  Many people miss that just because they have challenges that it's  wonderful to watch them grow and flourish as they grow.  i'm proud of so many of all my kids achievements but have to admit that with our autistic son's, one of the most difficult aspects of raising them is their struggles with freedom and independence.  It's sometimes easiest to just let them rely on me   as their parent for nearly every part of life. Easiest.. for a while but I've been thinking especially as they are now 10 and 12 that I really need to help them do more themselves. 

Girl Power

It's International Women's Day.  Often on this blog I write a lot about our boys.  Their conditions mean a lot of our lives are orientated around them and helping them grow and adjust to life.    I'm proud of every challenge passed and battle conquered.  Just ask my power ranger son in one of my most popular posts. But that doesn't mean the girls in our house and those we've come across aren't brilliant too. Here's a few of the highlights to celebrate us. 

Keeping our kids entertained for a few more weeks

The last year has seen us having to spend more time than ever in our homes. While it has been nice being able to spend more time than ever with our families, we have also had to find innovative new ways to keep entertained, particularly where the kids are involved! 

Keeping the relationship with the Grandparents going

These surreal days have seen the world forced to adjust to a new normal. While this has been difficult for many of us, those that are older and more vulnerable have been at greater risk. Some of these people have had to shield or self isolate for up to a year in an effort to avoid Covid-19. While vaccine rollouts are well under way, it been a long time since we've seen each other and this is especially the case with our kids.