The books that helped us as our autistic kids grew up; from pre-school to teenager

I was pretty sure that our eldest was autistic before he was diagnosed. But it was still an odd feeling to hear it confirmed.  The paediatrician seemed to be expecting tears or questions and it made me feel nervous - it made the diagnosis feel like an occasion.

Supporting an autism mum through pregnancy

Being a parent to my autistic and neurotypical kids is definitely the best and hardest thing I have ever done.  They are amazing little people - except for Anthony of course as he's now an amazing tall person since he became a teenager!  I was pregnant with our second son, David, when we were sat in the Paedatrician's office and autism was first mentioned by the professionals.  The Paediatrician said that it was possible that autism was genetic but they don't really know.  

Fun planting activity to help kids learn

Spring is definitely here - infact it has almost felt like summer recently! 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.

Vegan burrowing Bunny Cupcakes activity for Easter

There's always plenty of food involved in Easter.  The kids love the Easter egg hunt in the garden and then there are the hundreds of hot cross buns consumed (one of Anthony's favourite snacks that are thankfully available all year round).  This year we're re-inventing our burrowing bunny cupcakes that help with their spatial reasoning, motor skills development as a vegan treat with Oreos to boot. 

Things to help me when life feels stressful

Stress can unbalance our emotions, and it can also make it much more difficult to react calmly to a situation. I've things, important things going on, and most of them I can't control.  I sometimes feel as though stress is slowly taking control of our lives and have to think of what I can do to release some of the pressure that's locked inside.  

About some other mothers for Mother's Day

As mother's Day approaches, I looked back through my blog to see what I've written in the past. I thought abut doing a nice gift or garden growing activity for my Mother's Day post, but instead I looked back through at posts that weren't about mother's Days, but were instead about mothers.

How to speak to my autistic and neurotypical kids about what's happening in Ukraine

What is happening in Ukraine is incredibly shocking and scary. I'm trying to process what I'm seeing.  I can barely believe what I am seeing on the TV or hearing on the radio - but I can't turn it off.  It's all over the news and it's important that I'm here to help my neurotypical and autistic kids process it too.  But how do I do this?

What my daughter's interest in Spanish made me think about acceptance

Recently my daughter has been trying her hand at writing some Spanish phrases.  She's been asking google translate lots of things and she's been busy making notes.  It's all because one of her best friends recently moved away.

Our kids for Valentines

Did you know that spouses and lovers are not the most popular recipients of valentines day cards? I a few days teachers will receive the most Valentine's Day cards (even though they are on half-term!) and this is followed closely by children, then mothers, wives, sweethearts and pets! Having had three crushes on teacher's I can see why, and now as mum to three, the love I have for my precious bundles is huge - and as much for all may kids, additional needs and not.