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. 

When you are a Power Ranger

You come across all sorts of awareness days when you've got kids with additional needs. I didn't think Power Rangers Day would be top of my list, but then I didn't know many years ago that I'd have such amazing kids, some of whom happen to be autistic. 

Getting my autistic kids to be comfortable with face masks

A few months ago I wrote a post about how I talk to my young children about the coronavirus COVID-19 and how do I keep them safe?  It has sparked a few responses particularly as, like myself, many of our readers have children with autism, comorbid conditions or other disabilities and might not be able to wear one. 

Talking about additional needs kids

We've been using a lot of Makaton at home over the lockdown. Makaton is a simple and unique language programme that uses symbols, signs and speech to enable people to communicate. We've been using it since before our first son was diagnosed with autism.

Top AutismAwareness posts to mark the end of Autism Awareness Month

It's the end of World Autism Awareness Month.  Along with millions of people worldwide, I am, always, hopeful that the week will help highlight what autism is and is not and how fabulous people with autism (like two of my kids) are and also 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 five autism awareness posts from my over the last year.

Helping get our kids out into the garden

All the kids use the garden all year round, but right now it's more important than ever.  We are so fortunate to have this space while the country is on lockdown, but it's not always easy for our family to get out into it.  Autistic and many other kids can need to regulate their sensory systems - how their body reacts to the world around them.  And the garden has to help them with this.

When you have a restricted diet and there is panic buying

Initially it seemed like I just had kids who were fussy eaters.  Anthony stuck with the same brand and flavour of baby food for way longer than most kids ate baby food. We tried plenty, I really wanted to make my own baby mush.. but Anthony would have none of it.

Kids books about autism, difference and acceptance

I’ve loved reading books with autistic characters and even more so, books with autistic kids characters too.  But I can’t share these with my kids yet. Especially as our younger kids are six and eight and the eight year old has many communication challenges. However for this audience (my kids) these books are all perfect.

Why Minecraft is suddenly better than Fortnite

Warning: This isn't a gaming post ;-) Despite its appearances, its title and indeed my continuous rant that games and tech benefit my kids - this one isn’t about that. It’s about an 11-year-old autistic boy who has suddenly realised he might like a friend.

Number Day 2020 - onesies to help keep kids safe

This evening, we've been choosing onesies. It's for Number Day at school tomorrow.  All the kids get to dress up in something involving a number. They can go as simple or crazy as they like, from being a number to just wearing a top with a number on it (I've found Gap tops to be a saviour for this as they often have 1969 on them).

MummaGames: Apex Legends - how to play alongside the new Revenant legend

Mumma Games includes posts to help kids like mine get the best out of gaming and technology.  

Not for you?  Head to the homepage for a different post. Thanks.

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Season 4 of Apex Legends is now well underway. It brought many changes to weapons, some legends and a brand new legend called Revenant.  If you've not played it before and want to know what it's about check out my beginners post.

An Elf on the Shelf for our autistic kids

According to The Elf on the Shelf website, Santa sends most of his Scout Elves during Scout Elf Return Week, which runs from next Monday 23rd November to 1st December.  Many households will be following the tradition that reminds kids not to be bad as we approach the busy and exciting festive season.  But traditionally, the idea of an Elf that couldn't be touched and moved around could freak out our family, that happens to include autistic kids.  That was until last year.

Options for autistic kids in Further and Higher Education

Anthony has left primary school and is heading to secondary school.  Through school, as a child with autism and ADHD, Anthony has had some support to help him.

San Francisco with our autistic kids

San Francisco, San Fran or even SF to the locals, is a vibrant, diverse city in northern California known for it's bay, famous Golden Gate Bridge, cable cars and much more.  But having a family that often struggles with busy environments doesn't mean we didn't enjoy the area.  In fact we had a great time.

Last minute multi-stop trip with autistic kids - no problem

Earlier this year we all felt down. Life, work, home all seemed a bit of a mess. So my hubby and I put our heads together - let's go big this summer.  Let's go away for the whole summer, visit lots of places, escape, find ourselves, find our family, expand our kids horizons. But come May I'd still not booked anything.  All I had was a plan and if I didn't act soon, that's all I'd have.

My CarersWeek 2019

This week is Carers Week for 2019.  My week will like many others, full of highs and lows, based mostly on the highs and lows of my kids.  I have three kids and although I'm 'mum' to all three, I'm also a parent carer to my sons Anthony, age 11 and David, age eight.

When his sister cries, and what my autistic son did

David's world is mostly centred around David. It's the same for most kids when they are younger. Their primary concern is around themselves and what they need and want. As David's sister has grown, she's learned that taking into account what David needs is important for the family.

Marking the end of AutismAwareness month with our top posts

It's the end of World Autism Awareness Month.  Along with millions of people worldwide, I am, always, hopeful that the week will help highlight what autism is and is not and how fabulous people with autism (like two of my kids) are and also 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 five autism awareness posts from my blog.

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. 

When I realised my son might be different #autismawareness

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.