Summer book ideas for the kids that will get them doing things

Books are great for many kids including those with autism.  They are great because they can give kids a starter for their imagination and they often provide the security of a routine - a story is the same each time you read it. So how can we use books to create more activities to expand their use during the holidays?

Our summer wind-down routines in the run up to school

The school summer holidays is always the longest break in routine for our kids. Whilst our kids with autism struggle with these changes, many kids find the transition into and out of school holidays challenging. We've found that there are things that can help.

More than a nice day out in Yosemite National Park

What am I saying? Every one of the four days we spent at Yosemite National Park in California was a beautiful bright sunny day, with a brilliant blue sky and temperatures in the high 20s.

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.

Planning for a family holiday with autistic kids

Children with autism are all different and come with their own personalities and abilities. But there are some traits that they will share, such as thriving on routine, as most children do. Set schedules can be what helps them, so the thought of sending them off on holiday can be stressful as it is putting them in a situation completely out of their comfort zone.

Keeping our autistic kids safe outside in the sun

Many kids with autism have challenges with their sensory system. Their brains are wired a bit differently and this means they interpret the world around them differently too. This can sometimes make it a bit more complicated when keeping them safe outside in the sun. But we've learned a few things as they've been growing that help us.

Why my son still takes his ADHD medication during school holidays

When Anthony was seven years old we asked for him to assessed for ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) because despite all the help he was getting he could not settle or concentrate in class. Six months later he started a controlled stimulant drug to help him concentrate at school. Three years later he has it all the time... even in the school holidays.  Here's why.

Why it's good to remember times before our kids

Life before kids.  It might as well be another dimension. Nothing prepares you for the changes that will happen once you've got little versions of yourselves to look after.  Nothing prepares you for the love, the heartache or the worry.

Walking on water with our autistic son

He turns away from the sunlight. It's bright... it's soo white. His eyes crease, his nose crinkles and his big brown eyes become little slits on a chubby looking face. He looks down, seeks the shade and seeks shelter from the wind behind me. But his isn't a bleak desert or an isolated part of the 'mid-west', this is simply our son David, at the beach.

Rock pool motor-skills learning activity

Anthony loves exploring the beach when it's quiet.  Stomping around the rock pools is fun and we think about what we did by enjoying a fun rock pool craft activity too.  Read this post >>

What SEND families find most difficult about the holidays

In some ways, this is maybe one of the saddest posts I've written.  Generally I wouldn't put myself into the 'sad' or 'angry' blogger categories.  I definitely share how I feel and how *I think* my boys and family feel about things that happen. But I'm not sure they are really sad posts. When I asked some SEND families what they found difficult about the holidays I wasn't expecting half hearted remarks but I didn't expect to feel so down hearted after reading them.

A wonderful weekend, finding peace in the forest

There are a few times when I honestly feel at peace outside our own home.  When the world of worries disappears just enough to let me see the delights that surrounds us. When I'm not worried about or relying on my thick skin to push aside the way the world that so often feels like an ill fit for our family.  But on our last weekend away, I, we, found some peace.

A cycle through the woods: A Thorpe Forest review

Our stay at Thorpe Forest was wonderful.  A true break away that left us relaxed and ready for.. well the rest of the summer holidays.  One of the activities we took part in was cycling through the forest and it was a lovely activity that we did everyday.

Mini festival for summer

Finally it's the weather for it. Big festivals are currently not something we could consider going to, so we took advantage and enjoyed a little autism friendly mini festival in our own garden.

Yay for the holidays?

Holiday. "An extended period of leisure and recreation, especially one spent away from home or in travelling."

Leave. Recess. Time off from work (yeah right).