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?

Is my child autistic?

I remember the exact moment when I thought Anthony might be different. When he wasn't doing something that all the other kids in the antenatal mums group were doing.  I had my suspicions and was soon asking myself, is my child autistic?

Facing an Education, Health & Care Plan (EHCP) deadline

I’ve been thinking about significance of deadlines. This morning the BBC breakfast show featured a story about the approaching EHCP transfer deadline. This was set by Government for all local authorities to transfer an old document called a 'Statement of Special Educational Needs' to the new Education, Health and Care Plan - a document set out as part of the Children’s Act 2014 to improve things for kids, like mine, who need additional support with their education.

Has Toby Young been backed into a cave?

Politics. Half way through the last season of House of Cards, I said to my other half, “I just don’t think like this lot.” But who does really? I mean it’s all drama on the TV right?

I’m generally one for weighing information and thinking about things. Then finally saying my point. Isn’t that what most people do? Or not?  Take for example, Mr Toby Young.

More free childcare in the future?

When Anthony was three years old he was entitled to 15 hours of free childcare each week.  Fantastic.  When David turned three years old, he should have been given the same amount.  But that's not what he got. He got seven.  David only got seven hours because he has autism. Looking back, I can't believe I let it happen.

Pushy parents via @lifeasdrest and more

I never really thought of myself as a pushy parent. Too diplomatic. I simply explained facts and made it obvious that I had weighed all the options carefully and this was the best, or only conclusion.  But sometimes and for some people this isn't enough.