A mum writes about kids, autism, special educational needs (SEND), ADHD and more
Anthony is rapidly heading towards his 15th birthday. He is well and truly into his teenage years and it shows. He is changing all the time - he's now way taller than me, struggles with his new array of emotions and constantly wants to assert his independence (when before everything was help me). But even as a relatively well functioning autistic teen, change is challenging. And to top it all off the wardrobe of a teen changes too.
I can't believe my eldest son is at the point of choosing his Yr 10-11 options. It really doesn't seem that long ago since we was diagnosed with ASD at four years old. It's even stranger to hear him talk about things like what he'll do after school or if he'll go to college. I'm delighted he's thinking about this but like everything with our kids I'm already thinking about how to prepare him.
By the end of this week there will be an official teenager in the house. Although it seems rather bizarre that I can have a child who is now legally old enough to get a part-time job. Though let's be honest, I can barely get Anthony to empty the dishwasher and take the bins out - activities that he relies on to get his allocated screen time allowance. His chances of taking up work are extremely slim I'd say.
