Stocking fillers for our autistic kids

I find buying things for my autistic kids quite challenging.  Anthony often has limited interests and is often very shy about expressing an opinion (in case it's wrong) and David... well David's communication is very limited.   We have to guess what they'd like, for birthday's, Christmas and in their stockings.  Fortunately - I've come up with some great ideas this year that will appeal to their sensory sides, provide them with fun and even some sneaky education.

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.

Even his phone fell silent

Our eleven year old son with ASD is always on maximum volume. His whole being is set up to move about and make noise. He is constantly balancing his sensory system and it's just part of ADHD to move around constantly even on his meds. His diagnoses means he also has difficulty focussing, listening to instructions and remaining on task. But on Remembrance Sunday this year he once again was completely silent - and even put down his mobile phone.

Using mindfulness and relaxation techniques to help our kids to sleep

Sleep is extremely precious in our household. Estimates say between 50% and 90% of autistic people have some sleeping difficulties, whether that's falling asleep, staying asleep or sleeping at the wrong time. Two out of our three kids are autistic and have a variety of associated challenges, including sleeping difficulties.  One of our kids has even been to the sleep neurology team at Evelina's Children's hospital to try and help.

SEND and SpectrumSunday 88

Half term is finally over.  Whatever you have been up to in the world of SEND and / or autism I'd love to hear about it here on our linky for anything about autism, mental health, education, special educational needs and disabilities and associated topics.  

Time to get out the winter school uniforms

It seems like the kids have only been back at school for a few weeks but it's already approaching half-term.  The routines we've just settled into will stop again.  Then it's just a week off.  It'll get even darker and colder and when they go back the kids will be in their winter uniforms.

It's going to take more than a 'golden ticket' to fund our kids education

An article recently published in The Times has received much backlash for suggesting that parents of children with high-needs SEND are taking resources away from the rest of the school population.  The article quoted a Head Teacher who suggested that EHCP's (the legal document stating the needs of and provisions required for a child with SEND) were seen as a 'golden ticket'.

How working with computers is good for our kids

We've never shied away from using technology in our home and computers can be great for our kids. Sometimes it feels like the media is telling me I'm a bad parent for the use of computers and devices in our home.  But screen time on computers and devices are good for our kids and I'm happy to share just some of the reasons why.

Choosing a mainstream secondary school for a child with SEN

When your child has special educational needs (SEN) it feels like there is an even greater weight to getting the right school for them. Many children with SEN can attend regular mainstream primary and secondary schools and have their needs met well there. Both our boys have an ASD diagnosis but only one went to a mainstream primary school.  When it came to his secondary transfer what would I share about choosing a mainstream school secondary school for a child with special educational needs?