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I love Wednesday :) . . . #neurotypicalawareness #neurotypicalmum #neurotypicalmom #neurotypicaldisorder #neurotypicalbullshit #mentalillnessmemes

This festive period has definitely taken its toll on A. The temper has been rising, we’ve had massive outbursts of pure rage and been faced with a whole lot of defiance. Having people stay, visit, the routine out the window, going places and late nights have been all too overwhelming for him. And tonight I feel like I’ve done 10 rounds with Mike Tyson trying to get him to go to bed. Us neurotypical people can adjust to these situations, even if we find it tricky, but when you’re wired slightly differently it can be too much to cope with. I try mega hard not to take the hurtful comments, and the lashing out personally but that starts to take its toll on us as well. I’m not wishing away the next few days off with my kiddies and husband but I am looking forward to the new year so things can start to settle again. 📸 a picture of our pup looking cute because, well, why not?! . . #neurodiverse #neurodiversity #neurodiversekids #neurotypicalmum #adhd #asd #fieryfestivities #overwhelmed #overwhelmedkids #lifeofamum #mumlife #mumlifeuk #parentblogger #mumbloggeruk #mumproblems #itsamumslife

The term neurotypical arose alongside the term neurodiverse. Neurotypical describes individuals who display typical intellectual and cognitive development. Human beings are social animals that band together for survival. As we have formed societies we have also formed ways of teaching our new generations skills like reading, math, and the overt and subtle forms of interaction with one another. These individuals acquire physical, verbal, intellectual, and social skills proceeds at a specific pace and meet standardly accepted milestones for development. Neurotypical people also display commonly expected physical behaviors such as being able to easily modulate their volume when speaking based on the situation and don’t find it distressing maintaining eye contact. Individuals who are described as neurotypical can generally navigate complex social situations, have good communication skills, establish social connections like friendships more easily, and can function in distracting or stimulating settings without becoming overloaded by stimuli. Sometimes an individual can experience an overlap in what is considered neurodiverse and neurotypical, such as a difficulty comprehending math but a typical or even precocious ability with language. Neurotypical & Neurodivergent: Celebrating Differences How humans perceive and understand the world and others around them is a constant negotiation of boundaries and terms like neurodiverse and neurotypical can help with this. Bear in mind that the concept of what is typical also varies dramatically by culture. The variations in neurological development are best understood on a social level by speaking with individuals to find the clearest picture of how they can best thrive in a working environment.

Morning snuggles earlier today with 3 out of 5 of us. This literally never happens. Often screens are more alluring than Mummy cuddles these days. And D-man really struggles to emotional connect and share with more than 1 person at a time so this was a hens' teeth moment and I soaked it right up. It lasted about 15 mins like this but that was 15 mins I amvery grateful for 🥰 Our brains have a negative bias and in tough times it's easy to get swallowed up in all the negativity. I am trying to counter balance that with really soaking in to these positive moments, breathing in to them and letting the good seep deep in to my bones to sustain me. Perhaps try tuning in to the good moments today, not matter how small. Sending strength and positivity #morningsnuggles #mummysnuggles #happymoments #copinginapandemic #staypositive #hopefully #lovemyboys #lovemydogs #soakintothejoy #whenyoucan #mumlife #adhdmum #autismmum # #pdamum #neurodiversity #neurotypicalmum #balancingalltheneeds

Saturday sanctuary Saturdays are our sanctuary I can rest Knowing you are happy No demands are made. You are in your world I can relax I see you smile And the weight of the world falls away.

A messy poem Typing letters and replies to emails. More admin than my job. Pausing conversations to take a doctor's call. Another cup of tea gone cold. The receptionist knows my voice She a friendly one, treats with me respect. We laugh about our days. Not like the other lady - "you again", I imagine she is thinking. Did you receive that referral? Where are we on the waiting list? The hoops to jump through double in number. My "recent calls" list is more professionals than friends.

I wonder what you're doing When you are there and I am not. Do you feel calm and happy Or is your stomach tied in knots? I wonder how your day is And if you managed with the noise And if you stopped feeling angry Because you couldn't bring your toys. I wonder if you will eat your lunch And if you'll be invited to play. I wonder if you'll get upset Because the routine has changed today. I wonder if your teacher Sees how bright you are. Or if she cannot see past The way you snatched that car. I wonder if you're happy And what you do all day. Because when you're home and I ask you, You cannot really say.

How does weather work? What is the meaning of life? Why are people so unkind? Why do we exist? Crabs don't have eyebrows - why not? Why do I need shoes?

Rub your back and feet Cannot go till you're asleep You keep resisting. Snuggles at bedtime The only time you let me. And now you are still. I start to doze off. Your smell is soporific. But chores need doing.

Jumping over waves I don't like sand on my feet I NEED an ice cream I don't like seagulls My ice cream is way too cold Can we go home now? A jelly fish! Wow! Did you know they have no brain? Please don't pick it up 🤦

When you have had a bad day, made to wash by Mum and Dad, forced to brush your teeth and then have an epic meltdown, it's nice to see smiley faces again waiting for their fortnite device event tonight 💞💕🥰😍 It's hard to describe how proud I am of my family and how they cope each day with being cooped up together 🥰😍😍💕💕small is so tolerant of smallest and is very encouraging with lots of things, their cooperation playing this game as a family is second to none! I've not done as much sewing today, but I've had quality time with the family 💕❤️ #covid19 #asd #asdsibling #sensoryissues #sensoryprocessingdisorder #autisticson #autism #neurotypicalmum #fortnite #device

Happy Mother’s Day to all the mums out there doing their best. It can be a tough and thankless job at times but I wouldn’t change it. ♥️

Made some scrubs this week for Torbay Hospital through @sdsangels South Devon Scrubs Angels who are doing an amazing nob coordinating fabric, notions, patterns and delivery. Keeping me busy in between playing with and demands from small people for snacks. Smallest also helped out and learnt a new skill, trying out all the different stitches on the offcuts. 🧵🧵🧵 Swipe right>> #sdsangels #lockdown2020 #scrubber #sewing #nixstitches #asd #autism #autisticson #neurotypicalmum #sensoryprocessingdisorder #spd

“I don’t have learning difficulties.....I have difficulty learning” . . “I’m not like Jane, she has learning difficulties. Jane can’t even read words like cat and rat yet. She tries really hard but she just can’t remember it.” . . “With me, I understand stuff but my brain just switches off all the time. I just zone out and when my brain wakes up again I don’t know what I’m supposed to be doing. I need my teaching assistant to help me all the time. I can’t do it by myself.” . . In the words of my almost 11 year old autistic son. 3rd March 2020

A week of half term fun for smallest sensory seeker. We made it out of the house more than once: to our local library, where the new carpet is just the best to lie on, to an almost private viewing of Sonic the movie followed by a meal and the most inventive way to eat a bowl of ice cream (who needs cutlery??) and bowling twice, followed by his favourite pillar at the pizza restaurant 🍕🎳😂😂😂🐒🐒🐒👌👌👌 #spd #asd #smallestson #sensoryprocessingdisorder #autism #autisticson #neurotypicalmum

You are an expert in your child's autism, and your child's alone. Today I met up with a friend for a couple of hours and helped looked after our friends son. He is such a wonderful boy with a cheeky giggle and many autistic traits. He helped us walk Woody and then we went off to a cafe for a slice of cake. I hadn't seen the boy for years but it was clear he was growing up to be a chatty and funny young man. Additional needs in a child don't phase me in the slightest. Then suddenly, all that changed. He left the table and refused to come back when I asked. He kept walking away so I followed, careful not to talk too much. He sped up and walked towards the door. I moved in front of him to try and guide him towards a corner of the shop. I couldn't touch him, I absolutely wouldn't have restrained him. I wracked my brains for every idea I could think of to distract him. Eventually we found a book that caught his attention. Once he had calmed down I felt a flood of relief. A feeling I hadn't felt since kiddo was small and his meltdowns were loud and violent in public places. Back when I didn't know his triggers, how to stop an overload developing or what would attract his attention in a positive way. In short, I had absolutely no idea how to help this child through a difficult phase. No clue. For someone who talks about Autism to the wider public everyday, this was really humbling for me and a stark reminder that just because I know kiddo inside out, just because I know how long he can sit still or places he can cope with, doesn't mean I have the slightest idea when it comes to other children. Professionals in particular often use the phrase to me, "well other autistic children can do it". This means nothing. Zip. Nada. Why? Because every autistic child or adult is completely different and should be treated and accepted as such. No one is an expert in everyone's autism. It's a unique and individual way that someone's mind processes the world around them. So when someone doesn't take on board your suggestion on how to parent their child (and you think you know because your child is also autistic), don't be offended. Your children could be completely different.

Putting your faith in the journey. The journey of bringing up a child with SEND is full of twists and turns. Just when you think you've got it all sorted, suddenly life takes a handbrake turn and you don't know which way you are heading. For me, there are a number of really poignant moments where difficult decisions had to be made. Decisions that would affect our family, our income, out routine and our priorities. They've been some of the hardest decisions I've ever had to make. I had no clue whether they were the right decisions, no idea what path they would lead me down. I had to have complete faith in the journey of life that somehow we would find our way. I remember one decision in particular, the decision that I would give up work, being one of the toughest gambles we have ever taken. It had been a particularly hard day with kiddo. I was exhausted and had no idea how I would do the night shift and then childmind several other children the next day. I was leaning against a chest of drawers, my body aching and my brain on fire with indecision. Then my husband came in and our eyes met, we knew it was time for something to give. Something needed to change. I closed down my business. I've worked all my life, I had never taken a benefit other than using the NHS occasionally. Suddenly I became dependent on the state. Suddenly I felt so vulnerable. Then I realised, I was making myself vulnerable so my child could be stronger. I gave myself to him, everything I had and everything I was. Together the 3 of us as a family navigated one of the biggest twists in our little story. I struggled giving up work. My brain needed stimulating, so I began to write. Now I have all you lot reading my posts everyday! I fought my way to get the services and funding kiddo needed and now he is thriving. Sure, life has taken more from me as the years have gone on, but it's also given me so much. Now i foster assistance dogs in training, who knows where that will lead! Cont. In comments...

Hands up if you give yourself a talking to in the mirror before a tough day ahead... This morning I'm off to the GP to explain why I feel I need an ADHD assessment. I know I'll forget all my reasons, words, and probably my name so have written it all down. Feeling pretty daunted by it but it needs to be done. Then this afternoon kiddo and I are off to see the ENT team at the hospital where they would like to look down his throat, in both his ears and up his nose. I may cry. The school nurse is attending for support as hubby is working today and this appointment is a cancellation we got offered a couple of days ago. I'm going to need to be strong and calm for this one. Kiddo doesn't like anything near his head. And it's an ear, nose and throat appointment. Yeah. 🍷🍷🍷🍷🍷 Anyhow, I have this lovely dog to walk and keep me company at the doctors! He wont be coming this afternoon though, that's a bit above his current pay grade I feel 🐕 Wish me luck folks, it might be a double post kinda day I think. I'll let you know how it all goes! #autism #asd #adhd #spd #sensoryprocessingdisorder #learningdisability #autismspectrum #autismblog #blogger #mummyblogger #amateurwriter #parentcarer #parent #carer #neurotypicalmum #autisticson #disability #invisibledisability #SEND #specialed #myworld #autismdiaries #meettheSENparent #specialneedsparenting #SENDblog

So the plan I told you all about yesterday which covered the first 2 days of this week? Yeah, that went out the window big style at 3pm yesterday. Damn you KFC for running out of Krushams!!! Yes the lack of milkshake triggered a chain reaction and everything seemed to fall apart. I was quite impressed I made it to 3pm though to be honest 🤣 So no milkshake, the pharmacy didn't have kiddo's medication, i didn't realise he hadn't been wearing a pad when he came home from school which meant emergency floor wash, clothes wash and kiddo wash 😳 He took ages to fall asleep and by that point all I could bring myself to do was watch Eastenders on catch up with the dog, so no housework done. I got two and a half hours sleep before kiddo woke up and there was no going back to sleep, followed by a really nasty meltdown at 3am which almost left me in tears seeing him in so much distress. BUT! There are always positives! Had a beautiful walk with the dog and a friend yesterday, got all the jobs done I needed to during the school day, I stopped myself from impulse spending on amazon after kiddo's meltdown and reorganised my bedside table instead, which made me feel great! Thank God OT cancelled the building work on the house today. Going to lock myself away with the dog, put some music on and get it looking much calmer at home before hubby comes home later tonight. Yes there is always tough stuff, but there is also positive stuff too! Make sure you balance it all out in your head and don't let the negative things take over your mood and your mind. You're stronger than that 💖 #autism #asd #adhd #spd #sensoryprocessingdisorder #learningdisability #autismspectrum #autismblog #blogger #mummyblogger #amateurwriter #parentcarer #parent #carer #neurotypicalmum #autisticson #disability #invisibledisability #SEND #specialed #myworld #autismdiaries #meettheSENparent #specialneedsparenting #SENDblog

Today was my last session with the psychologist from the learning disability team. We had been referred as parents and accepted to have some sessions on our emotional well being and resilience due to having a really tough time navigating services and managing kiddo and his behaviours. I won't lie, at first I was super sceptical. I have had a lot of CBT and counselling over the past few years and whilst that was helpful, I couldn't really see how these sessions would help me. I wanted to be seen as engaging with services though so I gave it a go. Wow. I can honestly say it was the best 2 months of therapy! We have spent so much time exploring how and why the systems for getting help and support have affected me. We looked at my triggers and what makes me particularly annoyed when dealing with professionals. It was during these sessions I realised something was different in how my brain works. Today in our last session the therapist asked me what had been particularly useful to me. It was a no brainer. The therapist worked in the services. Even shared a desk with one of our professional team. She is there in amongst it, working in the environment that has been causing me so much pain and anguish. She gets it. Like, really gets it. She made me feel like I wasn't making things up, like I wasn't over reacting and like I had genuine reasons to feel that way. She wasn't a sympathetic ear who told me they couldn't really comment on how the systems worked but they were there to listen (nothing wrong with that by the way, I just needed more). She validated my concerns. She made me feel as though I was living in the real world, that having a SEN child wasn't something most people have no clue about. For a couple of hours a month, I was a member of the majority, not the minority, and my therapist made me feel heard. I've come to the end now and am so grateful for what I have learnt about myself. Reading the end of therapy report made me realise how far I have come through a very difficult time fighting for services. So now the real challenge comes, and I have to put what I have learnt into practice. Wish me luck...

And just like that, it's business as usual! We had the best time last night and this morning! A night away like that really is the equivalent to winning the lottery. It was so nice to just be us. In amongst all the daily hustle and bustle that our whirlwind of a son brings it is so vital we take some time to just laugh, be and breathe! There is no easing back into it though, no gradual reintroduction of parent caring. Nope, I blinked and the parallel universe that was last night was gone. I didn't mind though, our cheeky chops was super pleased to see us and K had kept him so calm and regulated (am now convinced she is a superhero in disguise). This afternoon we went to the park with kiddo's aunt and cousin. It's a relationship which has waited a long time to grow. Kiddo can't cope with unpredictable toddlers and now his cousin is talking and understands instructions (such as when to give kiddo space), we can start to build a friendship between them. Today they spent a lot of time in close proximity with no issues at all! We were all chuffed to bits. Kiddo was excited when I told him we were off to play with them which was a massive win in itself. Relationships will grow with our children. An autistic child just needs the right time and place to build those positive memories and encounters. Yes it has been sad that he didn't have much to do with the first 2 years of his cousin's life, but waiting for the right time will mean a future of fun, laughter and family 🥰 #autism #asd #adhd #spd #sensoryprocessingdisorder #learningdisability #autismspectrum #autismblog #blogger #mummyblogger #amateurwriter #parentcarer #parent #carer #neurotypicalmum #autisticson #disability #invisibledisability #SEND #specialed #myworld #autismdiaries #meettheSENparent #specialneedsparenting #SENDblog

Yesterday I told you all that i will be taking on my own diagnosis journey this year (and likely next year and maybe the year after depending on waiting lists). Last month I had the stark realisation that I have ADHD. I felt my brain explode as all the pieces of my life fell into place. It was as though I had found the key that opened the door to my inner self, a place that had been kept well and truly locked away so as not to disturb the outside world. The realisation of my own struggles in life very much mirrored the time when I began to listen to my own thoughts around kiddo and his development. I've read countless articles, filled in questionnaires, joined support groups and asked questions. Each one of these acts confirmed my suspicions even more. It's not been easy to come to terms with. Not because I'm worried about having a neuro diverse brain, but because I have realised how much I have been masking my behaviours my entire life. When I opened that door to my inner self, any annoying habit I had or inability to appear "normal" came flooding out. I couldn't stop it. Since christmas in particular I have felt out of control and unable to essentially keep a lid on the real me. At home nothing has changed, other than now hubby understands the reasons why sometimes I act a bit strange 🤣 When I am out in the wider world however, I am struggling to put on the face I have for most of my life. That face is tired and worn. It's easily broken and needs a bloody long holiday. Trying to make sense of what seemed like a whole mess of emotion, I started reading a book that summed up my reaction perfectly. Grief and relief. They comes like waves in the ocean. I had been feeling in control for years, but being a parent carer is stressful and impacted my mental health. It chipped away at my resilience and ability to regulate. Then suddenly, a month ago, it was as though a wave took my feet out from under me and I was washed out to sea. I regained my calm just before Christmas and felt back on top. Then out of no where I was hammered by a huge wave once again. Cont in comments.

Day 2 of term time and I'm back to living in my car in between appointments! Sooooo looking forward to foster dog number 2 arriving next week so we can fill our spare time with walks and games in the nearest field! Today I'm starting our newest attempt at getting kiddo to clean his flippin teeth. The doughnut rewards have well and truly warn off and I need something new and powerful enough that he will tolerate a good teeth brushing. So here it is! Real life candy crush/soda crush sweets! He absolutely loves candy crush games so I thought if I could find him some sweets to earn and make a real life grid he might be motivated enough to allow us to brush his teeth. He won't eat these but I'm hoping the colour bombs and jelly beans in particular will ignite that spark that I need! Got some flying sauces too at home somewhere... wish me luck! I know I havent done a video since Christmas. Theres a lot going on behind the scenes here and I just need to get my feet back on the ground and I'll start doing them weekly again. Thanks for your patience! 🦷🍭🍬 #autism #asd #adhd #spd #sensoryprocessingdisorder #learningdisability #autismspectrum #autismblog #blogger #mummyblogger #amateurwriter #parentcarer #parent #carer #neurotypicalmum #autisticson #disability #invisibledisability #SEND #specialed #myworld #autismdiaries #meettheSENparent #specialneedsparenting #SENDblog

A big shout to anyone who sent their kids back to school today and it didnt go so well. I really hope you and your children are ok. Sit down and have a cuppa if you can and just breathe. Be ready to help your children when they come home if they need to express anything or just want a huge hug. It just happens to be Tuesday today so I didnt have to do the school run as K is in charge on a Tuesday. As soon as kiddo left I charged towards kiddo's playroom and like a tornado I whipped it into shape! Trying to do one room a day if i can to get the house looking like it hasn't be burgled and just left that way 🤦🏻‍♀️🤣 Made a few changes in the playroom. Regular readers will know I do this from time to time depending on kiddo's needs. At the moment he wants tracks out all over the floor which made the room an epic trip hazard so I've managed to move the sofas so we can walk around it, only having to step over one part of track. Phew! His new light up tree comes today so hoping to get the xmas tree down and the new tree up in the next day or two. Hes excited so hopefully no upset at the Christmas tree coming down 🤞 Right, coffee. Sending anyone support who needs it today, you're not alone! #autism #asd #adhd #spd #sensoryprocessingdisorder #learningdisability #autismspectrum #autismblog #blogger #mummyblogger #amateurwriter #parentcarer #parent #carer #neurotypicalmum #autisticson #disability #invisibledisability #SEND #specialed #myworld #autismdiaries #meettheSENparent #specialneedsparenting #SENDblog

Do you know the difference between self care and self soothing? The other day kiddo's Dad listened to a podcast differentiating the two. People often get these mixed up. The term self care is confused with eating tonnes of chocolate or spending money to make yourself feel better. People believe that allowing themselves to binge eat is an act of self care. There's no doubt we enjoy those things, I certainly do! Occasionally these are wonderful and well deserved treats for us, but it is so important not to confuse self soothing with self care. It's my birthday today. I thought I would have a day of watching films, eating trash and lying around in my pjs. However, my body had other plans. It demanded self care. So I slept from 11am until 3.30pm whilst kiddo was at respite. Self care is sleep, exercise, meditation and a healthy diet. There will be other days for me to treat myself, I'm not worried about that. Just remember that true self care is about honouring your body's needs so that you're able to function. As tempting as taking down a whole box of chocolates is... 😉 #autism #asd #adhd #spd #sensoryprocessingdisorder #learningdisability #autismspectrum #autismblog #blogger #mummyblogger #amateurwriter #parentcarer #parent #carer #neurotypicalmum #autisticson #disability #invisibledisability #SEND #specialed #myworld #autismdiaries #meettheSENparent #specialneedsparenting #SENDblog

We had to call the cavalry in today. K came over this afternoon and took kiddo out for a couple of hours. It wasn't her scheduled day but I felt so desperate for a break. Kiddo has been in a lovely mood today but the movement, the hyperactive behaviour, the need for contact, the need for mess and chaos, it's all too much for me right now. Hubby is being incredible but I'm pretty sure he is secretly relieved to be going back to work tomorrow for a bit of a break 🤣 My mental health has taken a severe hit this week, but that doesn't mean kiddo should suffer or be kept at home (that's the worst thing for him) so thank god we have K. This afternoon I had a long soak in the bath. I decided to give myself the birthday present hubby had bought for me a day early (sod it). I think I managed to recharge my batteries enough to get me through to kiddo's official respite day tomorrow. It's so hard when you're hanging by a thread but all you want is your child to have the best day and exactly what they need. It hits me right in the parenting self esteem, a full on punch to the gut. I know that sometimes the best thing for my child is for him to be with someone else and his needs come first. To anyone else on their last legs, you're nearly there. Whether term starts tomorrow or Tuesday, routine is just around the corner. Once the kids are back at school, try so hard to get some self care prioritised if at all possible. 💖💖💖 #autism #asd #adhd #spd #sensoryprocessingdisorder #learningdisability #autismspectrum #autismblog #blogger #mummyblogger #amateurwriter #parentcarer #parent #carer #neurotypicalmum #autisticson #disability #invisibledisability #SEND #specialed #myworld #autismdiaries #meettheSENparent #specialneedsparenting #SENDblog

This morning I realised why my brain always feels so frazzled (apart from the obvious no sleep, constant supervision, blah blah blah). We don't do good or bad days in our family anymore. We do good hours and bad hours and downright exhausting hours, intertwined with hours spent on the ultimate high! There is no average, no state of calm, not many continuous moods that don't fluctuate at the drop of a hat. This morning before 8am, kiddo had full on punched his Dad in the face, screamed at me that he didn't want his pad changed and tried to break out of the house (he almost managed it). We decided we needed to get out somewhere safe asap so headed to soft play. We were blurry eyed and I was feeling low on the way there. We got to soft play and had the best hour! The nicest play between kiddo and his dad I've seen for ages (and I ate 2 kitkats, bonus). After 45 minutes kiddo started to experience sensory overload so we left. Who knows what the next hour will hold. We have been going like this all over christmas. We are shattered from lack of sleep yes, but this is a whole different type of exhaustion. The pace changes so quickly and so fast. I can't keep up. I'm confused, are we happy or sad? Or both??? Who knows. This is how kiddo operates and there is absolutely nothing wrong with that. Sometimes I have horrendous mood swings. You can't stop it. I think the vast majority of people fail to realise that this type of emotional processing happens when you're a parent carer. It can knock you off your feet without warning. As for planning for it? You simply can't. You can only ride it out. Some days, when you're physically exhausted too, that can be a really hard thing to do. #autism #asd #adhd #spd #sensoryprocessingdisorder #learningdisability #autismspectrum #autismblog #blogger #mummyblogger #amateurwriter #parentcarer #parent #carer #neurotypicalmum #autisticson #disability #invisibledisability #SEND #specialed #myworld #autismdiaries #meettheSENparent #specialneedsparenting #SENDblog

Anyone else navigating their way through the very careful transition from Christmas decorations to no decorations? It's a path we have to tread very carefully every year. This year (like we did last year) we had a small Christmas tree on the fireplace in our living room. I started by removing the decs from here and needless to say, kiddo noticed at 4am this morning that they were gone. He stood in the middle of the room assessing what was different and when he realised, he walked over to my vase with branches and lights and moved it to where the christmas tree had been. Excitedly he said, "new christmas tree!" and do you know what? I cant totally see his point! Branches with lights on. Boom! After a bit of tweaking around the mantle piece I'm actually really chuffed with it! Maybe this kid will grow up to be an interior designer?! Who knows! Now, who wants to bet the big christmas tree in the playroom stays up until next year?!?! 🤣🥰 Happy friday! #autism #asd #adhd #spd #sensoryprocessingdisorder #learningdisability #autismspectrum #autismblog #blogger #mummyblogger #amateurwriter #parentcarer #parent #carer #neurotypicalmum #autisticson #disability #invisibledisability #SEND #specialed #myworld #autismdiaries #meettheSENparent #specialneedsparenting #SENDblog

Tomorrow is the start of a new decade. What would I tell myself at the end of 2009 if I could? 1. Buckle yourself in. This decade is gonna throw everything at you it absolutely can, and you will survive. It will be OK. 2. You will face 2 absolutely tragic and heartbreaking losses. You'll be OK, your loved ones will support you and you will support others as best you can. 3. You will spend more time in hospital this decade than you thought you would in a lifetime. It will leave you with PTSD. Don't shy away from it, confront it. It'll be the best thing you ever do. 4. You have found the love of your life, but I know you already know that 🥰 5. You'll become a mum and the hardest journey of your life will begin. It isn't going to turn out like you planned. None of it. Celebrate the journey for what it is and never try to change it to fit in with your preconceptions of what motherhood should supposedly be like. You will realise this very early on and your heart will be open to endless possibilities. 6. You will live in your dressing gown and slippers. Your dressing gown will stand the test of time, your slippers will not. Set aside a slipper budget. 7. A lot of friends will silently slip away from you and you will silently slip away from them. No one is to blame. Some will blame you. They're not wrong. You have other priorities now which you cannot ignore. Do not fill your heart with anger. You will realise this early on. 8. You will have to fight like you have never fought before. You will no longer live in the priveledged few who can ignore politics or funding issues. You will make your voice heard until your throat is so sore it can no longer speak. It will be OK. Remember self care along the way, you're pretty shit at that. 9. You will lose yourself for a while. A long while. There will be times where you drown in stress and exhaustion, so much that you don't know how to get up and start again. You will always get up and start again. You will find a new you and make a difference in the world like you always wanted to. It just won't be in a way you ever planned. Continued in comments...

Well we have come to the end of the visitor marathon of Christmas! So this morning we got out for some fresh air and absolutely loved it 🥰 Some time at the park and on the beach makes everyone feel better and is the start of getting back into routine for kiddo. Today I'm starting to think about my new years resolution, have you got yours?? I'd love to hear them! I'm still undecided... Whatever you're up to today, I hope it is happy and calm! #autism #asd #adhd #spd #sensoryprocessingdisorder #learningdisability #autismspectrum #autismblog #blogger #mummyblogger #amateurwriter #parentcarer #parent #carer #neurotypicalmum #autisticson #disability #invisibledisability #SEND #specialed #myworld #autismdiaries #meettheSENparent #specialneedsparenting #SENDblog

Christmas Dinner in our house is not your standard roast with all the trimmings. This is how we make sure that all the different sensory and dietary preferences in our house are catered for. #neurodiversehousehold #neurodiverse #neurodivergent #autismacceptance #autism #sensoryprocessingdisorder #sensoryoverload #caterforall #reasonableadjustments #acceptance #itsallgood #lovemyfamily #christmas #accessible #neurotypicalmum #nooneleftout #nobodyleftout

Today has been amazing and magical and disgusting and heartbreaking in equal parts. The morning we managed a well regulated session of gift opening and game playing🎄, followed by uncontrollable vomiting and 40 degree plus temps for smallest 🤮🤢. Our new den has been well received and huge thanks to a dear friend from archery for the sofa. Here's to better health tomorrow! #asd #spd #brothers #sensoryprocessingdisorder #autism #autisticson #neurotypicalmum #pokemon

Today there is no expectation. Today there is no pressure to conform. Today you don't need to be anyone but you. Today you don't have to socialise if you don't want to. Today is about having fun however you want to. Today is about enjoying whichever present you choose to. Today is about going at your own pace. Today is about family supporting you. Today is about family understanding your needs and who you are. Today is Christmas day. It doesn't need to look like the perfect christmas card or movie. It just needs to have smiles and understanding when it all gets too much. Merry Christmas everyone, have the day your kids can enjoy. Not the day society expects you to have 🎄💖 #autism #asd #adhd #spd #sensoryprocessingdisorder #learningdisability #autismspectrum #autismblog #blogger #mummyblogger #amateurwriter #parentcarer #parent #carer #neurotypicalmum #autisticson #disability #invisibledisability #SEND #specialed #myworld #autismdiaries #meettheSENparent #specialneedsparenting #SENDblog

It's christmas eve!!!! And of course I started the day with a massive panic that the present kiddo's dad and I had bought him would cause a massive meltdown 😥 Kiddo has been semi-anxious about his presents this year. He likes to unwrap them if he knows what type of present it is (e.g. thomas trains, duplo etc.). Of course I saw a present I thought he would love which was none of these acceptable things 😭 I cursed myself for buying it. Sure, he might love it but it could very well trigger an epic meltdown and I felt guilty before he had even opened it that I hadn't bought him a 'safe present'. We have family arriving today, so decided that he could have it this morning before Christmas chaos begins. I warned him what was inside, "kiddo, would you like a Masha and the Bear present?". He didn't shout "NO!" which was a good sign, so we went for it and gave it to him. He opened it slowly, and when he saw the logo on it he grinned from ear to ear! He ran off as it clearly triggered a positive emotional storm and when he came back he opened it all and he has been playing with it ever since. I'm so relieved!! We did the right thing letting him open an unexpected present before anyone arrived, he still had the capacity to feel the excitement without it causing a meltdown. Phew!! Happy Christmas everyone. Whether we take risks or not, our baby's happiness is all that matters in the end 🎅🎄💖 #autism #asd #adhd #spd #sensoryprocessingdisorder #learningdisability #autismspectrum #autismblog #blogger #mummyblogger #amateurwriter #parentcarer #parent #carer #neurotypicalmum #autisticson #disability #invisibledisability #SEND #specialed #myworld #autismdiaries #meettheSENparent #specialneedsparenting #SENDblog

Day 2 of the Christmas holidays and we are having one of our scheduled rest days today. No visitors allowed. Hubby and I have both been out, but no one comes in. Rest days are not easy, they are not a cop out or us being lazy. Truth is, these days are harder than the days we have visitors. We've had a meltdown, an emotional storm with violence and hyperactive behaviour. But kiddo needs these days so that by the time visitors comes he is regulated enough to cope. After all, visitors don't want to travel from all over not to see kiddo because he is too distressed to come out of his room, and kiddo wants to see them too! We did manage to snuggle for a few minutes though! Most families love their days where they shut the world out and sometimes we do too. But not always. Sometimes it's really hard for all of us. #autism #asd #adhd #spd #sensoryprocessingdisorder #learningdisability #autismspectrum #autismblog #blogger #mummyblogger #amateurwriter #parentcarer #parent #carer #neurotypicalmum #autisticson #disability #invisibledisability #SEND #specialed #myworld #autismdiaries #meettheSENparent #specialneedsparenting #SENDblog

WE DID IT!!! We successfully held a family birthday party for kiddo! He was so excited all morning. He kept saying, "who's coming to visit with new presents?!". It was a challenge to keep him regulated enough so he didn't meltdown before the party but we managed it! When our family arrived kiddo was so excited that he ran off upstairs (his ADHD provides a huge emotional storm at moments of excitement but he comes down when he is ready). He didn't go in the family room for at least 45 minutes and didn't play with any presents, but it didn't matter. In fact, it wouldn't have mattered if he didnt go in at all. Why? Because he wanted a party and he knew his family were here for him. He knew we all cared enough to hold a birthday party for him but if he wanted to watch from a distance it didn't matter. He felt valued and wanted and that was all I cared about. Eventually though, he made it in! We were so proud. After he had had enough we popped upstairs for quiet time and then he made it known that he wanted people to go home. As soon as everyone had gone, he dived straight into playing with his presents 🥳 It doesn't matter how the party goes or whether they engage in the way you think they should. It's about doing whatever they want for their party and supporting them to either take part or watch from afar. Don't ever say things like, "there's no point, he won't come" IF your child asks for a party. It doesn't matter. They deserve a party if they want one, with no pressure to actually go if they don't feel they can on the day. Birthday done, christmas time! Happy Saturday people xx #autism #asd #adhd #spd #sensoryprocessingdisorder #learningdisability #autismspectrum #autismblog #blogger #mummyblogger #amateurwriter #parentcarer #parent #carer #neurotypicalmum #autisticson #disability #invisibledisability #SEND #specialed #myworld #autismdiaries #meettheSENparent #specialneedsparenting #SENDblog

It's the night before kiddo's birthday. As you know we spread out his presents to avoid overload and meltdown. This evening he asked for a present which is great! He knew he was in a good place to receive one and he told me. Well I can honestly say I've never seen a reaction quite like this to a present! He really wanted a doll and so using the money my Nan gave me for him, I popped out and bought him a little set. He adores it! The role play (which I know he has been practicing in school whilst playing with other children) is incredible! He has taken baby to the park, given baby a cat, checked baby's nappy and had a whale of a time! I'm so pleased he received something he loves so much. He can't explicitly say what he wants so a lot of it is guess work, but in this instance we were bang on the money 😁 Can't believe it's the last night of my baby being 5 years old 😭 Growing up too fast! (Anyone who starts commenting about boys not being allowed dolls will be blocked. Boys and girls can play with whatever they choose. Gender shouldn't come into it. Whatever makes them happy is the most important. I'm afraid I have no energy to debate such issues today). #autism #asd #adhd #spd #sensoryprocessingdisorder #learningdisability #autismspectrum #autismblog #blogger #mummyblogger #amateurwriter #parentcarer #parent #carer #neurotypicalmum #autisticson #disability #invisibledisability #SEND #specialed #myworld #autismdiaries #meettheSENparent #specialneedsparenting #SENDblog

This week we are talking about emotional storms in children with autism and adhd. #autism #asd #adhd #spd #sensoryprocessingdisorder #learningdisability #autismspectrum #autismblog #blogger #mummyblogger #amateurwriter #parentcarer #parent #carer #neurotypicalmum #autisticson #disability #invisibledisability #SEND #specialed #myworld #autismdiaries #meettheSENparent #specialneedsparenting #SENDblog

The effort it takes to keep any friendship going strong when you're a SEN parent is undeniably immense. Today I met up with my best friend. She lives two hours away. She was chief bridesmaid at our wedding, we are god parents to each others children and yet we hardly ever see each other. The effort and logistical planning it took to see each other day was ever so slightly bonkers. Between us we needed to find a day when kiddo was with K after school, my god son was in nursery (we actually wanted to catch up over lunch 🤣), the baby had to have napped, the dog had to have been walked, I needed to find money for petrol from somewhere and both of us had to have slept and not be ill or in an appointment. As my friend put it, "if we manage this it will be a Christmas miracle". 🤣🤣🤦🏻‍♀️🎄 But after the amazing K found childcare for her 3 sick children (I love you so much K!), after I had robbed Peter to pay Paul for petrol money (I'll pay the bills account back asap) and after everyone else in the entire world had had their needs taken care of (🤦🏻‍♀️🤦🏻‍♀️), we managed it!!! We met up for lunch! But us SEN parents can do all the logistical planning we want to, it doesn't work without a friend who understands how unpredictable, tiring, stressful, overwhelming and all consuming SEN parenting is. Thanks so much for lunch today J, we flippin did it!!! #autism #asd #adhd #spd #sensoryprocessingdisorder #learningdisability #autismspectrum #autismblog #blogger #mummyblogger #amateurwriter #parentcarer #parent #carer #neurotypicalmum #autisticson #disability #invisibledisability #SEND #specialed #myworld #autismdiaries #meettheSENparent #specialneedsparenting #SENDblog

Haha....umm NO I guarantee they don’t!!🤣🤣🤣 @joyofautism #autism #autistic #autisticspectrumcondition #asd #asc #spectrum #allkidsdothat #iguaranteetheydont #makeyourtoescurl #autismawareness #behaviours #unique #notallkids #neurodiverse #individual #quirks #neurotypicalmum #neurdiversemum #definitelynotallkids

We've been slowly giving kiddo his birthday and Christmas presents this past week. He gets very overwhelmed and doesn't enjoy them as much if he has too many because he isn't able to concentrate on them all if there are too many to choose from. So far I haven't been wrapping them either. I tell him there is a present on the sofa and he runs into his bedroom with excitement! He doesn't come out until he is calm enough to look at what it is and then enjoy it. Any other way is too overwhelming for him at the moment and results in meltdown. A lovely friend gave him his birthday present at the end of school the other day. He ran to the car so excited but screamed and fell to the floor when he saw the wrapping paper. There is such a fine line between pure excitement and overwhelming anxiety. I'm going to wrap some presents in plain brown paper while he is out with K (his enabler) today. It's his birthday on friday so by then he may have had enough practice in regulating himself to enjoy unwrapping our birthday present to him. If not, who cares! We shall just leave it out for him to find when he is ready. Have a lovely Sunday folks 🎁🎄🎈 #autism #asd #adhd #spd #sensoryprocessingdisorder #learningdisability #autismspectrum #autismblog #blogger #mummyblogger #amateurwriter #parentcarer #parent #carer #neurotypicalmum #autisticson #disability #invisibledisability #SEND #specialed #myworld #autismdiaries #meettheSENparent #specialneedsparenting #SENDblog

This morning I woke up to the news that the nation had voted for the political party who not only had the worst environmental policies by an absolute mile, but clearly held no value for my son. A child with disabilities who even at the age of 5 shows a determination to fight for his place in the world. For a moment I was devastated, angry at the nation and then terrified for what our future holds as a family. But then I realised that if my son can be determined at age 5, surely at age 35 I can be too? Today isn't the end of our political fight. Today is the beginning of the next phase, of the next 5 years. We will NEVER give up fighting for our children, telling our stories, standing up for those in need, representing the vulnerable and most of all, being a voice for our children. If anything, this result has made me a damn site more determined to raise the profile of disabilities and fight for what people need. So if you've woken up sad and low this morning, give yourself a minute to feel how you need to and then join me in kicking yourself up the ass and continuing what we have done for the last decade. WE WILL NEVER BE SILENCED. We will never keep quiet about how our children are treated. We lost this round, but this isn't forever. Make your voices heard and show our children that we will never give up fighting for their needs. Happy friday people xx #autism #asd #adhd #spd #sensoryprocessingdisorder #learningdisability #autismspectrum #autismblog #blogger #mummyblogger #amateurwriter #parentcarer #parent #carer #neurotypicalmum #autisticson #disability #invisibledisability #SEND #specialed #myworld #autismdiaries #meettheSENparent #specialneedsparenting #SENDblog

This morning I did a political post on facebook. I'm proud of who I've chosen to vote for and why. However, it's been a pretty exhausting day monitoring it all so I'm going to post something a bit nicer on here this evening... please do pop over to facebook if you're interested though! Mr AD made it home safely tonight. After yesterday's post I realised that we've been concentrating on the stress of life recently and not working on making each other feel good about ourselves or supported. I spotted a little something in town today that I knew he would love, so I bought it. It was simply a decadent mince pie, but he loves them. I'm so pleased I did it. I also took a photo because kiddo was doing his absolute best to break into his Dad's office and there was every chance it wouldn't last until hubby got home 🤣 When he walked through the front door I ordered him up the stairs to find his present before a small pair of cheeky mischievous hands destroyed it when we weren't looking 🤦🏻‍♀️🤣 Mission accomplished! When was the last time you did just a little something to make your other half feel noticed, supported or loved? These little things are so under rated... #autism #asd #adhd #spd #sensoryprocessingdisorder #learningdisability #autismspectrum #autismblog #blogger #mummyblogger #amateurwriter #parentcarer #parent #carer #neurotypicalmum #autisticson #disability #invisibledisability #SEND #specialed #myworld #autismdiaries #meettheSENparent #specialneedsparenting #SENDblog

Some days I feel so overwhelmed I'm not sure what to write about on here. I tend to just go with whatever is on my mind when I get round to posting. So here it is. The hubby is away for work tonight and I'm really missing him. We've had a rough few weeks. Kiddo hasn't wanted anyone but me and also hasn't wanted me and his dad in the same room. We've barely had any time together. Once kiddo is asleep I have had to go straight to bed because once he is up, he has only wanted me (his average wake up time is 1am). I feel like hubby has been away for 3 weeks, even though he has been here. In the last 48 hours we have made some progress with kiddo and now hubby is actually away. It's crap. Trying to give everyone the attention they deserve is so hard when one of them doesn't want anyone else in the room. Some days it feels like an impossible task. Often our quality time takes a back seat to the practicalities of caring for kiddo. Actually, pretty much most of the time. I can have spent a whole day in the house and not seen my better half. I can miss him when he is only a few feet away because kiddo doesn't want us talking as it overloads him. Marriage is hard work as it is. When you're caring for a child with disabilities it is a whole different ball game. It takes someone special to work full time and then come home to caring responsibilities. It takes someone special to understand that dividing your time as the main carer between child and spouse is an impossible task. I'm very lucky to have someone special. Hurry home safe tomorrow Mr AD 💖 #autism #asd #adhd #spd #sensoryprocessingdisorder #learningdisability #autismspectrum #autismblog #blogger #mummyblogger #amateurwriter #parentcarer #parent #carer #neurotypicalmum #autisticson #disability #invisibledisability #SEND #specialed #myworld #autismdiaries #meettheSENparent #specialneedsparenting #SENDblog

Thank you so much to everyone who messaged me, commented on my post and just encouraged me in general yesterday. I didn't know what to do, I felt so low. So I wrote and I shared it with the world in the hope that my own despair would do one positive thing, help someone else. Well it's safe to say you all lifted me up yesterday! I decided to up my medication which helped a huge amount. My husband was amazing and we even all got out of the house! Kiddo wanted to go to the supermarket to buy a torch, so that's exactly what we did 👌🔦 After such a rocky ride yesterday, today has to be about self care. I'm determined to bring myself up but to do that I have to put myself first (which is something I find very uncomfortable to do). It was a 2am start here so there will be naps and doggy cuddles on the sofa today. I've cancelled yet another friend but they get it, they're awesome. Its 2 weeks (ish) until christmas and there's no way I'm spending that holiday in an emotional hole. So, anyone who wants to spend the next 2 weeks fixing their mental and physical health to enjoy the festivities, I'm with you! Let's do this!! With a shit load of coffee, obvs. #autism #asd #adhd #spd #sensoryprocessingdisorder #learningdisability #autismspectrum #autismblog #blogger #mummyblogger #amateurwriter #parentcarer #parent #carer #neurotypicalmum #autisticson #disability #invisibledisability #SEND #specialed #myworld #autismdiaries #meettheSENparent #specialneedsparenting #SENDblog

I wish I could say her words were taken out of context. I wish I could say she was misunderstood. I wish I could she was misquoted. She wasn't. The original article this candidate shared on Facebook talked about those with learning disabilities only needing work for "therapeutic" reasons. It quotes people talking about those with disabilities not being worth minimum wage. The mother that wrote the article said her daughter needed work for reasons such as self worth and that money wasnt important or the point. A very dangerous article to right and I believe this mother was from a wealthy family. The candidate here says that people will learning difficulties don't understand money. I'm stunned. Let's make something clear. This is horrific ignorance and discrimination here in front of you. ANYONE who works has the right to be paid and paid at least the minimum wage. We should all be valued for the work we do, not given the chance to work for "therapeutic value". If you're working you get paid. It's a persons right, it's about their dignity and it's about equality. And as for people with learning difficulties not understanding money?!?! How bloody dare you! My son has learning difficulties and at age 5 he understands you give money to the shop keeper in order to take something from the shop. This both disgusts and outrages me beyond belief! Unsurprisingly the Conservatives are yet to comment. https://metro.co.uk/2019/12/06/tory-candidate-says-disabled-people-paid-less-dont-understand-money-11280594/?ito=article.desktop.share.top.facebook #autism #asd #adhd #spd #sensoryprocessingdisorder #learningdisability #autismspectrum #autismblog #blogger #mummyblogger #amateurwriter #parentcarer #parent #carer #neurotypicalmum #autisticson #disability #invisibledisability #SEND #specialed #myworld #autismdiaries #meettheSENparent #specialneedsparenting #SENDblog

Wow. Just wow. Our local garden centre outdid themselves yet again this year with their SEN Santa session. No waiting, low noise levels, far fewer numbers and some very chilled out staff made this year even better than the last! Kiddo knew what to expect this year and that really helped him. This year was the first time he sat and made reindeer food with Santa's helpers and followed all their instructions (which was pretty emotional). A high five for Santa and a ride around the carpark on their Santa train made the evening super magical. Comet was of course a star, and told Santa he had been a good boy too 🤣 But, even more excitingly, the BBC came to film and interview us last night! Kiddo was not camera shy in the slightest and kept sticking his face right in the lens 🤦🏻‍♀️🤣 It was a great opportunity to talk about why these events are so important and the reporters were bloody fantastic! Should hopefully go out on Thursday on BBC Spotlight, I'll be posting a link for those not in the region as I'm cheating this week and going to use it as my video 🤣🤣 Have a great day all! #autism #asd #adhd #spd #sensoryprocessingdisorder #learningdisability #autismspectrum #autismblog #blogger #mummyblogger #amateurwriter #parentcarer #parent #carer #neurotypicalmum #autisticson #disability #invisibledisability #SEND #specialed #myworld #autismdiaries #meettheSENparent #specialneedsparenting #SENDblog

Well last night left me a little gobsmacked. On the way home from school I told kiddo I had put some outside lights up. I never expect a reply but I know he can hear me so I always chat away to him. To my surprise I heard, "christmas lights in the dark?" 😳😱😍😭💖🥰 Talk about a wave of emotion, he was asking to look at our lights when it was dark! I was stunned! And so when it was dark enough, out we went to have a look. The lights we have are simple, but he loved them. Another first this year. Just goes to show that patience is a virtue and that if we just let our children grow in their own time, they will continue to amaze us. Who says there should be a straight upward line showing development anyway? Our children should be allowed to grow however they want to. Up, down and all around I say! 📈📉 Off to Santa's grotto later, will report back afterwards! Have a lovely Tuesday all 🎄 #autism #asd #adhd #spd #sensoryprocessingdisorder #learningdisability #autismspectrum #autismblog #blogger #mummyblogger #amateurwriter #parentcarer #parent #carer #neurotypicalmum #autisticson #disability #invisibledisability #SEND #specialed #myworld #autismdiaries #meettheSENparent #specialneedsparenting #SENDblog

It's only been a couple of years that kiddo has understood Christmas and what it means. I'm talking about Santa and presents rather than the religious side, that is a bit too much right now but the time will come. Tomorrow we are off to see Santa in his grotto. I said to kiddo this morning, "tomorrow we are seeing Father Christmas!" He replied, "Father Christmas come in the night time?!" I felt my heart glow with pride and love. "No darling, tomorrow we go to see Father Christmas at his house. We will see penguins too!" He grinned hugely and said, "happy feet penguins!!!" Kiddo turns 6 a few days before christmas. Every year he understands more and more. When he was 2 and his friends were talking and getting excited, I felt a pang of disappointment. Then I had a word with myself because this wasn't about me. I could still enjoy christmas and slowly introduce parts of it to my son. Slowly but surely over the past 4 years he has learnt all about it, understood it and now he gets excited about it. Don't push your children because you want them to be excited. Let them take their time and the excitement and enjoyment will come naturally. It may not be in the way you expected, but does that really matter? Christmas is about love, family, happiness and reflection. Our children are at their happiest when they get to be exactly who they are 💖🎄 #autism #asd #adhd #spd #sensoryprocessingdisorder #learningdisability #autismspectrum #autismblog #blogger #mummyblogger #amateurwriter #parentcarer #parent #carer #neurotypicalmum #autisticson #disability #invisibledisability #SEND #specialed #myworld #autismdiaries #meettheSENparent #specialneedsparenting #SENDblog

It's all about staying calm. Some people would have majorly frowned upon my decision to give kiddo an ice cream at 5am. They would probably think my child is spoiled and has no boundaries. They couldn't be more wrong. This morning kiddo woke distressed. By 5am he had already tried to smash his iPad to bits, was screaming and throwing things around. Something was majorly wrong. I could see he was full of cold but he was refusing calpol. He was becoming more and more wound up and there was going to be a serious accident. So I offered him an ice cream. The one sure thing is this house to distract kiddo from any situation and help him focus and regulate just enough that he is able to hear us talk to him. It's not about the act of giving him the ice cream, it's about what it led to. The promise of an ice cream allowed me to give him medicine. He then took his daily vitamins and omega 3 (essential for helping his ADHD) without any fuss or refusal and had his probiotic. He then had cheese on toast and a fruit yoyo for his actual breakfast. While I prepared this he sat quietly on the stairs with his iPad and a book on how Thomas the Tank is built. His calpol had kicked in and he was feeling better. When it comes to autistic children, neurotypical parenting ideas need to be thrown out the window. You probably see ice cream as a reward, as a treat. Kiddo doesn't. He sees it as a lifeline. A way to access the wider world around him and calm any distress. If you like, the ice cream is his medicine. Obviously he can't continuously eat ice cream as it would make him ill. We have other things that help him stay calm. Just remember, you can't judge someone for their parenting decisions until you know the whole story, and who can you really know the whole story for except yourselves? #autism #asd #adhd #spd #sensoryprocessingdisorder #learningdisability #autismspectrum #autismblog #blogger #mummyblogger #amateurwriter #parentcarer #parent #carer #neurotypicalmum #autisticson #disability #invisibledisability #SEND #specialed #myworld #autismdiaries #meettheSENparent #specialneedsparenting #SENDblog

Happy saturday! And welcome to the house of major sensory needs today... Kiddo is wanting cuddles, constant contact with one of us (he is very explicit about which one!) and he is loving his SENwich sheet from @2senmums (gifted). Although he doesn't sleep in it, my goodness it comes into it's own on days like today! We are also sat in complete darkness (flash photography which kiddo finds hilarious! 🤷‍♀️). I'm so grateful he can tell us what he needs. There was a time where he couldn't verbalise any of this and it led to horrendous meltdowns and self harm 😥 It was a time where I felt like such a failure as a mother. Days like today are hard for all of us, but now we understand what he needs it means that me and his dad can stay calm and ride the wave so that he can regulate himself quicker. Don't be hard on yourself if you dont get it right. Listen and learn from your child, don't lose patience with them (after all it isnt their fault) and eventually all will even out. And as I have written this, kiddo has left his room and is now downstairs playing trains because he is feeling better 👌 Have a good day everyone 💖 #autism #asd #adhd #spd #sensoryprocessingdisorder #learningdisability #autismspectrum #autismblog #blogger #mummyblogger #amateurwriter #parentcarer #parent #carer #neurotypicalmum #autisticson #disability #invisibledisability #SEND #specialed #myworld #autismdiaries #meettheSENparent #specialneedsparenting #SENDblog

This morning I walked into kiddo's playroom and my heart sank. I needed to hoover and Kiddo had thrown boxes of toys EVERYWHERE. And I dont mean big toys, I mean tiny magnetic letters, lego, duplo animals. It was a massive tidying mission before I could even get to the hoovering. But I just can't do it anymore. I can't spend an hour tidying to the not have time to clean. Kiddo likes mess and chaos in his playroom. He finds it stimulating. His ADHD means he moves on the next thing and finds it extremely difficult to concentrate for long enough to tidy up. Believe me, we have tried. Just because I want it tidy doesnt mean that he does, and after all this is a room where he can express himself and enjoy his toys however he wants to. I don't want to change that. But the room still needed cleaning... So I got out a hoover attachment I haven't used for years and sucked up all the dust and dog hair amongst the letters. Then I swept the the toys to one side so I could have another hoover down the main area of the room. I felt like I was cheating, but I wasnt. The whole floor is now clean yet the toys remain roughly where they were this morning. Having autistic people and neurotypical people in the same house is about providing as much compromise as you can muster. Dig deep and ask yourself, "does this thing REALLY matter?". It certainly doesn't matter if his playroom is untidy, it's like that for a reason. He wants it that way, it's how he enjoys it. So any expectation from the outside world about how tidy my house should be can do one. It's clean, it's not dangerous, so go ahead and enjoy kiddo 💖👌 #autism #asd #adhd #spd #sensoryprocessingdisorder #learningdisability #autismspectrum #autismblog #blogger #mummyblogger #amateurwriter #parentcarer #parent #carer #neurotypicalmum #autisticson #disability #invisibledisability #SEND #specialed #myworld #autismdiaries #meettheSENparent #specialneedsparenting #SENDblog

My mum once said to me that the day will slow down when you do. She used to tell me to walk slowly around the house or sit down if I ever felt stressed or like the day was getting away from me. I have felt stressed all morning. Our oven broke and the insurance company won't come out for over a week to fix it. I spent an hour on the phone to them achieving nothing. By the end of it I felt totally overwhelmed with all my jobs and phone calls to do. I'm shattered. I've been up since the early hours of the morning (again) and today is the longest break from caring I get having just under 6 hours to myself. And I was losing that time to stress and feeling overwhelmed. Nah ah. Not happening. So I'm sat with coffee and watching a film, knowing that if my brain calms down I'll manage a couple of things today. The most important thing though is that I'm rested, calm and ready for when kiddo comes home. Anything else is just a bonus. I learnt this 2 years ago where I was so intent on getting everything done, I didnt have any energy left to enjoy my son. Sure I could care for him, but laugh with him? Entertain him? Nope. I had nothing left. So while you rush from pillar to post today, ask yourself whether you will be able to enjoy your child later as well as caring for them when they come home from school. Life is so much kinder when you can. #autism #asd #adhd #spd #sensoryprocessingdisorder #learningdisability #autismspectrum #autismblog #blogger #mummyblogger #amateurwriter #parentcarer #parent #carer #neurotypicalmum #autisticson #disability #invisibledisability #SEND #specialed #myworld #autismdiaries #meettheSENparent #specialneedsparenting #SENDblog

What's the BEST thing about occasional and INSET days?! How quiet soft play is!! Yes today we have started the week with a day off school and we planned to make the most of it while venues were quiet. Soft play is one of kiddo's favourite places to go but he doesn't get to enjoy it often because of the background music played and the number of people there. Well this morning we made sure we used this opportunity and got there super early! The staff recognised us and turned the music off until we left which we are always so so grateful for 💖 Kiddo's school friend joined us and they had a whale of a time! Days where everyone else is in school is our chance to catch up on fun experiences and trips out that kiddo can't always experience or enjoy. I feel we have definitely achieved that today 👌 #autism #asd #adhd #spd #sensoryprocessingdisorder #learningdisability #autismspectrum #autismblog #blogger #mummyblogger #amateurwriter #parentcarer #parent #carer #neurotypicalmum #autisticson #disability #invisibledisability #SEND #specialed #myworld #autismdiaries #meettheSENparent #specialneedsparenting #SENDblog

This morning a follower brought to my attention that the Labour party have a policy on autism and neurodiversity. Along with their policy they have an appendix specifically talking about ABA. I cautiously opened it as I've read so many things about ABA that worry me. But not this. This appendix laid out what every autistic person has ever told me about the dangers of ABA. How they are forced to control any behaviours which are deemed unusual. How they are trained to behave as neurotypicals do. I know the opinions on ABA are divisive. All I can ask is that you ask autistic people about the long term effects of this therapy. About how it made them feel as children. About how it affected their relationships with parents and caregivers. There is no greater opinion than that of someone who has lived it for themselves. #autism #asd #adhd #spd #sensoryprocessingdisorder #learningdisability #autismspectrum #autismblog #blogger #mummyblogger #amateurwriter #parentcarer #parent #carer #neurotypicalmum #autisticson #disability #invisibledisability #SEND #specialed #myworld #autismdiaries #meettheSENparent #specialneedsparenting #SENDblog

Sometimes, very occasionally, a day goes smoothly and everyone's happy. Today was one of those days and I will not be letting it pass without celebrating that fact!! It started this morning when kiddo actually asked to go to school 😱 He got in the car nicely and asked to go and see the receptionist who he loves 💖 That would have been enough for me today to be honest, but there was more! He went off to class nicely where his TA told me that he wasn't the only one repeating a certain phrase and giggling about it. Hang on, that's social interaction?! Amazing! K picked him up today after a long tiring week involving his antibiotics to give me a break. This meant that Comet and I got to go to IKEA, came home, slept for 3 whole hours(!!!), and then went on a lovely walk before collecting kiddo. When kiddo got in the car at 5pm he voluntarily said, "nice time at school and K's house" which immediately alleviated any guilt I had for needing a break. Well, I'm stunned. What a day. I wondered to myself if this is what typical families go through everyday?! Is this why other mums don't look like they've been dragged through a hedge backwards whilst on the phone to several professionals all at the same time?! I have no doubt that this day was an anomaly, but who cares. For now I shall enjoy it 👌 #autism #asd #adhd #spd #sensoryprocessingdisorder #learningdisability #autismspectrum #autismblog #blogger #mummyblogger #amateurwriter #parentcarer #parent #carer #neurotypicalmum #autisticson #disability #invisibledisability #SEND #specialed #myworld #autismdiaries #meettheSENparent #specialneedsparenting #SENDblog

When your autistic child is ill. It's not just a cold, it's not just a bug or a mild infection. It's confusing. It's worrying. It's anxiety provoking. Why? Because your child may not understand why they are feeling the way they do. They may not understand that it isn't permanent or that it isn't life threatening. They may feel upset that their routine has been changed and not understand why. Or, they may just be really pissed off that they have a sick day and can't go on YouTube because yet again Sky Broadband is down. Excellent. 🤦🏻‍♀️😡 When your child with SEND is ill, there is so much more to deal with than just the illness. It's not a comfy day tucked up on the sofa watching Disney movies (not in this house anyway) as ADHD doesnt disappear during a poorly spell. It's not giving your child medicine and reassuring them that they'll be back on their feet soon. Kiddo is so anxious about his antibiotic cream and is becoming extremely violent when he sees it. I tell him it is safe and ok but the site of his impetigo is the most sensitive and sensory part of his whole body. His ears. I know the saying is "you have to be cruel to be kind" but this really sucks. I have to treat the infection. If I don't it could get worse, a lot worse. I've been kicked, punched, screamed at and felt like the worst mum in the world while my son has looked at me through crocodile tears. If only that was where it stopped. He is demanding lots of things immediately today. This shows he is anxious. His routine is out, he doesn't feel well and he doesn't understand why. He's doing so well coping with it all. I just can't make him understand by telling him what's going on. I can't even use YouTube videos because the broadband is out (livid). So when your friend says that their child with SEND is ill, don't say how much you wish you could have a sick day with your child. Believe me, it's no fun for either the child or parent. #autism #asd #adhd #spd #sensoryprocessingdisorder #learningdisability #autismspectrum #autismblog #blogger #mummyblogger #amateurwriter #parentcarer #parent #carer #neurotypicalmum #autisticson #disability #invisibledisability #SEND #impetigo #myworld

Well it's safe to say our Sunday definitely hasn't gone to plan 🤣🤦🏻‍♀️ But what I can say is how hugely impressed I have been with every aspect of the NHS today. This morning I rang a nurse at minor injuries and explained that kiddo needed seeing. She said to phone 111 and explain we needed an appointment as he couldn't tolerate waiting at the hospital. Unfortunately, he just can't tolerate hospitals. My heart sank as I've had this discussion with operators before and they haven't understood the need for an appointment. You can imagine my relief when the operator I got put through to today not only had an autistic son, she recognised my name from a local support group and knew about kiddo's needs. She made an appointment for 90 minutes time. Kiddo screamed when he saw the hospital 😥 the receptionist took us through to our own waiting room with no one else in it where kiddo rolled around on the cold floor to get sensory feedback. We wrote the word hospital together and he calmed down as he processed where he was. The doctor came and saw kiddo's needs, and somehow managed to observe him whilst he was lying on the waiting room floor without her even touching him. He was diagnosed with impetigo. The doctor gave us the choice of how to treat it and we chose the lesser of two evils and went with the antibiotic cream. She straight away agreed and said we knew him best. We are home now, recovering from a very upsetting first application of the cream. I feel awful but he has an infection and it must be treated. He will be staying at home with me tomorrow for lots of TLC and I'll be applying as many of the doses of antibiotics while he sleeps at night as I possibly can. To every person in the NHS who helped us make this as painless as possible today, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You are truly not valued enough in the jobs that you do, from the phone operator, to the receptionist, to the doctor. An amazing team. #NHS #NHSdevon #devondoctors #autism #asd #adhd #spd #sensoryprocessingdisorder #learningdisability #autismspectrum #autismblog #blogger #mummyblogger #amateurwriter #parentcarer #parent #carer #neurotypicalmum #autisticson #disability

Kiddo hasn't been right for a couple of days. He seems tired, pale and run down. He can't tell me he feels poorly, he doesn't know what it means to feel poorly really (but he is definitely noticing when he feels different which is great!). One of my little tricks to gauge just how bad he feels is to ask him if he wants a cuddle. Today he leapt into my arms and stayed there for a few minutes! This is the equivalent to the length of a movie for most people. Calpol was given and he is up and playing with his trains now 😊👌 Sometimes I wish I was able to make him feel better so much quicker than I am able too. Most days I'm grateful that almost 6 years in I have a list of changes in behaviour to look for and little tricks up my sleeve to help me work out when he is really in trouble. Lots of TLC for this little dude this afternoon. Well, as much as he will let me give him anyway 🤣🤦🏻‍♀️🤷‍♀️ #autism #asd #adhd #spd #sensoryprocessingdisorder #learningdisability #autismspectrum #autismblog #blogger #mummyblogger #amateurwriter #parentcarer #parent #carer #neurotypicalmum #autisticson #disability #invisibledisability #SEND #specialed #myworld #autismdiaries #meettheSENparent #specialneedsparenting #SENDblog

Happy Saturday folks! We are in survival mode today as we are all full of colds 🤧 But this brightened my day! The Chewigem weighted blankets are back in stock! These are the best priced blankets I've seen starting at only £39.95 and sell out fast so grab them while you can. The link is in my bio! Have a lovely day all xx #weightedblanket #autism #asd #adhd #spd #sensoryprocessingdisorder #learningdisability #autismspectrum #autismblog #blogger #mummyblogger #amateurwriter #parentcarer #parent #carer #neurotypicalmum #autisticson #disability #invisibledisability #SEND #specialed #myworld #autismdiaries #meettheSENparent #specialneedsparenting #SENDblog

Are we too politically correct when it comes to autism? I honestly don't know. This morning I was stopped in the street in our village by an older lady. She said, "are you the mum to that autistic boy?". I replied, "yes, one of them!", for there are several autistic children in our village. She went on to tell me how her grandson is autistic, how he is mainstream school and has fixations. She must have used every word which we as a family try to distance ourselves from when talking about kiddo. But after a few minutes I stopped listening to her words and started listening to her story. She was so proud of her grandson. She was especially proud of how he would spend the weekend with her to give his parents some time alone. She talked about how he has his own room at her house to build Lego when he needs space and how she thinks we should encourage everything he is good at because he has such talents. Wow. This grandmother was so tuned into her grandson, his needs and his talents. It was pure love shining from her face. I could have found every single thing she said offensive, that wouldnt have been hard to do. But what would I have achieved by correcting her use of words and phrases? The last thing I wanted to do was dull down any enthusiasm and confidence she has to talk about autism, to tell her grandsons story. What would that achieve? It would simply push awareness of autism underground. People would be too afraid to talk. I agree that there are terms and phrases we should educate people on. But sometimes, it's worth listening with your heart instead of your head and allowing people the chance to talk about disability in the street as though they are talking about the weather. Don't make people too afraid to talk about autism before they have even started. Perhaps the place for political correctness lies further down the line as you get to know people. #autism #asd #adhd #spd #sensoryprocessingdisorder #learningdisability #autismspectrum #autismblog #blogger #mummyblogger #amateurwriter #parentcarer #parent #carer #neurotypicalmum #autisticson #disability #invisibledisability #SEND #specialed #myworld #autismdiaries #meettheSENparent #specialneedspare

The word "ableism" is used an awful lot these days, but do you know what it actually means? An "ableist" is someone who holds discriminatory views about people with both physical or learning disabilities, often of the opinion that they need to be "fixed". But where did ableism come from? Where did it start? I'm not talking about the use of the word, I'm talking about the act of discriminating against disabled people. The answer lies thousands of years before the common era. Examples of ableism were more extreme and obvious back then. Many were sentenced to death or outcast. But the world developed and technology and medicine came to the forefront of our society. It became clear that some differences between people were the result of genetic differences or mutations. And so the quest to "cure" these mutations began. Why? Because anything that was different from the majority of society was considered incorrect. Disabled people were seen as the problem and that they needed to adapt to fit the world as it is, not the other way round. Moving on hundreds of years and today we know these differences to not just be beautiful, but also a means of survival. Scientific studies have been conducted looking at whether organisms with no mutations survive better than those with mutations. It was common belief for many years that this would be the case. But guess what? We were wrong. A study conducted at universities in the uk showed that organisms with no mutations who had access to food survived no better than those who were able to adapt to mutations. (I won't go into it but click here to read if you're interested https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/03/110327191044.htm). Essentially, we are evolving and these differences between us all should no longer be considered weaknesses. So why does ableism still exist? Because a) there are still too many people who are consciously ableist, and b) we are yet to convince the majority of people in this world who are subconsciously ableist that ableism exists. Cont. In comments.

No you didn't go to sleep last night and wake up a month later... Kiddo's christmas tree is up! Kiddo has been really struggling this week. Lots of change and the weather hasn't helped either. He has been talking about the tree for a couple of weeks and yesterday, when he was particularly upset, I said we could put it up. Well the change in him has been huge! He is so calm, happily playing independently and he is happy to let the dog chill in his playroom. For whatever reason, having the Christmas tree up has regulated him. I know a lot of people might disagree with it being up so early, and the decorations in the other room and out the front most certainly wont be going up until December. But if it isn't harming anyone and it makes kiddo happy and calm, then as far as I'm concerned it can stay up all year! This will be Comet's first Christmas. Needless to say, when he walked in and saw a 6ft tree in the playroom he was a tad bemused 🤣🤣 Happy Sunday all!! #christmashascomeearly #autism #asd #adhd #spd #sensoryprocessingdisorder #learningdisability #autismspectrum #autismblog #blogger #mummyblogger #amateurwriter #parentcarer #parent #carer #neurotypicalmum #autisticson #disability #invisibledisability #SEND #specialed #myworld #autismdiaries #meettheSENparent #specialneedsparenting #SENDblog

Home Coaching Incredible Years is another service I offer and am accredited in. This is typically an 8 week programme delivered in the home which is tailored to you and your child’s needs. Session involve watching 2 or 3 vignettes which help us explore what we may do in similar situations, from this activities are set for you to try out over the week and reviewed at the next session. If you would like more information please get in touch! #autisticgirl #asd #thisgirlcanhop #changingpersecptionsnotpeople #autism #autistic #doilookautisticyet #spd #sensory #spectrum_inspired #sensoryprocessingdisorder #parentblogger #parentblog #parentingtheshitoutoflife #familylife #sheffieldblogger #discoverunder5k #digitalmum #motherhood #motherhoodunplugged #adhd #sensoryprocessingdisorder #autismspectrum #autismblog #autismblogger #parentcarer #invisiabledisability #SEND #SENDblog #disability #neurotypicalmum

Video interaction is a strengths based therapy which is recommended by NICE (National Institute For Clinical Excellence) via utube you can access this 2 minute video which highlights how it can support families and professionals alike struggling with challenging behaviour or trying to establish more positive communication between themselves and another. https://youtu.be/YRVaL_ZlxHs. #autisticgirl #asd #thisgirlcanhop #changingpersecptionsnotpeople #autism #autistic #doilookautisticyet #spd #sensory #spectrum_inspired #sensoryprocessingdisorder #parentblogger #parentblog #parentingtheshitoutoflife #familylife #sheffieldblogger #discoverunder5k #digitalmum #motherhood #motherhoodunplugged #adhd #sensoryprocessingdisorder #autismspectrum #autismblog #autismblogger #parentcarer #invisiabledisability #SEND #SENDblog #disability #neurotypicalmum

#autisticgirl #asd #thisgirlcanhop #changingpersecptionsnotpeople #autism #autistic #doilookautisticyet #spd #sensory #spectrum_inspired #sensoryprocessingdisorder #parentblogger #parentblog #parentingtheshitoutoflife #familylife #sheffieldblogger #discoverunder5k #digitalmum #motherhood #motherhoodunplugged #adhd #sensoryprocessingdisorder #autismspectrum #autismblog #autismblogger #parentcarer #invisiabledisability #SEND #SENDblog #disability #neurotypicalmum

This morning I watched Jeremy, Bethany's Dad, on @bbcbreakfast and cried. For those not familiar, Bethany has been held inappropriately in a secluded cell in a mental health institution because she has autism and learning disabilities. Why? Because provision does not exist in the community to provide her with the support she needs to live and enjoy life in the wider world. Today a report was published saying that the violation of human rights these people face is horrific. I can't believe in this day and age we live in a world that can do this. That we live in a world where our government won't provide the money to provide appropriate care and instead are locking people in cells to save money. We have an election coming up. I can outright say that however I vote it will NOT be for our current government. Bethany's Dad talked about how many reports have been commissioned and how they all support the need for more appropriate community support. Yet our current government won't take action. It is disgusting, archaic and something you would expect to see in the dark ages. How dare they allow our children to be treated like this. Make your voice heard on voting day, and to Bethany's Dad, you are simply amazing. Thank you for your bravery and for fighting for our children's futures. I'm in awe of you. BBC News - 'End human rights abuse' in mental-health hospitals https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/education-50252079 #autism #asd #adhd #spd #sensoryprocessingdisorder #learningdisability #autismspectrum #autismblog #blogger #mummyblogger #amateurwriter #parentcarer #parent #carer #neurotypicalmum #autisticson #disability #invisibledisability #SEND #specialed #myworld #autismdiaries #meettheSENparent #specialneedsparenting #SENDblog

Anyone else's child(ren) just feeling a tad out of sorts at the moment? Kiddo has been ok this week but quite prone to tears and angry spells. This time of year is tough for our kids. The clocks change, Halloween, fireworks night, christmas, viruses flying around all over the place and the weather is a lot colder. Personally I LOVE this time of year, but I can absolutely see why for a lot of people it can really zap at their energy reserves. Our children often find it hard to verbalise why they feel the way they do, which means us as parents have to be able to view situations from EVERY point of view. Just because we love it, doesn't mean they do. Just because we hate it, doesn't mean they do. We can see kiddo is struggling a tad at the moment. Personally I think it's his teeth coming through and maybe a bit of a bug. I have no idea if I am right though... all I know is that when kiddo, the dog and me are all in bed by 5pm on a Wednesday (obviously not sleeping, kiddo is out of picture watching you tube 🤣), it means we all need to be a little kinder to ourselves. Happy thursday folks! #autism #asd #adhd #spd #sensoryprocessingdisorder #learningdisability #autismspectrum #autismblog #blogger #mummyblogger #amateurwriter #parentcarer #parent #carer #neurotypicalmum #autisticson #disability #invisibledisability #SEND #specialed #myworld #autismdiaries #meettheSENparent #specialneedsparenting #SENDblog

it's video time! today I'm talking about why exercise is so important for parent carers, but it may not be for the reason you think... #autism #asd #adhd #spd #sensoryprocessingdisorder #learningdisability #autismspectrum #autismblog #blogger #mummyblogger #amateurwriter #parentcarer #parent #carer #neurotypicalmum #autisticson #disability #invisibledisability #SEND #specialed #myworld #autismdiaries #meettheSENparent #specialneedsparenting #SENDblog

8 years ago today, I married my best friend. 💒 We had a lot of photos taken that day, all absolutely stunning. But there is something about this one that I have always loved.📸 There I am, being me. Nothing more and nothing less. And there stands my husband looking at me with pure admiration, mixed with a little bit of stunned 🤣 I've changed a lot since that day. I don't drink or go out like I used to. I have half the amount of energy. I'm far more considered and cautious. We definitely can't do anything spontaneous anymore. Yet this morning he told me he loves me more today than he did on our wedding day. Our values are the same. Our core beliefs are solid, and the love for our son brings us closer together (and occasionally further apart, but that's ok). I'm so lucky, despite a number of traumas we have been through before and after that day, we can still laugh together. He still laughs at stupid things I say and even after the most stressful of times we have found ourselves in stitches roaring with laughter in the kitchen. People outside our house don't see this so much anymore, we don't make it to family functions or parties together very often at all. And that's ok. It's those moments behind closed doors where you know that no matter what life throws at you, be it death, illness, disability, parenthood or simply a leak in the bathroom, someone has your back. Even if you are behaving like a turd occasionally because you're bloody exhausted 😏 Happy anniversary Mr AD. You're away for work for the next 2 days and I can't wait to celebrate when you get home. Kiddo is so lucky to have a dad like you. #autism #asd #adhd #spd #sensoryprocessingdisorder #learningdisability #autismspectrum #autismblog #blogger #mummyblogger #amateurwriter #parentcarer #parent #carer #neurotypicalmum #autisticson #disability #invisibledisability #SEND #specialed #myworld #autismdiaries #meettheSENparent #specialneedsparenting #SENDblog

Introducing the beautiful Comet 🐾 Comet joined us today for a new phase of his training program to be an autism assistance dog! He has come from the wonderful @supporting_paws_ and will be with us until Christmas. Whilst Comet is with us he will be putting his training into practice and showing us that he is comfortable living in an autism household. We have lots of beautiful walks planned and he will be joining us on appointments and trips out and about 😊 He's done so well on his first day and having travelled from london early doors he is enjoying some well earned snooze time in his crate. Welcome aboard Comet! We are so chuffed to be a part of your training journey 💖🐶 #autism #asd #adhd #spd #sensoryprocessingdisorder #learningdisability #autismspectrum #autismblog #blogger #mummyblogger #amateurwriter #parentcarer #parent #carer #neurotypicalmum #autisticson #disability #invisibledisability #SEND #specialed #myworld #autismdiaries #meettheSENparent #specialneedsparenting #SENDblog #assistancedog #assistancedogintraining #goldenlabsofinstagram #labsofinstagram #goldenlab

So after abandoning our walk this morning, this afternoon kiddo asked to play outside 👌 We had a wonderful half an hour in the fresh air. I sat watching him attend to every detail of his Thomas trains. He looked so happy 🥰 It may not have been the day we had planned, but we still went outside and we had a happy and relaxed kiddo. That's a definite win for us! Don't forget, if you haven't taken advantage of @dignitylcservices 10% off this weekend, then you still have a few more hours! Click the link in my bio and use code AUTISM10. They have everything from waterless shampoo to magnesium bubble bath to help sooth anxiety and nerves. I would definitely recommend them! Have a lovely sunday evening all 💖 #affiliatead #autism #asd #adhd #spd #sensoryprocessingdisorder #learningdisability #autismspectrum #autismblog #blogger #mummyblogger #amateurwriter #parentcarer #parent #carer #neurotypicalmum #autisticson #disability #invisibledisability #SEND #specialed #myworld #autismdiaries #meettheSENparent #specialneedsparenting #SENDblog