We have survived another school year. This one has been laced with more change than we normally allow. Which is to say… there has been some change. Our little fae has coped remarkably well in some ways and spectacularly failed to cope in others. Such is life with an autistic child. Milestones like the endContinue reading “Climb Every Mountain, Name Every Bean”
Category Archives: Uncategorized
Safeguarding is not optional
So I have made myself rather unpopular at my local gym which is unfortunate as we rather like the place. The thing is, I don’t – and won’t – mess about when it comes to the safety of my child, and I’m frankly surprised at the number of parents who either don’t realise, or haveContinue reading “Safeguarding is not optional”
SEND tax
I have finally found—after, I admit, a lot of searching (to the point that Meta’s algorithm eventually cottoned on to what I was looking for)—a charity to help us train our puppy into a reputable service dog. They’re recognised by the government and the NHS, so yay. They also charge north of £3,000 per annumContinue reading “SEND tax”
Social boundaries? …. Never heard of them
Social Boundaries? Never Heard of Her. AKA: My Daughter Thinks Every Family Is Her Family We’re in the gym club room. You know the type—soft play structure off to one side, clusters of parents slouched around coffee cups, the air tinged with a mix of sweat, fabric softener, and crushed oat bar. Most children, byContinue reading “Social boundaries? …. Never heard of them”
Parenting the rule enforcer
Our daughter has an interesting relationship with rules. They fall into two categories: if the rule is explained and it makes sense to her, she will not only obey it religiously, she will enforce it with others. And by others, I mean anyone within the general vicinity. It doesn’t matter who you are—teacher, parent, completeContinue reading “Parenting the rule enforcer”
Direct payment part 2
So, a while ago, we got approved for 8 hours a week (school holidays only) direct payment for someone to look after our child. This means that I can get the washing and food prep for the week done without losing my mind. It also gives her a chance to interact with adults that areContinue reading “Direct payment part 2”
Why is it so hard to get help
Our fae is – undeniably – autistic. My husband and I are not diagnosed, but we’re something spicy. We thought about getting diagnosed as an act of solidarity, and were told the waiting list in our area for adults to be seen is 10 years. 10. Years. That’s insane. I was thinking about going backContinue reading “Why is it so hard to get help”
Those who should know better
There are a set of individuals I feel should really know better than to expect standard behaviours from fae children. I take that back: there are TWO professions in which I expect this, namely education, where you need to understand at least in broad strokes the needs and differences to impart information; and those inContinue reading “Those who should know better”
Managing residential
This week, my daughter went on her first “sort of” residential trip with the school. How was it “sort of” residential, I hear you ask (all 2 people who are maybe reading this outside my immediate family) Well, it goes like this. A couple of months ago a very bubbly, slightly demented child came homeContinue reading “Managing residential”
Trying new things
This coming week my daughter is trying several new things. I am aware that new experiences are essential to growth and development and no child can live in a bubble without them. That said these are milestones that I am not happy about her facing right now. Her school wants to take her on aContinue reading “Trying new things”
