Rant – Raising the Modern Fae

There is no such thing

This is going to upset a lot of people who think this is gatekeeping, but it needs to be said. I don’t think there is such a thing as being “a little bit autistic”. Or a little bit ADHD. Or a little bit OCD. Or a little bit any other form of neurodivergence. You eitherContinue reading “There is no such thing”

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”

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”

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”

They just won’t get it.

We had some family come to visit. This one statement always makes the bottom fall out of my stomach. Don’t get me wrong: we have relatives who live close by who I don’t think we could cope without – they have gone out of their way to make our lives easier, and I am soContinue reading “They just won’t get it.”

The myth of Socialisation

There are many myths surrounding spicy kids. My favourites are that all ASD children behave in set patterns. E.g. ALL of them will avoid eye contact – I know of some pediatricians that are guilty of this one and have denied diagnosis on the grounds of ‘they made eye contact with me’. Let me tellContinue reading “The myth of Socialisation”

Realigning the world view

This week, my daughter woke up on Tuesday 19th November and announced, with the surety of a small child in a superhero outfit, that it was, in fact, the 17th. When corrected she growled, stamped her feet and then told me I was wrong. Realising I was heading down a rabbit hole that I wouldContinue reading “Realigning the world view”