Sunglasses! They were not one of the suggestions or points the Peadiatrician referred to, four years ago, when we all sat around the table. The words Autism Spectrum Disorder were said and the diagnosis finalised. The answer to my son’s differences was given a name, and I was meant to feel better about it. But the words were not what mattered to me. What mattered was the support it would give him, to be himself,
Choices. At the age of two, we had our first speech and language appointment. It was pretty noneventful, but the speech therapist did give us one piece of homework to take away and implement. It was something we would use for many years and still use today. It was to encourage engagement, the first step to communication. At the time Rhys would take us by the hand to the item he wanted. It was his
The group of kids were older. I estimated around fifteen or sixteen years of age. There were about ten to fifteen of them, all with one goal in mind and the determination that no one would stop them. The tall one shouted, he was loud and vocal, but I didn’t turn my head, I continued to watch. The wall was in front of them, about eight foot high, leading to a platform where you got
To the parent complaining about the variety of choice in school meals. I have no comment. I am just relieved that my son is eating, even if his meals each day are identical to the day before! To the mum who is worried about the loss of a school cardigan, and circulating WhatsApp messages for everyone to check their children’s bags. I’m sorry I never replied, cardigans don’t feature on my list of priorities, because
It is tough having your own development and progress analysed and dissected. It is a hell of a lot harder when it is about your child. I have been to many annual development reviews for my son. Some I walked into happy and confident, but left in tears, with a sick feeling in my gut and emotions that took months to heal from. However, the last few years I have left feeling empowered and motivated