There were two points I made to the BBC while I sat behind the camera in my dinning room, as my son ran back and forth, avoiding a collision with the Golden Retriever! Read the BBC article here. The first point was obvious, the need for more funding, to ensure childcare provision for our children. But the second was just as vital. It was to provide existing childcare the support and education needed around special
Rhys didn’t want to go to school today. He wanted to go swimming! “No School!” he shouted, his words clear and audible as he desperately wanted to get his point across, “Swimming”, he added. As we reached the bottom of the stairs, Rhys’ chanting of “No School!” continuing with every step, he approached the wall. “School” he said, placing his finger on the chart. “Yes Rhys, school. Then judo. Then swimming” I confirmed, touching each
The children stood in pairs and took their judo holds, ready for the signal to move. Rhys was in position, standing opposite a boy, who was about the same height, with brown hair, cut short and a reflective t-shirt under his jacket. But my son wasn’t in a pair. A black belt stood behind him, whose arms came around Rhys, hand over hand as he held the judo hold that had been instructed. As the
A dog was always on the cards for us. It was just a matter of the right time and the right moment. I had read a lot of positive outcomes of a dog joining the family home, and followed a number of accounts that spoke about the amazing bond a dog and a child could develop. According to a report from research conducted by Dogs For Good along with the National Autistic Society and the
With autism goes sensory processing challenges. And haircuts are the ultimate challenge for all things sensory. People have spoken about physical pain at their hair being snipped, and others have explained the unbearable feeling as their hair is brushed or combed. These challenges are all before even considering the environment, the noises and most importantly communications. But success can be achieved when you know the steps to tackle. It is about taking on step at