Where Did All My Friends Go?
Life, in this Secret World of Autism, gets lonely. Our daily experiences are unlike anything we’ve read about, or seen in movies, or learned about in documentaries, or seen anyone else we know go through. We only have one child, and no experience of parenthood other than that of being special needs parents. What’s “normal” […]
That Crystal Ball
When I was five, I wondered if I’d be allowed to get a cat. When I was 10, I wondered if I would settle down in one school. When I was 15, I wondered if I would make it through my teenage years unscathed. When I was 20, I wondered if I’d ever find my […]
Am I Strong Enough?
Honestly, I must ask myself this question at least twice a day. Sometimes more! Because some days the challenges feel beyond my capability and I struggle for the capacity to be everything to my child and to my family. Motherhood is humbling y’all. In a way that’s impossible to explain to childless friends. Whatever you […]
A Peaceful Passing
No matter who we are or what our circumstances, we all hope for a good death. Nothing tragic, nothing painful. No disease or disability. At home, not in hospital. Not too young and not too old. Maybe passing away peacefully in our sleep, surrounded by our beloved family. Our final thoughts being of them and […]
Not Another Virus!
All parents fear bugs and viruses. It’s one of the hardest things we manage: Being sick ourselves, and having to look after our sick children. Most moms I’ve spoken to, don’t get the luxury of being sick. If you’re lying in bed, how do all the things get done? Who looks after the kids, the […]
A Will of Iron
For a very long time, we would do whatever it took to prevent Aidan from becoming dysregulated. And when his triggers ramped up, and it became virtually impossible to prevent a tantrum or meltdown, we would do whatever it took to bring the behaviours under control as quickly as possible. We genuinely believed that we […]
Pillows!
What are your child’s comfort items? I love asking this question in online autism support groups, because the answers are sometimes very weird and wonderful! There are things that make sense, and a few that are pretty unusual – like pieces of fruit, stacks of coloured paper, or kitchen utensils! Aidan’s are not too odd, […]
The Cot
Aidan was a baby that needed contact to nap or sleep. He needed to feel the warmth of your body, and be able to hear your heartbeat at all times. Though we battled with this, we weren’t aware that anything was unusual about it, until other moms with bubs of a similar age, were transferring […]
The Secret Costs of Autism
Remember when you were young and fun, well-rested and energetic, and you couldn’t decide between two pairs of shoes so you just got both? How long ago does that feel for you now? Because to me, it feels like a lifetime ago! I kind of feel as though every single parent on earth was wholly […]
Spinning Wheels
Aidan’s love of cars, trains, and automobiles, started at a very young age. He was absolutely obsessed with Hot Wheels, and every time we did a shop at Checkers, we’d stop by the revolving stand of them to buy him one. We had a little tradition of opening them while we waited to pay, and […]