All our kids are quite unique aren't they?  I have three, they're very different in their characters and not that similar in a lot of ways and I suspect is similar in your home.   Nevertheless their achievements are so significant and relative to them and there's always a reason to smile as a parent when that goal however highbrow or small, is achieved.

It's a good morning in our house today......hope it's going well in your home too!  If not, take heart because tomorrow is another day! xx

We survived the jab so this is an account of what happened.   A bit of preparation was needed and a little planning always help!

Hope its helpful!

The steps and the planning required for the flu jab. Josh is a lot easier to placate than his brother but nevertheless, preparation is required.....I'll up date you after the event.....

Josh used to be really nervous of fireworks over the years but he has adjusted to them.  I think that may be because we go to our local village display each year and he's become accustomed to the situation and setting.  Max has always loved them and can be seen dancing around from foot to foot even on new years eve if he seems them on TV.  For some it will be challenging but my top tip would be ear defenders and small displays in the gardens at first......small steps forward.......

You might remember from a previous blog that I mentioned that Josh had been approved for an AAC device to help him communicate.  It's a tablet with words and symbols on and it enables him to form a sentence.  The device also speaks and so this has created a window into Josh's mind for us because he seems to know what he wants even though he cannot speak and can't communicate verbally to us.

The device is great and I would recommend anyone who might be in a similar situation to research it.  Its certainly proving to be very positive right now for Josh and that's a great thing!

If you're a mum with a very faddy eater, you'll know that its quite difficult at times trying to break through the rigidity that can affect food intake in youngsters with autism.  Food can be quite a sensory issue with flavours and tastes that are particularly strong, proving difficult when it comes to trying to get the youngster to try new foods.  One of my boys had a very strong gag reflex when he was younger.  With a lot of perseverance, he's doing much better so a word to any parent out there experiencing these challenges, please don't give up because it will improve over time.

Max doesn't have a gag reflex but can be rigid in food choices.  He didn't used to be but this has developed as he has become older.  However, we've just discovered that he likes Marmite!  Who knew??

Apologies for my silence, been recovering from an Op and it has been challenging to say the least.  

Autism doesn't relent though and there's still challenges to face even if you are a bit under the weather.  And there's always shoutouts to count.....have a listen, all will be revealed!

Apologies for the delay, we haven't given up on blogging, just took a step back to deal with the challenges of daily life, just like all of you no doubt!

We are still alive and kicking ...hope to be more proactive in the weeks ahead as we roll from one challenge to the next......take care x

....A CELEBRATION OF THE LITTLE THINGS ACHIEVED THROUGH PERSEVERANCE AND FIGHTING BACK AGAINST AUTISM.  JUST A FEW LITTLE TRIUMPHS TO SHARE  AND TO LET ANYONE WHO'S HAVING AN AUTISTIC KIND OF DAY AND WONDERING WHETHER THERE WILL BE LIGHT AT THE END OF THE TUNNEL?  THE ANSWER IS AN EMPHATIC YES!

Mum guilt is a very real thing.  Thinking I don't deserve to be out having a coffee when I should really be at home cleaning up, doing washing and housework is something that I grapple with but you know what? After the last year and a half and the experience the entire world has been through , its time to grab some moments whenever you can.  There's a real issue with social care and support right now here in the UK so much so that there will need to be tax rises in order to sort this out.  I genuinely hope it helps the situation.

A note to any parents out there who feel guilt like me......cut yourself some slack!  We do deserve a break too!