Category: parenting
-
Tidy Mind, Tidy Life: Reclaiming Order as an Autistic Adult
As a parent of autistic children and an autistic adult myself, I’ve had countless “aha!” moments over the years as I’ve recognised traits in my kids that I dismissed or misunderstood in myself as a child. One of the most striking parallels has been the profound need for order and how its absence can lead…
Written by
·
-
From Lunchbox Meltdowns to Lunchroom Success: Our Journey
If you’ve got autistic kids in school or preschool, you’ve likely witnessed the great lunchbox standoff: carefully prepared meals returning home untouched, school dinners rejected outright, and a hungry, dysregulated child melting down at the end of the day. It’s not just about being picky or fussy; for many autistic children, lunchtime can be a…
Written by
·
-
Think You Don’t Have Autistic Meltdowns? Here’s Why You Might Be Wrong
You don’t have to scream, cry, or collapse to be having an autistic meltdown. For years, I thought meltdowns were something that happened to other people—until I realised my daily irritability, supermarket rage, and sudden shutdowns were my reaction to overwhelm. Here’s what it really looks like, and how I finally connected the dots.
Written by
·
-
School Success for Autistic Kids: How Parents Can Become the Ultimate Advocates
When my kids started preschool, I realised I was not your average parent. While some might feel overwhelmed by behavioural challenges, I go full Poundland Sherlock Holmes. Every issue sends me into a whirlwind of research, piecing together clues and obsessively problem-solving. I’ve come to embrace this as my way of supporting my kids. But…
Written by
·
-
The Power of Repetition: Turning Overexplaining Into a Parenting Superpower
Parenting is full of surprises, not least the realisation that habits you once thought of as quirks—or even flaws—can become essential tools. For me, the urge to endlessly talk through upcoming plans has long been a source of frustration for others. Whether it’s discussing kitchen layouts or dinner menus, the same topics whirl around in…
Written by
·
-
When You Learn Your Needs Don’t Matter: The Emotional Toll of Being Undiagnosed
I’ve often been asked why I push so hard for my kids to get diagnosed. To some, they seem “normal,” and the effort to secure assessments feels unnecessary. “They’ll be fine,” I’ve heard countless times. The answer to this question is simple: me. I’m the reason. My lived experience as an undiagnosed autistic and ADHD…
Written by
·
-
Surviving the School Run with Neurodivergent Kids: A Battle Won Before 9 AM
If you’ve got neurodivergent kids, you’ll likely know the scene all too well: mornings filled with wailing, flailing, and full-body refusals. Getting them dressed, fed, and out the door for school feels less like a daily routine and more like a grueling endurance challenge. By the time you’ve arrived at the school gates, you’re frazzled,…
Written by
·
-
When Your Kid Refuses to Settle into Preschool: Could It Be Autism?
When my son E couldn’t settle into preschool, I thought it was separation anxiety. But the real issue was sensory overload — and it led to an autism referral. Here’s what I wish I’d known sooner.
Written by
·
-
How My Parents Accidentally Created an Autism-Friendly Christmas Tradition
Christmas: a season of bright lights, endless carols, chaotic parties, and school events piled on top of each other. Not to mention the mountain of noisy toys gifted by well-meaning relatives. While festive for many, Christmas was never designed for those of us who find everyday life overwhelming enough as it is. For neurodivergent folk…
Written by
·
-
Navigating Social Challenges with Autistic Kids: A Realistic Approach
Socialising with neurodivergent kids isn’t always about playdates and parties. My boys thrive in structured settings but need weekends to decompress. After years of trying to “do it right,” I’ve embraced their need for quiet time. Turns out, kids can be happy little hermits—and that’s perfectly okay.
Written by
·
