Tag: education
-
When Reading Doesn’t Equal Writing: Supporting a Hyperlexic Autistic Child
I genuinely thought I must have been getting something wrong. My autistic 6-year-old can read at a level far beyond his age, yet he struggles massively with putting pencil to paper in the classroom. None of it made sense—until I learned more about hyperlexia. H is reluctant to read with me, or with anyone. But…
Written by
·
-
Practise Makes Positivity: Starting School With An Autistic Child
Here I write about my youngest child’s transition to school after a challenging preschool experience. His autism required careful preparation, focusing on social skills, communication, and comfort in the school environment. With tailored support, he overcame initial struggles and confidently began school. The journey emphasizes the importance of preparation and understanding autistic needs.
Written by
·
-
Buddy the School Transition Bear: Helping Autistic Children Cope with Big Changes
When my husband returned from a work trip with a couple of free teddy bears, I smiled politely. Cute, yes. But nothing groundbreaking—until I noticed something that made me stop in my tracks. The bears were wearing little yellow T-shirts… the exact same colour as the school uniform my four-year-old, E, will be wearing in…
Written by
·
-
The Magic of Music: Easing School Transition for Neurodivergent Children
How a music session gave my anxious preschooler confidence and calm One Thursday afternoon, I arrived at preschool to collect my youngest, E. I already knew they’d had a music workshop that day with Boogie Mites, and I was fully expecting to hear that he had refused to join in—just like every other time. But…
Written by
·
-
School Transitions Take 2: Supporting My Second Autistic Child
The First Time Around When my eldest started school two years ago, we had an inkling he may be autistic. Shortly after he began in Reception, his teacher agreed with me, and this started the referral process for assessment and additional school support. Take Two: Armed with Experience My youngest, E, is now preparing to…
Written by
·
-
Time Out: Knowing When Your Neurodivergent Child Needs a Break
The day started innocently enough: a quiet house, a warm coffee, and the comforting nonense of a podcast debating whether the earth is flat in the background. But that serenity was shattered by a sound I’ve come to know all too well—wailing from upstairs. As I paused my podcast and set down my coffee, I…
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
·
-
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
·
