a time of reflection......

This post is one that's so hard to write, not because I don't want to share it, but because the context in itself is still so hard to fathom and comprehend, even though I'm living it.

The Christmas season is generally a great time to gather family and friends together to celebrate the joys that life has bestowed upon us, rejoicing in all that is good.

Letting go of everything else and allowing ourselves the time to relax and be in the moment while enjoying time with those that matter most.

The best gift to give your child is the gift of LOVE.

A so-called 'simple' word can do 1 of 2 things.........

1/. Lift someone up.

or

2/. Pull someone down.

As an adult the 'later' can be an emotional and daunting experience. So when a child is confronted with this form of negativity, through repeated nagging, verbal harassment, abuse or bullying, we shouldn't expect them to “get over it” and move on.

With so many people being raised under the belief, as the old saying went....

“Sticks and Stones may break your bones, But Names will never hurt you”

Finding Special Moments to share is very important......

A.J. playing with our new little addition Laura,
they are becoming very good friends 

A.J. happily mumbling to himself, caught me off guard today as I prepared our breakfast, when suddenly he was standing directly in my line of movement.

“Hey Nan! I have a quiz for you.........What is the opposite of L.O.L. -laugh out loud?”

Without really thinking about what he had said as I tried to set the food onto the table.

I replied, “sorry hunn I'm not sure?”

A.J. responds - “The answer is C.I.Q. -cry in quietly!!”

“YES you may bask in the brilliance of my knowledge.”

me – “Hmmm...... yes you're very clever”, I reached over and kissed him on the forehead.

Entertaining us with Philosophical conversations are the highlight of A.J.'s mornings.

He delights in being involved in his ritual daily discussion and question time.

special moments and new experiences.

A.J. and little Laura bonding together 

As we begin closing in on the holiday season and our end of year break, most parents will agree at this time of year things can become a little frazzled and draining.

With everything we've been through over the past few years I myself am definitely showing the signs of needing a real break, and I'm looking forward to some down-time.

A.J. has already informed me everything is “boring” at the moment and he needs a new hobby/distraction. Unfortunately what that may be is a mystery to him as well as me.

Coping with the little things

The first thing we need to do as a parent of a special needs child, is to learn about, understand, and accept what lay before us. As we grow together we will adjust with the progress, by gaining knowledge and addressing the situations our little munchkins face; by acknowledging 'all' aspects including 'additional' symptoms, and concerning issues.

Accepting we will struggle with different concepts, we can still maintain a normal lifestyle without needing to “change” who our child is.

We can learn and teach our child to sense any pre-signs of melt-downs or sensory moments, to help them gain and maintain stability within their personal environment.

Giving a little understanding and consideration can help so much......

A.J. with his new best friend Laura, our baby mini-foxy

While thinking of what we have been through as a family and what we still have to face, especially when acknowledging the journey A.J. himself has encountered, I still at times wonder how we came out reasonably unscathed, in the big scheme of things.
While accepting that so much is still ahead for us, we try to focus as much as possible on the positives. I'm so proud of where this year alone has taken A.J. educationally, never giving up, and always willing to try what's placed before him, regardless of his struggles.

Focusing on Emotional Health and giving the right supports to our kids.

Our Backyard, the perfect surrounding, Nature at its best.....

Emotional health is the personal experiences relating to self-esteem, self-respect and resilience. It is the experience of acceptance, and happiness that helps to naturally move you to a state of emotional wellness.

As I begin on this topic I wish to firstly address the fact that everyone in some form or another can, has, or will face one of the many different forms of Mental Health.

Whether it be stress, anxiety, or something more severe; so for this reason we all need to be vigilant in being aware of changes in moods or sudden unusual behaviours of our loved ones, as this could be the early warning signs of underlying issues.

Thought I'd share with you …... A.J.'s “Topic Rants of the Day”......

Many parents and carers with Autistic kids will understand when I say that it is very common to be confronted with some unusual and ritualistic obsessions by our kids.

These moments have come about for A.J. as well, although his obsession isn't a specific item or thing, it consists of his verbal expression as he continually asks questions about anything and everything; becoming fixated on a specific topic, ideal, or word, and needing to know all there is to know and then not being satisfied there wanting to gain more, questioning every angle and point.

This can go on for days, weeks or months, until one day he will come out chatting about another topic and the cycle continues again.

Acknowledging the ‘Person’ behind the label and helping them to gain their best potential.......

all life skills connect together as supports
(picture found on google images)

We as human-beings are 'all' different in many ways.

Everyone together cannot fit a one-mould life, and we all deserve the right to enhance our own personal being. To truly gain the best potential from any child/person we should allow their unique personality to shine through.

“All children deserve to have the best life possible” 
To achieve this they need guidance with the freedom of personal expression. To stifle ‘their’ style of creativity would mean the possibility of losing future initiatives and achievements. 

having a 'want' to learn and an acceptance to continue can be found in us all if we try

both come from unique experiences,
we all need to embrace them to truly understand

One thing I've learnt along this journey regarding Autistic and special needs kids is their inability to possess the “Filtering System” needed to automatically decipher what is important and what can be discarded, relating to Sensory input such as lighting, noises, smells, textures, tastes, and more.

Soaking in everything around them this can be the cause of many overload and meltdown moments as they struggle to understand and cope with the bombardment of data input that continually swamps their sensitive nerve endings and emotional being.

For A.J. from the day he came into our full-time care at almost 3; long before we knew of his diagnosis or any understanding of his differences; his physical being was totally highly strung and emotionally wired.

Stress and Anxiety with-in the family network.

All children (and adults) at some point in time regardless of their situation, be it a ‘long-term or short-term’ capacity will struggle in relation to excessive nervousness, stress, agitation, restlessness, sleep issues, muscle aches and pains, and many more…..

Being aware of how all medical and physical conditions can be debilitating in many different ways, we can also be understanding of the ongoing support and adjustments required to help assist the ailing person.

When a family network includes an autistic child, there are additional considerations that need to be addressed, some may cause stress and upheaval not only to that child, but also to other family members.

If we are able to validate and understand 'all' emotional experiences that could occur, we have a better starting point for setting out a plan, based around each personal situation and needs.

every little moment counts........

A.J. having fun with props at a family 21st party

Enjoying the last day of holidays, chilling out and relaxing and taking in the day, I start preparing some school snacks treats and a great dinner of silverside and veges with white sauce.
The weather has started to become quite warm for this time of year so I'm prizing hubby off the lounge where he's watching some American football, to hopefully have him clear out and wash the car, but also in the hopes of getting him and A.J. outside to enjoy the beautiful day. 

Realising how much of this year has already gone, term 4 of the school year is about to begin and not one single issue to be dealt with, I would never have imagined this ever possible.

It is so humbling to face a great team of educators that can actually “get” A.J. and be able to handle the little hick-ups that are a part of his make-up and personality.

realise what is truly important.

A.J. in his favourite place, his room, 

and the computer on his desk.

Each and every day we take simple steps in the hopes of doing the right thing for our little ones, and in our case the not so little one. We become more and more concerned regarding their daily struggles, and while we may not always be able to physically help out with everything, we can still work on finding ways to minimise their stress and anxiety in any way with what we can do.

Mental Health Issues are a real......

help others before the clouds cover the real issues

Mental Health Issues are a real and true disability that needs addressing and accepting at the core levels.

Many families face different situations that can cause stress in everyday life, from becoming anxious and nervous for no apparent reason, when everything becomes so overwhelming you just want to scream and hope it will just go away.

Think about the different feelings you may face, when waiting for a job interview, meeting a new person, trying to start a new project, wanting to get all your chores finished but the kids are screaming and fighting and won't settle down.

That feeling in the pit of your stomach, butterflies, or a tight knot feeling that won't go away.

Now try magnifying it by thousands and even positive thoughts can't bring you back to calm!

The reality of seeing a loved one with what we now call “Mental Health Issues” This diagnosis can cover a vast array of medical issues.

finding the perfect outings....

A.J. loves the historical significance
these displays show

Choosing a little time-out excitement during the holiday break, we decided to find some local sites for a tourist's view of what we have on offer....

Before we could decide on the first venue, the weather had other ideas, so we found ourselves locked inside as the wind and chilly days take over the little amount of sunshine we get.

After a few days pass the sun sneaks in just long enough to tease us into a false perception that the spring season might finally be here, when the weather changes yet again and takes hold with drizzly rain for yet another few days.

So now A.J. has settled in his room with the latest electronic game and needs to be coerced out for a break and a snack. As most would know it's easy to see our kids become fixated to extremes on the latest trend or obsession they've discovered.

As with any child this seems to be more-so in the form of technology.

So anything we can find to distract them from the dreaded screen has to be a plus.

Progress......

a rare pic of me, taken while assisting the kids at our Open day 

Coming to the end of yet another school term I am still over-the-moon with how well A.J. has handled facing the many changes and new experiences that high school life has placed before him.

I am so proud of how he has maintained self-control, with a willingness to be open and try new things.

To think that only 12 months ago we were facing daily meltdowns and repeated phone calls from his primary school requesting he go home as they couldn't (or wouldn't) handle his “outbursts”.

Understanding now how those outbursts were more a cry for help as those around him refused to accept his diagnosis and were treating him as a disobedient child needing to be 'punished', when in reality he was fading away from those who were actually exacerbating his condition.

'Helping' our kids manage Meltdowns and Sensory Sensitivities.

A.J. -remembering back
and always staying positive

When people view our little one's Meltdowns they are quick to label them as 'Tantrums' and being 'Brats', believing we should find ways to discipline their behaviour.

The first thing I like to say and acknowledge is that “Punishment does not produce Learning”

In general, the notion of a punishment is used as a technique to reinforce specific learning, with the expectation that there are consequences to what is seen as “Logical” bad behaviour, due to the teacher/parent/person believing that a rule has been broken.

Although in reality a 'meltdown' is the child reacting to the “Natural” forces of nature and an uncontrollable physical action/reaction by their body in relation to unknown sensory sensitivities.

Therefore the outcome of any punishment will be additional confusion to the child, knowing they have not “intentionally” acted in a negative or disobedient way.

Coping with "Invisible Illnesses"

A.J. and Poppy together at the park

As I was preparing the finishing touches to my latest blog post, I was side swiped with another issue that needed to be addressed first.

Our grandson has yet again faced the inhumane behaviour of others, too hell bent on gaining laughs and self-gratification from other's misfortunes.

After posting this quick comment onto our Facebook page, I was taken aback thinking about the enormity of this type of issue.

Understanding the Neurology and Social Construction of our kids

A.J. after receiving his new prescription glasses,
so intent on describing all the finer detail
of what he now can see around him 

When we become a parent, being a mere 'Neurotypical', to an Autistic or special needs child, we slowly realise what they encounter in everyday life due to their differences, while facing situations that others will take for granted as being simple common-sense actions behaviours and mannerisms.

To understand how the neurology of any child can differ is one thing, although to realise what that means for our special kids (and ASD adults) is another.

Knowing how they may struggle socially with basic concepts, and situations relating to specific social cues and complex social situations; struggling with the concept of 'Idioms' and hidden meanings within words and conversations, and how this will

“I am really confused!” What is your preference and does it 'really' matter.

Firstly before I address this very touchy topic, I would like to acknowledge and confirm that I am stating this topic on a purely need-to-know and understand basis;

I have not done so to insult, target, or degrade anyone in any way, and if anyone may feel I have done so, then I apologise as that was not my intention.

I now know, as so many state, “I am a Neurotypical”,

and then I will follow by saying, - with an “Autistic grandson”;

although I have also stated, “I have a grandson with Autism”,

-or Autism Spectrum Disorder, and other diagnosed 'labels' i.e.- “Aspie”.

Yes at the end of the day these are all definitions of society's stated LABELS!

Acceptance, Understanding and Expectations for our child.

A.J. finding the simplest of things to enjoy

Understanding the complexities of our special man can be one thing, coping with the differences at the 'time' of a meltdown or anxiety attack, and then the confusion that follow, is another.

We definitely do sympathise with our kiddies and totally get their mannerisms and behaviour, but that doesn't make us immune emotionally from the aftermath; and 'that' does NOT give anyone else the right to assume to understand, judging us or our child.

They are not living our lives 100% and therefore cannot determine from a single moment or an isolated situation in time how the full events of a single day/week/month can play out.

Understanding how the smallest of details and the littlest thing can upset the harmonious balance they so need and require internally and environmentally,

finding the Silver Lining......

Trying to write this post, my new laptop has had a different idea for me and after almost a full page it decided to delete everything I'd just written, leaving me with a blank page and my brain in a spin as to the exact words I had just typed down.

So after a little under-the-breath cursing I will begin again by saying......

Life can really SUCK!

No matter how you plan and set things out you may come across hurdles in your way that you must decide whether to climb, go around, or turn back from defeated.

Respect the STIM......

bouncing is A.J.'s favourite process to de-stress

What is STIMMING?

Everyone at some point in time has had or does have a form of this by the way of different repetitive actions…… toe-tapping, leg-swinging, nail-chewing, hair-twirling, finger/pen-tapping, doodling on paper, pacing, and the list could go on……

Yes, that’s right………

You don’t have to be labelled ‘Autistic’ to do this, yet many ‘Neuro-Typical’s’ still judge these people on their behaviour without understanding why they do it or how it can actually help them.

Hopefully the following details will help others make sense as to why these people shouldn’t be treated any different to anyone with little ‘habits’.

We all do this to calm ourselves and help manage issues such as nervousness, stress, anger, fear, or anxiety, while those with ASD will use this process in an automatic non-controlled self-stimulating manner when trying to maintain stability due to their excessive sensory issues. 

The Wheels fell off………understanding Sensory Meltdowns.

The Wheels fell off………

A simple word; a look; an action; a strange sound or smell;

Reacting to an environmental or personal issue in a manner that others don’t understand, and then their response starts the roller-coaster of emotionally fuelled actions that continue to spiral out of control.

When others don’t understand or comprehend what our kids go through, their response isn’t always what we would hope for or expect, sometimes the responses are negative and hurtful; and sometime their response triggers yet another tirade from our kids.

Craft Activities used to Socially Engage Children.....

Looking to understand the full picture of Autism Spectrum Disorders, we may comprehend the ‘basic’ functioning variations describing the ability levels for each person with a diagnosis, although when researching the more detailed areas to better understand the extent of each defined variation, it is difficult to gain any knowledge that focus on the specifics.

Regardless of this fact we can see that they all face significant challenges that could and do stand in the way of being able to live a considerably comfortable lifestyle in their personal and professional sectors, mainly due to seemingly odd behaviours and mannerisms, and then facing the reactions from others misunderstanding or misinterpreting the reasons behind these situations; adding the factor of ‘looking normal’ others seem to ‘expect’ they would and should act and perform in what is perceived as a normal manner.

reaching this years halfway mark......

Touching base with everyone, I hope like us, you're all having a great break, although our local weather has other ideas......I've kept busy and distracted by arranging a few special little outings, snuggling up watching our favourite movies together, or just doing simple things while chatting about anything and everything, and generally chilling out and relaxing.

With the school holidays in full swing I have paused to think how amazing the past few

The things that others on the outside looking in cannot or refuse to understand.

"Cyclone Twins" in full force 

After a couple of weeks with miserable, windy, drizzly weather we woke today to view the frost laden grounds and a thick fog layered through the crevices of our valley floor. Beautiful to see as the sun begins to rise and slowly melt away the frozen icicle droplets that had so perfectly formed on the downpipes and gutter cornices.

As I head towards the chilly zones of the bathroom for my morning shower I hesitate and wrap my dressing-gown tighter and choose the option of my morning cuppa tea instead.

I peer in on A.J. to find him still snuggly wrapped in his doona with his pillows strategically placed to cocoon him in his bed; peacefully dreaming of an alternate universe where all is as he wishes it to be.

I gently wake him to begin his morning routine only to have him inform me that he needs more sleep as the weekend’s adventures had resulted in him having his precisely arranged weekend routine ruined and not gaining enough sleep, therefore he needed to catch up.

A Meltdown is not a Tantrum; and what that really means for our child!

A.J. tries to settle down and recover from the flu...

Anxiety is in overdrive plus at the moment, with the onset of winter hitting us with a vengeance and overtaking A.J.’s physical being, and his emotional balance is also suffering with changes in routines and unexpected situations occurring.

No matter how well we try to arrange everything, there always seems to be something that occurs to put a cog in the works, to slow-down or stop the smooth sailing process.

When things are running smoothly we can become complacent and forget to fine-tune things and then the results hit us with a crash-bang effect.

the winter season cleanup.......

the start of the garden clean-up...

The winter weather has taken over and our home feels as though we’re in the freezer’s control centre and the family in a ‘go-slow-zone’.

A.J. in true form has gone into hibernation mode, winter has never been a good time for him sensory wise; and I too must admit that I seemed to have lost all sense of purpose, with my thought process going haywire.

With only two more weeks before the next allotted school break I am hoping to gain time to give A.J. a little get-away treat; and also trying hard to focus on the latest research material for our kid’s social club I am hoping to establish.

It has been a very difficult time lately due to the losses we have faced, a family relative, a long-time friend, and our beloved special family member/pet dog Tess.

These moments allow us time to reflect, as A.J. so bluntly puts it “we are not immortal”

Discussing the touchy topic of….’Medication’

As a parent, one of the hardest parts of living with Autism is facing the subject of ‘Medication!’

So many of us at some point have had to (or will have to) confront these discussions, make the decisions, attempt the reality, and accept the outcome.......

saying goodbye to his best mate...

****R.I.P. *** Tess ***

A blanket of silence covers our home today,
As we see our special friend on her way;
With sadness filling the air around,
Our little buddy is heaven bound;

Some may say she was only our pet,
But she was more than that and we’ll never forget;
With the memories we hold and cherish so dear,
Our special little girl will always be near.

You can rest in peace now little girl
 (March ‘01- 6th June ’15)

Don’t let that defeatist bubble burst!

acknowledging- "the puzzling piece" for use of this pic. 

How often do we sit in the negativity of silly things?

Facing what others perceive as ‘simple’ day-to-day issues and situations, that to us can seem all-consuming and overwhelming due to the added burdens we sometimes have to deal with.

Don’t let that defeatist bubble burst!

                                                          

There are so many things we can do to stay afloat and see as positives of life.

Start by being organised.

Many can struggle with schedules, meetings, routines, time limits, running late, etc, with the outcome being panic/anxiety attacks, and meltdowns from everyone involved.

Advocating for your child at school IEP's......

acknowledging Looking In / Looking Out
for the use of this picture

When I first started preparing for my blog, I gathered the many notes and documents I had written over the years about our personal journey into the world of Autism.

Travelling along its path, my eyes were opened to many different aspects that as parents of ‘neuro-typical’ children we take for granted.

While re-writing our story for the blog, I viewed the many comments I had previously noted, and while writing the words again, my words, I had a ‘light-globe moment’ and taking the words of a poem written, I now re-use the words to highlight our children’s specific requirements, expressing the importance to the need for ‘continual’ assistance ….  

the Joys of Family......

A.J. in his dressing gown on his iPad,
his two favorite things 

OK, just snuck out to the office/sewing-room to write my latest Blog, while the boys are watching Dr Who of all things; seems A.J. has found a new obsession and Poppy is so proud;
and while I'm mentioning ‘Poppy’ I have to acknowledge the fact that if it wasn't for my adorable Hubby I wouldn't have achieved as much as what I have to date.
He’s still as amazing today as when we first connected or maybe even more if I am totally honest......
I know you are all saying OMG, but the truth is he has been my rock through so much we have encountered and never once complained about what I have opened him up to, with all my dreams and plans, struggles and encounters.
....luv him forever......

With all the mushiness out of the way and admitting we have had our ups and downs, faced rocky roads together, and sometimes not the best of times, I still truly acknowledge the good that has come from it all and how we have grown stronger because and despite of those things.

Daily Routines, Rituals and Resolutions......

A.J. taking time out
 after his busy school schedule

Finding and solving the smallest of issues, can make the biggest impact on our daily routine.

All children cope better when they have clear concise guidelines with structured routines and boundaries. Having specifically laid-out expectations simplifies everything for them and makes it easier to handle. If there are no rules or they are constantly changing, it is hard to anticipate what is required and causes more confusion.

Part of this structure is also focusing on the positives, rewarding good choices and behaviour, and being consistent with everything.

Giving clear explanations to why and how things are needed takes away stress and worry they may be doing things wrong or different to what is requested.

Finding ways to help……

business cards and advertising poster 

My ‘passion’ is connected with my ‘compassion’ for others……

I have always had an unintentional need to help others in any simple way I can, regardless of the fact that my family and I personally have very little, I still seem to be drawn to those in need.

With this in mind it never surprised my family or friends to see me find a ‘need’ to connect to.

From the time I gained care of our grandson, I gave 100% time and effort into helping A.J. with the delays and struggles he was presented with, and then after learning of his diagnosis, I fell into the passion of researching anything and everything that will help him in the best way possible.

This was when I realised our community needed a support service to provide help for all the parents, carers, etc; a way of linking together to help each other, with support, sharing stories-hints-ideas, with understanding-direction-assistance, to link with the correct available services, and so much more; but mostly just to know that someone else understands, cares, and wants to help.

the positive side of Autism......

acknowledging 'MI Autism Wonders' for the use of this picture

Many parents and carers when beginning their path to researching the description, symptoms, understanding of, and other ‘want-to-know’ criteria regarding Autism and associated diagnoses, will find themselves bombarded with a long line of “deficits” connected with the challenges our children (and adults), are faced with.

Although it is necessary to be aware of these challenges to more easily assist our loved-ones, we would also like to know and acknowledge that they also have a list of “Traits”, that as a parent, we can celebrate as a positive, to be proud of, as with any of our children.

the Highs and Lows of life......

A.J. doing wat he does best lately
...finding food.

This is the part that gets difficult….

Facing the day-to-day school situations of total mayhem that others call every day high-school life, although when adding the confusion, sensory distractions, misunderstanding of instructions, trying to keep up with classwork, and many other ASD related issues; you may have a small clue to where we’re at……?

A few highs and lows presently at school, starting with the cold weather, this can affect all of us in some way and sitting in a cold car waiting for him after school I can definitely sympathise, especially when our weather changes so dramatically, add to this A.J. has Sensory issues running thick and fast, beginning with clothing sensitivity and his refusal to wear a jumper or an undershirt with his uniform as the ‘Layering’ causes distress; 

The change in weather also causing distractions as the school stated he is ‘refusing’ although we have agreed he is ‘struggling’ to stay focused and concentrate on his tasks.

Then I was informed he has had a different Teacher’s Aide working with him and he hasn’t become comfortable with her differing techniques, add the different subject topics he’s started with this term and the end result is obvious.

Homework... what is the perfect balance......?

Homework…..the lasted great debate,

…(and seemingly causing a bit of a stir on multimedia recently)…

With everyone back in full swing at school, after the holiday break and a lull in the ‘study sector’ being all but a fading memory, I thought I’d help bring you back to reality with a little food for thought…..

How would you answer these few questions? 

-how much time should be taken to do homework

-what are the expectations regarding homework

-is it only revision or do they set out work not yet covered at school

-what are your thoughts on parental input and involvement

-should we help and when do we help

-how far do we go

The school laid down precedence from the time my children were at school with the expectation of parents becoming involved in their child’s academic ability

Now, with my grandchildren in full swing at school all of a sudden they are doing a back-flip stating that we are stifling their progress, independence, and creativity by our involvement

I personally will take it all in and give one simple response….”It all depends on the child!”

Who is truly Responsible.....?

Reflecting the enormity of issues confronting Special Needs children/adults/people, through being  

‘unaware of’, ‘barricaded from’, or simply ‘having a lack of’ correct services etc required to give them the support, understanding, and assistance; and should be mandatory at ALL schools, work-placements, social sectors, and more.

We want to understand why there isn’t enough help when needed the most.

The ‘ignore it and it will go away’ attitude will not and should not be accepted any more.

We all need to stand up and demand that these systems be accountable; too many children are going through being ignored and missing out on basic educational requirements, things that should be easily obtained if given a little patience and compassion; if a child doesn’t understand an instruction no-one should state – “I’m not repeating that” or any other ‘brush-away’ comment.

Little Moments to Enjoy......

special moments with a favourite cousin 

So proud of our little man being relaxed and settled while coping with so many different changes;

Holiday mayhem hit with a vengeance and all A.J. saw before him was a lack of order or routine, having such a regimented school routine, he was confused with not knowing what needed doing, waking at the same time, and still setting up the day in a vague subconscious attempt to seem normal then suddenly seeing there isn't anything to focus on.

I helped A.J. arrange a routine schedule to help him keep everything on a calm and expected pace; he then decided to link the time schedule onto his iPad.

Although he started off trying to avoid the ‘work’ sections off his list, he easily relaxed into the process, coming to inform me of each new section, stating what needed doing as it came up on his iPad alarm.

During his schedule we arranged for homework to be included; although A.J. happily set out to do his work, at times he struggled to understand the process with some of his maths problems and became upset, working hard to stay in control he took timeout to calm and gain composure before continuing.

During break times he veered towards the one thing left to do, setting up for the day in front of his Sony system, and Minecraft (of course)......

Parents, don't forget about your time.......

As a result of the whole ‘big picture’ that our family personally entails, with my needing to be the one consistently holding the reigns, managing any Autism-related appointments, trying to juggle any household issues and family time, along with work related time, and so much more.

I had to learn how to let things go and not control ‘everything’, to enjoy every experience, regardless, without the worry and stress that things may not go to plan.

the holidays begin...

two tiny specks blue+black
as the boys wander off enjoying the day 

EASTER holidays; a great time for some Rest & Relaxation, while facing the first changes of the year, the end of daylight savings, the beginning of the winter season, etc

Setting up the roster for the holidays, A.J. happily discusses the options he wishes to be included while also willingly addressing and accepting my expectations, we both come up with an agreeable result -Including study, breaks, chores, and more…

After writing out a paper copy for his whiteboard A.J. chose to also add it to his iPad reminder list

He then requested that he didn't need the copy on his board “for all to see!”

“Like we have a stream of visitors passing through our house”

I agreed to his request and placed it on my office-room noticeboard instead.

Holiday’s - chocolate eggs -presents –Family time…

Finding ways to enjoy the break and actually get out of the house into reality

Focusing on the positives and finding ways to keeping stability and help ease any emotional overload, anxiety, changing stress levels, and Meltdowns

Helping to change the way others think

All too often we sit back and become complacent to the world we live in until something happens to explode our happy little life, and then it's all,

……….DON’T MESS WITH THE MAMMA!!!

I totally get it......... regarding how we can become so relaxed in our own little bubble, floating along doing our own thing, that we ignore everything happening outside the world we live in, believing all is good as long as we aren't being trampled or disturbed directly.

My perspective to this outlook definitely changed after our little man came into our life full time and we faced the journey into the world of Autism, understanding the struggles that families go through trying to gain the all-important Diagnosis just to get the much needed help and support.