"My Diagnosis and My Reality" - explained by A.J.

compassion and understanding for all

The other day while chatting with A.J. the topic came up about what makes people like or hate other people!

I tried to explain how it was hard to know what others may think or feel about things they don't know or understand,

sometimes they may be a little frightened of something or someone that is "different"

the teenage years and more....

A.J. trying outfits
for his upcoming play

Over the past few months I've been tied up with so much,

Hashing out ideas and plans to generate awareness and support for our locals,

Initiation and establishment of our first annual Accessible Lifestyle Expo,

Spending most of my spare time working out schedules, arranging participants, supporters with donations, then correlating everything with my co-planner.

All this happened while still juggling the usual support group meetings and sewing/craft sessions I run, along with any additional meetings and planning appointments.

At home I'm trying to find ways to help A.J. cope with a lot of personal changes he's going through and how he can understand and accept them at his level. The teenage angst has hit with a vengeance and A.J.'s struggling to understand the concept of where and how he fits into the whole thing.

Community Connections and Support…

overlooking our lovely valley..... our home 

Sometimes we may have moments that see us in a rut, powerless to balance out the day's events,

being unable to focus on those all important and necessary items, chores, or tasks.

Unfortunately over the past few weeks we've seen just that,

 it seems the universe has had alternate ideas than what we had planned or expected for us,

So Many Different Beginnings.

A.J. from beginning to now
 as the journey goes on.....

We all begin our journey from mismatched perspectives, with pathways all heading in different directions, and yet we can still connect together and relate in a way that will bind us.

Everyone has a story to tell, although unlike the 'standard' family's tales, those of us with our adorable quirky kids can tell an amazing array of stories like no other.

Ours was one, showing a family torn apart and shattered, after receiving the knowledge our own grandson was in crisis and needed our support. Stepping in and fighting with all of our very being, everything and anything we had, to gain the right to care for him in the way he rightly deserves, as does any and every child.

Guiding that same young child from the tender age of two into his teenage years, while learning of his lengthy multiple diagnosis, supporting him every step of the way, through understanding and acceptance.

Together while facing his demons, and make a full 180 degree turnaround from what was experienced on those very first days.

Showing that anyone can achieve the very best outcome, with a little patience, hard work, and a lot of love.

Accessing Help Within the School Environment

Last night after arriving home from attending another P&C meeting, I sat down with cuppa in hand and perused the leaflets handed to me regarding the amended 'standards' for students heading towards their HSC.

Now, it may be known A.J. is only in year 8 and a long way off his year 12 studies and the HSC, although with the expectations put on them they need to begin to prepare now for what they are heading into.

Add to that the additional demands and stresses on an ASD, special needs, or disadvantaged child, and the concerns may increase dramatically.

Sensory Diet, products and support

a few little items that can be helpful with sensory calming

 Many autistic kids struggle with processing different forms of sensory input.

This involves either 'over' or 'under' stimulation from the sensory areas of touch, taste, smell, sight, hearing, movement, and body awareness/balance.

When addressing this we first need to understand how the process works, starting with how the brain receives and organises sensory input from the surrounding environment.

Finding his own Personality

allowing A.J. to be himself can be portrayed in many ways... 

Days are flying past us at such an unimaginable rate, and we never seem to find the time for the little things.

It only feels like yesterday that a little frightened, timid, 18 month old bundle came to live with us, and yet I see this handsome 14 year old standing in front of me, already beginning to tower over me.

A now confident inquisitive teenager wanting to explore the world he lives in, questioning anything and everything he encounters.

As he gains more confidence to take yet another step towards independence, we still see the signs of insecure, indecisive, emotional, and physical restrictions that can so easily revert him into a huddle at any given time. Yet this still won't hold him back when positive moments take hold.