Category: Autism
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The System
The system is broken. Full bloody stop. We can fight amongst ourselves and try our best to get those individulal wins, but we are just lone warriors – trying to wage our own version of a resistance. It just is one, big losing battle. A war with pocketfuls of parents, here and there, who are made…
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Our wings should not be broken
It is not a disability that prevents the ability to fly. We should not be disadvantaged because we need more help. We should not be disadvantaged because we need more time. We should not be disadvantaged by not having the same rights. Time and time again children crumble whilst parents desperately fight for the equality…
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Me and My PDA – A Guide to Pathological Demand Avoidance for Young People
I have reviewed a couple of books on Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) since I started this blog, but this time I decided to do it a little differently. I usually write from the viewpoint of the adult, when discussing these resources, but I forget to really get the insider’s view. So this time I decided…
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Potential Kids and a New Year Miracle
Potential Kids are looking for a miracle as 2019 begins. At the end of last year they were faced with their biggest challenge to date. But before I explain I want to talk a little bit more about this unique service that they provide for families locally. I did review our first stay and play…
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Sleeping Beauties and Simple Wishes
On New Years Eve, as I lay down with my eldest daughter to help get her to sleep, I asked what her new year’s wish would be – you certainly can’t ask a demand-avoidant child what her new year’s resolution would be! Going to sleep over the last few years has been one of our…
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Christmas Survival Guide for Parents
What tips would you give to other parents to help them survive over Christmas? I know personally that we have had many difficult experiences in the past as it leads up to the festive period. Often, the best learning can be done when parents haven’t got it right the first time, but have learnt how…
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Autismorphis
As a parent of a child with autism, I’ve come to notice that the development and parenting process are akin to the four stages of a butterfly cycle. If maybe we can compartmentalise our ‘parental function,’ into what is required for those four stages, then we can support our children in the best way we…
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EDM on PDA – We Need Your Help!
The first time I ever wrote my thoughts down about how challenging life was in our household, I never expected it to lead to so many new experiences and meetings with like minded people who would be equally as passionate as I was about improving the systems that were in place. That there would be…
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How to Help a Child in Meltdown
Last week I did a mini-post on my Facebook page that seems to have been popular – I guess it’s the nearest I’ve ever got to something going viral! In relation to my usual audience reach, this has way bypassed the usual ratings and has sparked conversations (and heated debates!) with those who wouldn’t usually…
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The Invisible Barrier
“I’ve kind of spent my whole life in this kind of observational role, even when I’m an active participant.” Little Black Duck (adult with PDA) – taken from the book PDA by PDA’ers An important trait, often missing from our current thinking on Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), is the behaviour of ‘observing.’ Studying other individuals…