Tag Archives: Autism

Belfast Zoo, Northern Ireland

It was meant to be a sunny day and, as we weren’t staying far from Belfast Zoo, we decided a day at the Zoo would be a great idea. Unfortunately the weather didn’t listen to the forecast but fortunately Zoo’s can still be enjoyed in the rain!

The Ulster American Folk Park, Northern Ireland

We visited The Ulster American Folk Park on our first day in Northern Ireland. The park is a living museum with houses and buildings as they were years ago and actors dressed up throughout.

Endeavour Short Breaks

Endeavour is based in Somerton in Somerset. Used during the week to provide short breaks for people with learning disabilities, Endeavour to achieve is a respite, independent living project for individuals, small groups and families with members with learning disabilities and autism. The project gives them the opportunity to learn independence skills in a homely environment. 

Tribe DIY at home experience

I was so impressed with this online experience. Obviously the theatre company has a lot of experience in providing shows for autistic children and a lot of thought has gone into how the show can be adapted for home use. It is done extremely well -any sensory seeker would love it!

The prisoner like locking up of autistic people and PDAers needs to stop!

The statistics are shocking. Sky news have revealed that at least 40 people with a profound learning disability or autism have died while admitted to “barbaric” secure hospitals the government has promised to close since 2015. 9 of these were under 35! The number of children held in these places has doubled since 2015. Doubled.

A video describing how one parent felt when they were first told their child’s diagnosis

This video is based on my own feelings when my son finally received a diagnosis after 4 years of waiting. I realise not everyone will feel the same way that I did that day. This is quite a personal video to me, maybe some parents will be able to relate.

Autism awareness leggings?

I saw an advert today for leggings to raise awareness of autism! The leggings were patterned with multi coloured jigsaw pieces. By wearing these leggings I am told by the advert I am raising awareness of autism. For the bargain price of $54.89 I can have the privilege of wearing to the gym something that my daughter would have loved when she was five.

10 great ideas for helping rather than punishing, autistic children in mainstream primary schools

Most the behaviour that autistic children are being punished for in mainstream schools isn’t them misbehaving at all, it is the outward showing of an inner turmoil caused by a buildup of stress induced by their environment and circumstance.

A video explaining how anxiety feels to an autistic child

This video was made to try and raise understanding of what anxiety can feel like for an autistic child. It is based on the beginning of my post about anxiety in autistic children.

Why I am not lighting it up blue for Autism Awareness Month, choosing instead to continually promote autism acceptance.

April is widely known as Autism Awareness Month. All over social media we see well meaning people adding blue  frames to their pictures with the words “light it up blue for autism”. Smiling and not smiling faces of autistic children are plastered all over my facebook newsfeed with well meaning parents showing the world their autistic children for “awareness”.

10 ideas for an autism friendly, all inclusive school playground.

The school playground, especially if its a large school, can be a daunting and scary place for autistic children. There is a lot going on, a lot of noise, a lot of people and this can all be anxiety provoking and confusing.
Here are ten great ideas schools could try to help make playtime more bearable for autistic children and those with Sensory Processing Disorder.

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