by Kirsty | Mar 11, 2017 | Autism, Parents, Relationships, Special Needs
I’ve been mulling over this issue for a while now. As a parent, what’s the best terminology to use for my son and daughter who are both on the autism spectrum? Person with autism or autistic person? I know some readers were surprised recently when I shared...
by Kirsty | Sep 13, 2016 | Parents, Relationships, Special Needs
Outwit. Outplay. Outlast. These words form the well known motto of Survivor, the reality TV game where contestants are stranded in a tropical location and forced to rely on their wits, strength and endurance to survive. In the game, contestants need to be smarter,...
by Kirsty | Jun 21, 2016 | Parents, Relationships, Special Needs
I watched Finding Dory with my family on the weekend at a screening for the vision and hearing impaired. It was a lovely, accessible event and my kids enjoyed the chance to see a movie in a safe and supportive setting. I’m not sure whether it was because we were...
by Kirsty | May 16, 2016 | Mental Health, Relationships
Dear Enemy, There is a part of me who doesn’t want to acknowledge your existence at all. Who wants to deny that we are enemies. Because we shouldn’t be, you and I. We should be friends. To be honest, I don’t think we’ve ever had a good...
by Kirsty | Mar 18, 2016 | Relationships, Special Needs
I’m sure you’ll agree that trying to balance the needs of everyone in any family is hard work. You’ll always have competing needs and priorities. No-one will ever be entirely happy. And you, as the parent, will always be blamed for any perceived...
by Kirsty | Mar 9, 2016 | Relationships, Special Needs
I know from my own experience as a carer, you can spend so much time looking after your special needs child or your other kids or your elderly parents or your partner, there is often no time or energy left to care for yourself. I also know that sometimes it can be...