Browsing Category

Autism Awareness

As opposed to ‘My Socially Awkward Life’ where I talk mainly about my families own ups and downs. The journey of an autism mum wearing her brave pants. This part of my blog is all about autism awareness. A place to share ideas and hopefully help others too.

Here I share facts and figures about autism. I’ll also share ideas that have gone some way to helping my boys. And maybe the odd disasters that didn’t. I am a tireless campaigner trying to raise awareness of autism and what it means to those of us with a diagnosis. Along with their families too.

Autism Awareness

MMR and Autism

MMR and Autism

I’m sure you all know that dangerous and life threatening diseases (previously eradicated) like Measles are raising their deadly heads again. Its all comes down to an anti vaccination movement. I thought we were over it . But apparently not. It seems that thousands of new parents all over the world are more frightened of the risk of ‘Giving’ their child autism rather than protect their daughter from potentially catching Rubella when she goes on to have her own child. Leaving her child with severe birth defects. OK, that’s a bit extreme but you get the picture. So I’m here to dispel the myth that there is a link between the MMR and autism. Do I have a degree? No. Am I an expert? No. But what I do have is experience. Continue Reading…

Autism Awareness, My Socially Awkward Life

Fuck Off Autism!

Fuck Off Autism!

Yeah, ya Bastard, why don’t you right royally fuck off! Believe me, I don’t say that lightly. Even my boys say it too! It’s not the diagnosis but the label that comes with it. They don’t want sympathy. Most of all and above all else they just want people to see them as normal. Which to me they are. They are my funny, infuriating, loving, giant pains in the ass just like every teenage kid. Can you imagine having to have a quiet word with staff where ever you go just to be on the safe side? Or what it’s like when college takes your child off role or sends them home because hey, they don’t matter? How about the whole debate on low functioning versus high functioning? Which are you? Do you fit into a category? Well why should they? Excuse the rant but fuck off autism!

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Autism Awareness, Interior Design, My Socially Awkward Life

Interior Design For The Autistic Home

Interior Design For The Autistic Home

Are you aware that we have seven senses? Most of us are familiar with the standard five of touch, hearing, sight, smell and taste. The two lesser known senses are movement (the vestibular System) and body awareness (the proprioceptive system). Well, what’s this got to do with interiors I hear you ask? Well,  I have three sons, two of whom are autistic and my main aim when designing our home was to make it a comfortable environment for us all. So I thought you might find it interesting to see how I approach interior design for the autistic home.

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