As a child, legend has it I was ‘easy going’. I just ‘fit right in’ to the family and ‘didn’t cause any problems’. I just ‘went along with things’. Is that what my family thought? Looking at me from the outside, I can see that is what people might have thought. Inside was a different […]
Autism “professionals” tell me you need a lot of help and intervention. NOW, before the window closes. They say. They meet you and talk of deficits. They check boxes and tally scores. I disagree. You are not a thing in need of fixing. They are really missing out, these people who cannot see how perfectly […]
You know the stereotype…… Autistic kids like lining things up. Well, one of my Autistic kids does, but this post is only partly about that. In my experience, the lining objects up stereotype is one of those things lots of people use to categorise Autistic kids as different, then either make light of it ( […]
2 adults, 6 kids. Multiple neurodivergences. That’s my family. Bipolar, Autistic, Anxiety, Depression, Sensory Sensitivities, Sleep Challenges. We have variety. We have diversity. We have strengths and challenges. We have lots of different interests, lots of different preferences. And we have many differing needs and a big range of coping strategies. As with most families, […]
Much of what is considered (in a mainstream sense) as ‘normal’ or ‘good’ or ‘effective’ parenting or education; is based upon control. I identify as a peaceful parent in an unschooling home, and as such I have rejected most of these ideas. In essence, the embracing of unschooling and/or respectful kinds of parenting, means the letting go […]
I’m reaching out to others like myself, who are starting to challenge our community’s absolute belief in the supreme goodness of formal socialisation for all children; the unquestioning belief that all children must attend kindergarten and school, playgroups and playdates. To the parents of children that are introverted, anxious or different in ways that make […]