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I know what you're thinking...how could a middle-aged (I loathe this term) mum of three (one being non-verbal autistic) ever get out? And right you are, I almost never get out, like many other parents, & it's not always lack of options or invitations or will, most often it's my choice! Maybe middle-aged is the right term, yikes. A couple of weeks ago I attended a super jeudgsh event that I had said 'yes' to, for once, because well, that Christmas vibe is fast approaching, all those glitzy dresses in stores & online hinting at all the fun to be...

A student once asked me this after I gave a talk to some grannies that visited & were entertained each week by the VSU (voluntary service) students at their school. I was a bit flummoxed at the time & babbled some vague reply. One thing to point out is that autistics, just like everyone else, have their own individual personalities & let's face it, certain personality types, all toddlers & most teens do not like being told 'no' either! It really got me thinking though & what a missed opportunity. Here was a teenage boy genuinely interested to learn how...

If there was a solution that worked 100% of the time, every night, autistics & their carers would know about it & there'd be no need to read on. It's true that a huge percentage of autistics do not sleep well but, not all. Much like the therapies out there, the advice on improving sleep is a minefield for carers & autistics alike. We'd spend a lifetime trying out each one so that's no good, not to mention how costly it could all be, for no real results either. I'm no academic on the subject & whilst I've researched amongst...

Introducing our latest product. Drum roll...a super stylish ladies long fit slogan tee! The idea for this gorgeous charity tee has come from a few different sources.   Firstly, the desire to engage with the general public more as it is their perceptions of autism that need to change and with them that the awareness must be raised. Fashion t-shirts supporting good causes are not new and range from the sublime Beyonce Balmain collaboration for UNCF to the Fmly Store in Somerset (aka Selfish Mother) much closer to home who have raised an incredible 1 million plus for women's causes with...

Hmm, I'm not a big fan of the word 'disability' for autism, although I love this sign pictured above. I do not see my nonverbal autistic son as having a disability, but then I'm his mum. I do, however, need people to know he is different and has limitations, and I totally get the invisible part. Yup, you cannot tell if a person is autistic just by looking at them. So, if autism is not visually recognisable how would anyone know if the behaviours they see are as a result of autism or just plain ill-mannered/rude/naughty? And do you think people will ask?...