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I have no idea what an ode is but, it sounds like something I must have learned at school, I hope it's not a poem, I'm rubbish at those. Anyway, in normal speak, this blog is going to be a shout out to the siblings of my youngest son Henry who is on the autism spectrum. Introducing Ben (15) and Abi (13). Thought I'd be nice about my two screenagers for once especially since it's Christmas time and all. There we were all those years ago, one boy, one girl, both so different in personality (aren't they all) and along came...

A hot topic this one, especially around The National Autistic Society's "Autism Hour" in October each year, and one I thought I would visit now in light of Christmas and all that shopping that needs to get done. So much of what we are trying to do with Autism Threads is about providing visual cues to help change perceptions and raise awareness. Many of these perceptions take place in the public domain i.e. whilst we are out an about shopping or enjoying a meal. I wonder if sometimes friends I know aren't thinking...'well why take him shopping if he finds...

A couple of Instagram comments on a recent post have led me to write this blog and hope I can provide some support. Henry has always been described as non-verbal, like many other autistic children and adults, by both us, his family, and the professionals. Indeed, at 2yrs old Henry stopped any pre-toddler 'Mamma', 'Dadda' babble and became completely non-verbal until he was 5yrs old. Henry is still described as non-verbal but, he can actually say words and speak. Huh? Henry cannot communicate socially and will go to great lengths to avoid social communication, interaction or engagement of any kind....

I raced home from work today to catch ‘Loose Women’ since it’s not every day that autism gets a shout out, especially in the form of stunning Christine McGuinness! What struck me was not only how little the panel and I am assuming the general public really knew about what it might be like to take a simple trip to the shops with an autistic child, but also the fact that it’s not something people who do not live with autism in their families ever really think about, why would they? I certainly didn’t think about it, at all, until...

Conkers or pine cones? What’s it for you? I cannot stop myself from picking up conkers. I am addicted. And I am pretty sure I am not alone on this one. So silky smooth, round and gorgeous. Yes, I know they lose their shine and shrivel up just as soon as you have them displayed in a glass bowl but, I still have to pick them up. I wish my furniture looked like them! Cringeworthy set-up of a photo here what with the merchandise thrown in and all. In my defence, I have just been for a long head-clearing walk and...