This blog traces a mother’s evolving understanding of her two neurodivergent children, reflecting on how holidays that once seemed difficult were, in fact, early indicators of sensory overload, masking, and the need for predictable routines for her children. From her son’s quiet retreat into handheld games to her daughter’s instinctive role as a social bridge, the story follows their journeys into adulthood, where coping strategies, burnout, and carefully chosen environments

For many families, mealtimes are held up as a marker of good parenting. Eating together, at set times, with balanced meals on the table. These expectations, shaped largely by neurotypical norms, have long influenced how parents judge themselves and each other. This reflection is written with hindsight, not judgement. In the 1970s, 80s and 90s, there was little language to explain why some children struggled with food, routine, and texture. This is not a story about food. It i

I asked my mother if she had an understanding of autism, and her words, verbatim, were, “Yes, they’re naughty boys.”

Part 2: Hair Day - A Story About Hair Colour, Identity and Defiance A postponed hair-dye day after a night on the dancefloor becomes a lens for examining identity, ADHD, and the long-term commitment behind visible self-expression. This piece moves from club lights to bleach bowls, unpacking the discipline, chaos, and intention required to remain unapologetically oneself. Tools for a DIY hair dye session: a mixing bowl, hair dye, a strand of hair, and dye brushes ready for use

In the 1970s, few parents had language for neurodivergence. In this deeply personal reflection, the author shares her story of raising an autistic son in a world that offered no understanding or support. Through honesty, guilt, and hindsight, she offers comfort to today’s parents — reminding them that compassion for themselves matters just as much as care for their children. A Mother's Reflection As a parent of neurodivergent children in the 1970s and 80s, I navigated a world

Every day, the world reminds us to care about causes, awareness months, and mental health days, yet somehow, we still forget to care consistently. This piece challenges the performative rhythm of awareness culture, the irony of celebrating self-care before the most stressful time of year, and asks: What if every day were World Mental Health Day? The Overload of Awareness Every month is an awareness month for something, often multiple things. This month alone, October, is ADHD

Having neurodivergent children who are both now adults has been both a challenge and a blessing. It has required patience, understanding, and a commitment to learning and adapting. It has at times been a difficult journey for me. Through their experiences, I have gained invaluable insights into the importance of acceptance, empathy, and the celebration of diversity. Their journeys have inspired me to advocate for greater awareness and support for neurodivergent individuals an

Tomorrow is my son’s birthday, and like every year, it brings a quiet mix of joy, love, and gentle tension. Have you ever felt that mix...

Have you ever experienced a moment so intense that it felt surreal? That was my son's birth, he came into the world screaming, literally....

Hi, I’m a mum/step-mum to four fabulous children, each with their own distinct personalities, joys, and challenges. This blog is mainly...

This number stopped me in my tracks. It wasn’t just a blood sugar reading — it was a wake-up call. A reminder that my body was begging me...

I was diagnosed with Autism at the end of April, so I now have a dual diagnosis of Autism and combined ADHD. I personally like to use the...

Grief doesn’t always look like silence or sadness — sometimes it looks like growth, survival, and showing up for the messy parts of life....

Hi! Faye here, just dropping my first blog post!  I’ve been procrastinating (ha, shock) because I didn’t know where to start and as I’m...

Grief is a deeply personal journey, unique to everyone. The experience of losing a loved one, can be a profound and life-altering...

Huxley is a dark brown/black pitbull enjoying the sunshine next to a waterfall with red farm building in the background Two years have...

Scene Description: Lois stands atop a cliff in Whitby, Yorkshire, gazing northeast over the bay and the North Sea. She is dressed in:...

Majestic view of Gullfoss Waterfalls in Iceland, with icy waters cascading down rugged terrain surrounded by snow-laden banks. I’ve had...