Ten Years!

 

Ten years ago today we received official confirmation that L was in fact on the spectrum. And look where he is now!

From non verbal, struggling to understand his and others emotions, struggling to make friends, lots of emotional and sensory overloaded days where he didn't want to step outside of his comfort zone.

L is now confident and tackles whatever obstacles in his way head on. He is wanting to learn new skills and try new activities. He does recognise that he is different from his peers, but different in a good way.

"I got awes-tism and super fast 80-HD brain!"

And with Henry, his pawsome Autism Assistance and Seizure Alert Dog, by his side, L's future is very bright.

We've been on a learning journey with him and have learnt so much about the world by looking through his eyes. He's taught us that while the world can be a scary place, there's lots of beauty if you look at it differently.

Buddy, you going to go far. There is no limit ⭐⭐

And to everyone who has supported us, been there for us, loved L for who he is, you all rock ❤❤

Autism Journey

What has Autism taught you?

Let me count the ways...

❤ That the world is beautiful and wonderful when viewed through a different lense.

❤ That there is no "normal."

❤ To celebrate every milestone reached, every accomplishment, no matter how big or small.

❤ That I am emotionally and mentally stronger than I thought I was.

❤ That I'll never stop learning on our journey.

❤ That our tribe is worldwide.

❤ That love doesn't need words.

❤ That life is wild and calm and I wouldn't have it any other way.

Autism Awareness and Acceptance 2022

It's April, which means it is Autism Awareness Month.

But you know what, we don't need more awareness. Acceptance is what all Autistic individuals want. We want to be accepted for who we are.

April the 2nd is World Autism Day.

Please be accepting of those individuals who are different, regardless of whether you know that they are Autistic or not.

We have been on this journey for almost 10 years, as we knew that L was different from the moment he arrived Earth side. Officially, our families Autism journey began in 2016.

Your view of the world changes when let yourself view the world through another's perspective. Both O and L view the world in their own ways. And we wouldn't have our family any other way!

Throughout the month of April, I am going to share ways in which you can show a little more Autism Acceptance. But acceptance shouldn't just be in April, it should be year round.

[Raising Autism Awareness 101

Autism has no look. Every individual is unique.]

So how can you show more Autism Acceptance?

If an individual tells you that they are Autistic, don't question their diagnosis.

Autism has no look. Too many times, and far too frequently we hear "they just don't look Autistic."

By stating this, or something similar, you are not helping. You are in fact questioning their every being.

It can take families time to actually get an Autism diagnosis, and when you question the validity of the diagnosis, it can be a huge kick in the guts to them.

Don't question, just accept and open your eyes as to how they view the world.

 

[Raising Autism Awareness 101

Autism is for life. Autism does not magically disappear 

when an individual turns 18.]

Autism is for life. Autism doesn't disappear at the age of 18, but unfortunately therapy services for Autistic adults can be more difficult to find and access. An Autistic individual won't get better, life at times doesn't become easier for the individual.

L's Autism Journey

2021 marks a  pretty big milestone for L and our family.

Five years ago this year, we received official confirmation that L was in fact on the spectrum. And look where he is now!

From non verbal, struggling to understand his and others emotions, struggling to make friends, lots of emotional and sensory overloaded days where he didn't want to step outside of his comfort zone, to now

L is now confident and tackles whatever obstacles are in his way head on. He is wanting to learn new skills and try new activities. He does recognise that he is different from his peers, but different in a good way. And he is embracing his Autism and ADHD!

"I got awes-tism and super fast 80-HD brain!"

We've been on a learning journey with him and have learnt so much about the world by looking through his eyes. He's taught us that while the world can be a scary place, there's lots of beauty if you look at it differently.

Buddy, you going to go far. There is no limit ⭐⭐

Christmas Memes

2020 has been a very strange year and it really doesn't feel like Christmas has been and gone. But it has, and the new year is creeping up very, very fast. So before the end of 2020 arrives, here a few of our Christmas memes.

Autism Acceptance and Awareness 2020

April is Autism Awareness and Acceptance Month world wide but unfortunately, 2020 had other ideas this year. Usually there would be public events held to celebrate all things Autism. This year, we were all housebound and April seemed to both fly and drag by at the same time.

It's now July, I don't even know where May and June went, and I'm only just getting around to posting these memes that I created for our social media pages!

So without any further ado, here's just a few of the memes from April!

[It's April! Know what that means?? Autism Awareness and Acceptance Month! 

But Autism Awareness and Acceptance needs to be a year round occurrence.]

[Autism Lesson 101

Autistic individuals do not have a lack of empathy.

We may struggle to understand and interpret our own and the emotions of others, but that doesn't mean that we don't have empathy. I feel empathy towards others, and at times I am over empathetic in wanting to help others.

O, 11 years.]

[Autism Masking

is exactly what it sounds like.

An Autistic individual may either consciously, or subconsciously, put on a metaphorical mask when they leave their safe place, ie home, each day.

Masking takes a lot of emotional, mental and physical energy to the point that when they arrive back at their safe place, they may explode in a meltdown or they may shutdown.]

[Autism Lesson 101

Communication can be difficult for Autistic individuals. Verbal speech, hidden non-verbal cues, body language, there are so many aspects of communication to interpret.]

[Rose are red,

Autism is a ride,

Will you come and join us?

We're the best tour guides!]

[Autism Lesson 101

Autism is a spectrum.

No two individuals are the same. They may have similar traits in some areas, but they will differ in others.

O, 11 years.]

[Autism Lesson 101

Sensory Processing Difficulties can affect ALL of an individuals senses....

Sight, Hearing, Taste, Touch, Smell, Interoception, Proprioception and Vestibular.]

[If you've met one Autistic person ....

then you really should go out and meet a few more Autistic people.

We're all pretty Ausome.

Just saying!]