Making a birthday party feel good for every child
Balloons, noise and a dozen excited kids can be a lot. A few small tweaks help everyone have a nicer time.
Read the postfrom one autism mama to another
Being an autism mama has taught me to slow down, notice the small things and celebrate wins that other people might not even see.
Here I'll share bits of our story, the doodles it inspires and ideas that might help another family feel a little less alone. Every autistic person is different, so this is our experience, not a rulebook.
Lucy x
small things, big difference
You don't need a perfect speech or a special occasion. Inclusion usually starts with the small, everyday stuff.
Offer the invitation and let the child decide how to join in. Watching first, playing alongside or popping in for five minutes all count.
Not everyone talks with spoken words. Gestures, pictures, signs, sounds and talking devices are all ways of saying something.
Wait a little longer for an answer. Eye contact isn't proof that someone is listening, and quiet isn't the same as not caring.
If a child is confused or unkind, step in gently, explain what's happening and show them how to be a good friend.
from the doodle diary
Balloons, noise and a dozen excited kids can be a lot. A few small tweaks help everyone have a nicer time.
Read the postPointing, pictures, signs, sounds and devices all say something. You just have to learn how to listen.
Read the posttrusted UK support
If you're wondering about autism, waiting for an assessment or just want to learn more, these are reliable places to start.
The UK's leading autism charity, with guidance on communication, school, sensory needs and more.
Clear information on signs of autism in children, getting assessed and what happens next.
NHS ideas for routines, communication, sleep and finding support for the whole family.
This page shares one family's experience alongside links to established guidance. It isn't a diagnosis guide or medical advice, and it can't speak for every autistic person. If you're worried about your child, talk to your GP or health visitor.