Facebook page

Sadly, I have had to shut down 'The Bright Side of Life' facebook page. I was getting hit with spam and it was time consuming trying to keep my page free of extremely dodgy and undoubtably fake followers.

They (whoever they may be) say there is a season for everything, therefore perhaps the time has come to cut back on social media.

I have also noticed a trend when it comes to sharing the challenges and joys of raising a child with a disability. People want to read about the early days. They love to hear stories of toddlers and little kids. Topics regarding tweens also make the grade. The fall off of interest happens when the child becomes a teen and then a young adult. Perhaps the parents (blog readers) of younger children find the reality of a severely challenged young adult too much to take on board. I can say with authority that having a glimpse into the possible future of one's own child can be painful.

My blogging has also taken a back seat of late. Life has been busy.

I do have many stories to share. I want to continue writing about our experiences with RDI (Relationship Development Intervention). I also want to expand on our traveling adventures with Nick. I wish to tell you again and again how important it is to be kind to yourself and ensure that you have an interest in something other than your children (and husband!) that makes your heart sing.

My writing will continue......

In the meantime, here is a pretty picture that I took today.

Happy New Year!

Hello there

Firstly, thanks for stopping by. I really appreciate that you have taken the time look at my blog. If you have been following for a while, you will know that I write about my lovely Nick. He is on the more severe end of the Autism Spectrum. I find it cathartic to write about our experiences ~ blogging is cheap therapy and all that! 

We have been on this a journey for over sixteen years, and in all honesty, it has been quite a bumpy road. Such is life, hey? Anyhow, we have all lived to tell the tale and life is now cruising along quite nicely (80% of the time!).

For the last few weeks I have been having an internal debate on the merits of continuing with this blog. Is it right to continue sharing our story now that Nick is 6 feet tall, hairy and has a gruff voice? Is anyone actually interested in reading about autistic teenagers? Do people feel comfortable reading about an intellectually disabled young man who will never live independently? The list goes on....

The last couple of years have also brought about a change in myself. I am no longer focused 100% on autism and because of that I have some extra free time. That time is being put to good use and I have also taken up photography as a hobby. Having something that is exclusively for me has been a game changer. I find photography extremely challenging, however, it is really exciting to be experimenting with something new. 

Anyhow, I have decided to keep on waffling for an indefinite period, although you may find there are less *autism* posts and more pretty pictures! For the sake of privacy, I will not be sharing any more video footage of Nick. Should you be interested in watching clips of RDI in action, check out Zoe's blog where she engages with an adorable little girl called Lucy. 

Bye for now. x

My Reality - How do I cope?

Isn't it great being able to connect with other mums and dads who also have kids/teens/adults with special needs? With the click of a button it is possible to offer support, receive support, commiserate, whinge, rave and have a wonderful belly laugh.

I follow the blog of a lovely Irish lass called Looking for Blue Sky and she has posted the following for a blog carnival.... How do I cope?. I like the subject and it fits in with my latest theme 'My Reality'.

The following is a list of questions given by Rebecca, the creator of the blog carnival. You can find her at Here Come the Girls. By the way.... this carnival is for any parent and/or any situation, not just special needs.

1. What is it about your life which has made someone ask how do you cope?

I have a 13 year old son. He is autistic, non verbal, has motor planning issues and high anxiety. If I may be so blunt... this kid of mine is going to be dependent on me for the rest of my life! As for what happens when I have gone? Who knows!

2. What is the best thing about the situation?

To look on the bright side (pun intended!), the situation that I find myself in has forced me to become less of a perfectionist. I now take life very slowly and I have learned to concentrate on all the positives and celebrate every little success. My child has enriched my life!

3. What is the hardest thing?

The dull monotony of living with autism every day! We also love travelling and in order to follow our dreams we have to leave our son at home. This is exceptionally hard, however, our son is happiest at home!

4. What gets you through the day?

A cappuccino! :)

Seriously, I do need my own space and I love my spare four hours every weekday morning. I use this time to see friends, blob around the house, play with the dog and do household chores.

5. What would you change if you could?

As much as I adore my son, I really do wish that he wasn't autistic. I can't change that fact, therefore I blog to create autism awareness. I hope to help change public perception of children and adults with disabilties.

6. What piece of advice would you give to someone finding themselves in your situation?

Slow down. Take the time to really connect with your child. The relationship that you have with him/her is what truly matters.

Written in support of the blog carnival Walk a Mile in my Shoes

 This picture was taken in the Dean's garden at Winchester Cathedral.