Hello 2017

Wow, where has the time gone? I have so many little stories to tell but am unsure of where to start!

Our family recently spent five weeks with my side of the family in New Zealand, including three nights in Sydney. Nick was a rock star. He handled everything that was thrown his way, and believe me, we packed a lot into our holiday. I am just blown away by his resilience, flexibility and gentle ways.

Nick was bombarded with family life, noise and mayhem. Very different to our home life back in South Africa. I do confess that he had far too much screen time with that iPad of his... but hey ho, I noticed all the other teens also glued to their screens.

I was reminded of our first visit to a restaurant four years ago and it highlighted to me how much my Nick has progressed. Thanks go to RDI and our lovely team of people behind the scenes.

Adventure Journal ~ Oh My Nerves!

Two years ago I took Nick to Cape Town. The trip involved a two hour plane trip and all that went with it. We were away from home for three nights and Nick coped exceptionally well. I was elated.

Nick has now been on a few more trips to the Cape and one to Zimbabwe. He has been carted here, there and everywhere! Since that initial trip he has become familiar (and comfortable) with long queues, waiting patiently, noisy airports, crowds, small spaces, going to new places, meeting new people, visiting restaurants AND eating restaurant Spaghetti Bolognaise.

The fact that he has been so flexible with each new adventure is huge. That memory bank of his just keeps growing and with it comes confidence and increased resilience. I am sure that it isn't easy for him, however, he is very aware that he can look to me (and the rest of the family) for help and reassurance. The iPad is always on hand for sticky moments or chill time.

This week we are pushing out all the stops and taking Nick overseas. I have been very relaxed about the 'idea' of it all, although now that the trip is imminent I am feeling a little nervous. Here we are, taking a severely autistic teen on three plane rides to get to our destination, one of which will be an overnighter. My wine consumption has already increased! :)

We have chosen to have a very low key holiday. We are based in one place and will take life very slowly. There won't be any pressure to get in all the sights and if Nick spends extra time on his iPad, so be it.

Wish us luck!

Reasons to be cheerful

Woohoo, can you believe it? Two blog posts in one week!! Short ones, I admit..... but hey, time has been limited of late.

I have such wonderful reasons to be cheerful this week.

Number One: We have just had a weekend away (see previous blog post). This was very exciting for me as it is was the very first time that we have taken a plane trip that involved the whole family. Nick was amazing, very relaxed and happy to go with the flow. Needless to say, this is quite an achievement for my autistic teen.

Number Two: I have just completed a short photography course. I now have a fair idea on how to use my camera on manual mode; and I also have a better idea of how to *make* a photograph. There is still a LOT for me to learn and it is going to be fun practicing

Number Three: It is grown up time for me tomorrow. We are going to a 50th Birthday celebration. It starts at lunch time and ends....... I am not sure when! Kids are all sorted. My only stress is finding something to wear! 

Have a happy weekend. xx

Traveling with an autistic teen!

We did it. We did it. We did it!

Our family went away for the weekend. All four of us.

Nick was a superstar. He cruised through the whole airport and plane experience. He didn't utter a murmur over the fact that he had to share a room with his brother AND sleep in a single bed.

We took him here, there and everywhere.

He was flexible, resilient and extremely chilled.

The only time he got a bit antsy was during a long walk, up a steep hill, that involved many steps.... and it started to rain!

This is Nick's, "I have had enough", face!

Our weekend did not revolve around Nick, although we did make a plan to give him supper at our accommodation before heading out to a restaurant. We also ensured that he got some down time.

The joy of being able to have a *regular* family weekend away without any hassles is indescribable.

A huge achievement.

~*~