July 2012~snagglebox

Hugs For Hypersensitive Kids

Everyone knows hugs are awesome, right? They make you feel safe and loved, and as a parent it's natural to want to wrap your kids up in those big loving arms of yours.

But for some kids hugs can be scary and painful...

In part one we looked at some of the reasons why transitions are difficult for autistic kids, now let's figure out how to help.

For autistic kids, heading back to school after the winter or summer break means one thing... transitions.
Big ones.

Transitions are a big source of stress for these kids, so let's take a look at some of the reasons why and what you can do to help make them easier.

Earlier this year I was given an amazing opportunity to write a children's book to promote disability awareness and inclusion.

The book was part of a wonderful art competition called Help a Child Grow which is run by Therapy Focus, a not-for-profit disability service provider.

And it's something that I will never forget.

It's common to hear people say that autistic kids 'have no fear' because they leap off the top of filing cabinets and run out in front of cars without a care.

But they couldn’t be more wrong.

The last of the moving boxes was finally unpacked.
I collapsed on the bed and watched out the window as a little red-breasted bird hopped along a branch, enjoying the sunshine and making the most of the break in the rain.

I love it here.

I hadn’t let myself think that until now, doing my usual self-protection thing in case everything went to crap. That’s what happens when you have feelings that are so easily broken, you keep them packed in bubblewrap until it’s safe to put them on the shelf.

Gonna Eat A Lot Of Peaches

Last week we moved to the country.

It’s the tenth house we’ve lived in since Max was born, a number which both surprises and saddens me. I moved a lot when I was little and always swore that when I had kids of my own we’d live in just one house forever.

But the universe clearly thinks that I love adventure and heavy lifting, and so here we are again.

The mechanic rolls his eyes at me. "Your windscreen washer fluid is empty."

And then he gives me The Look.

Ah, The Look. I’ve seen it many times before - from school teachers, neighbours, my hairdresser - so I know exactly what it means...