Have you seen the comments about people with “special needs”? You know, the ones where people point out that having “special needs” kids is a “gift” that makes us “stronger”, “better people” and is “so hard” but “definitely worthwhile”?
How about the conversations about how supporting an adult with “special needs” makes a person “heroic” and “patient” and “good”? Continue reading
When I was in primary school, I went to stay with my grandparents one night that I have not forgotten, even 30 or so years later. Last week I received a message on my blog that I doubt I will ever forget. The two events are separated by decades, but remembering the first just after the occurrence of the second started a chain of thoughts that brought me to a place of realisation I was not expecting. Continue reading
Every now and then, not really frequently, but often enough that I am going to say something about it, I see a sentiment brought into conversations by non-autistic parents of Autistic children that goes along the lines of …. Continue reading
I know we can’t change the past. I know that things in our past help us become who we are, and that is often a really positive thing. I know hindsight gives clarity and we probably shouldn’t spend too much time looking back with regret. But I have to admit I’m feeling angry about something that has happened, and happens to lots of people, that has meant I missed out on something really good for a long time. Looking back could be dangerous if we dwell there and don’t move on, but if we are willing I think there is something to be learned from it. Continue reading
There is something about growing, changing, identifying parts of yourself that you had not recognised, that is deeply unsettlingly liberating. I have been struggling to put words to it. Then today, this beautiful butterfly sat in my path. Continue reading
I am tired. So, so tired.
It is not a lack of sleep tiredness, but a heaviness in the core of my being kind of tiredness.
It is a tiredness that comes from trying to process a consistent incongruence, as if the soundtrack doesn’t match the story, and it makes everything seem wrong. Continue reading
This post carries a trigger warning for discussion about abuse of disabled children and people sympathising with their abusers.
Apparently lots of people think it is ok to feel sorry for people who abuse their Autistic children because there is a “lack of services” available.
Let me be clear: I wholeheartedly disagree. Continue reading
