Can you swim? When did you learn? Were you inspired by watching one of the Olympic greats winning a clutch of medals at an Olympic Games, maybe smashing a World Record or two on the way? When you started to swim, taking those first, tentative steps into the water, could you immediately swim like AdamContinue reading “Just Keep Swimming…”
Tag Archives: child
The Neurodiverse Coke Can
There is a great analogy that helps to explain why neurodiverse children (e.g. who are Autistic, or have ADHD) are perceived to be able to ‘cope’ and be ‘fine’ at school, but can become overwhelmed by the time they get home. There are so many stories about children who appear to be totally different in these two settings; the coke can analogy helps us understand why… Here’s Jack’s story.
Fathers’ Day – The Dads Collection!
On Sunday 19th June it is Fathers’ Day. A day which will be celebrated by some, mourned by others, a day of mixed emotions for more. Writing as ‘The Additional Needs Blogfather’, and as Founder of ‘The Dads’ Fire Circle’, Dads of children and young people with additional needs and disabilities have always been closeContinue reading “Fathers’ Day – The Dads Collection!”
Busting Ten Autism Myths
Busting Ten Autism Myths There are an awful lots of Autism myths out there; most are ridiculous, some would actually be quite funny if they weren’t so harmful, but they do seem to somehow persist in the national consciousness. So, here’s my guide to the top ten Autism myths and how we can bust them:Continue reading “Busting Ten Autism Myths”
Supporting Special Needs Dads
There’s a rare breed that with some notable exceptions we don’t get to see so much of. A group of people that can often slip off the radar and go unnoticed. A demographic that rarely gets a mention in the chat forums or magazines. Special needs Dads. In my day job I provide training andContinue reading “Supporting Special Needs Dads”
Additional Needs Parenting: Unpredictable, Impactful, Inspirational
Most of you know that James, our 18-year-old autistic son, has had times when it has been hard for him to leave the house, with all the disruption that causes around school, work, socialising etc. Things are better now than they were, but still remain quite unpredictable with the occasional hard day; however the journey,Continue reading “Additional Needs Parenting: Unpredictable, Impactful, Inspirational”
Additional Needs Parenting Is Like Being A Circus Performer
Additional Needs parenting can be a bit like a circus sometimes, maybe more than we would like to admit! Here’s a (hopefully) light-hearted look at how at times we can play many of the familiar roles of circus performers… Circus (noun): a travelling company of acrobats, clowns, and other entertainers which gives performances, typically in a large tent,Continue reading “Additional Needs Parenting Is Like Being A Circus Performer”
Special Needs Parents Are Candles, Burning Between Hope And Despair
Parents of children with additional/special needs and disabilities are often labelled negatively; ‘troublemakers’, ‘confrontational’, ‘needy’, ‘over-sharing’. I’ve seen parents blamed for their child’s disability, I’ve seen parents told that they have no right to speak on behalf of, or share details about, their child. I’ve seen parents told that they are wrong to feel orContinue reading “Special Needs Parents Are Candles, Burning Between Hope And Despair”
‘The Dads’ Fire Circle’, A Place For Additional Needs Dads To Gather
Let me give you a little glimpse into how my mind works sometimes…. My family and I were watching Ben Fogle, his ‘New Lives In The Wild’ show on Channel 5, have you seen it? It’s about people who have given up the rat-race and gone to live a life in the wild places; it’sContinue reading “‘The Dads’ Fire Circle’, A Place For Additional Needs Dads To Gather”
Where Are All The Dads Of Children With Special Needs?
I meet a lot of parents of children with special/additional needs in my work and connect with many more through websites and online forums. One thing I’ve noticed over the years is that the parents I meet are almost always Mums, not Dads. There are exceptions, of course, but it’s fair to say that the overwhelming percentageContinue reading “Where Are All The Dads Of Children With Special Needs?”
The Dads' Fire Circle 