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: Dads
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”
Parents Out Of Fuel
Some days stay in the memory a long time, this one I will never forget; it was the day that I learned what a terrific sense of humour God has! And I was on the receiving end. As so many stories do, this one started quite simply… A long time before the word ‘lockdown’ had become theContinue reading “Parents Out Of Fuel”
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”
Special Needs Dads And The Self-Care Challenge
Special Needs Dads (Pater Specialibus Necessitates) are an interesting breed; I should know, I am one, and one of many ‘hats’ I wear is that of Founder of ‘The Dads’ Fire Circle’ (https://thedadsfirecircle.com), a place for Special Needs Dads to gather. Now, Special Needs Dads come in all kinds; there are the Dads that areContinue reading “Special Needs Dads And The Self-Care Challenge”
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”
The Dads' Fire Circle 