When children grow older, they inevitably face challenges, some of which can involve exposure to risky behaviors like substance use. As a parent, understanding your role in helping your child navigate these risks is essential to fostering a healthy, informed approach to addiction. Addiction awareness is a critical part of this guidance, offering your child … Read more
Overview of accessibility at Nickelodeon Adventures at Lakeside Today, we’re diving into the vibrant world of Nickelodeon Adventure Lakeside, focusing on how this indoor amusement park can be a joyful experience for our autistic children. We visited on one of the hottest days of the year and that meant it was really quiet even though … Read more
We have now visited Peppa Pig World twice, once with the boy and then again 3 years later with our two youngest. I am convinced despite an international pandemic in the meantime nothing had changed – literally everything was the same even the toys in the gift shop. One of the first things we did … Read more
Joy of Outings with Your Autistic Child I am a firm believer in getting the kids out of the house, off screens and experiencing something new. This is not always easy. Please don’t think I mean big expensive days out, a trip to feed the ducks at the park or just round the corner to … Read more
Gentle Parenting Tips for Dads and How to Implement Them Parenting can be one of the most rewarding—and challenging—jobs out there, especially for new dads. It’s natural to want the best for your kids and to guide them to become caring, responsible adults. But sometimes, it’s easy to slip into a more authoritarian style, doling … Read more
First Outing to a New Place? How to Conduct a Sensory-Friendly Recce Every new destination offers the promise of excitement, learning, and adventure. But for parents of autistic children, the uncertainty of an unfamiliar place can feel daunting. What if it’s too loud? What if there are no safe spaces to retreat? What if the … Read more
What is Asynchronous Development? Parenting a neurodivergent child is a journey that defies traditional milestones and expectations. It’s filled with moments of wonder, unexpected challenges, and insights that few outside the community fully understand. One of the most fascinating and often overlooked aspects of neurodivergence is asynchronous development, where a child’s emotional, motor, social, and … Read more
iPads and Self-Regulation: The Pros and Cons for Autistic Children Devices like iPads have become integral to daily life, especially for neurodivergent children. For many autistic children, an iPad isn’t just a source of entertainment—it’s a tool for communication, sensory regulation, and learning. As with any tool, especially technology, the way it’s used can bring … Read more
How Technology Impacts Autistic Children: What the Research Says For many autistic children, technology can be a powerful tool that enhances communication, learning, and social connection. Devices like tablets and apps often provide unique solutions tailored to their needs, creating opportunities for growth and development that would otherwise be hard to access. Like any tool, … Read more
The Ultimate Packing List for Days Out with Autistic Children A day out is more than just a fun escape—it’s an opportunity for connection, discovery, and growth. But for parents of autistic children, a successful outing requires more than just excitement and enthusiasm. It demands thoughtful preparation, a carefully packed bag, and the right tools … Read more
Dealing with Sensory Overload: Calming Strategies on Days Out Life with an autistic child often means navigating a world brimming with sensory input. Bright lights, unexpected noises, unfamiliar smells—everyday environments can easily become overwhelming. Recognising the signs of sensory overload and having practical strategies at hand can transform days out from stressful failures to moments … Read more
Lapland UK Accessibility Guide for Autism-Friendly Visits Welcome to the world of Christmas, where today we’re telling you about the enchanting experience of Lapland UK, but with a focus on making it a magical trip for our autistic children. In this article, we’ve sought to bring you the top tips to ensure a visit to … Read more
Old Macdonald’s Farm: A Sensory-Rich Adventure for All Children Old Macdonald’s Farm & Fun Park is a delightful destination that offers a perfect blend of educational and entertaining activities for families. This all-inclusive attraction boasts a wide range of experiences, from meeting farmyard friends to enjoying thrilling rides, making it an ideal spot for children … Read more
SEN Families: Strategies for Balancing the Needs of Children with Special Needs and Their Siblings Parenting can be a beautiful experience. It can also be challenging, especially when you have a child with special educational needs (SEN). As a parent, you find yourself juggling the requirements of your child with SEN while also ensuring that … Read more
Parents View: The Unbearable Cost of Systemic Failure in SEN Tribunal Appeals As a parent of a child with special educational needs (SEN), I’ve witnessed firsthand the labyrinthine and often heart-wrenching journey through the SEN tribunal system. It’s a path strewn with obstacles, where the battle for my child’s right to an education that meets … Read more
Autism Blame Shifting: Why Parents Are Tired of Being the Scapegoat When Sarah noticed her daughter’s unique behaviours, she expected challenges in finding support, but she wasn’t prepared for something even harder: being blamed for her child’s struggles. Instead of empathy and assistance, she faced accusations of poor parenting. Sadly, Sarah’s story is far from … Read more
The Educational Benefits of Nature Walks The simple joy of exploring nature can feel like a relic of the past. Yet, for parents keen to nurture both curiosity and resilience in their children, the humble nature walk is a treasure trove of opportunity. Beyond being a delightful way to spend time together, these outdoor adventures … Read more
Navigating the world of non-verbal communication can be a fascinating and rewarding journey. When working with non-verbal children, particularly those on the autism spectrum, it’s essential to cast aside conventional notions of interaction and embrace a more nuanced, intuitive approach. This shift in perspective opens up a whole new realm of connection, where the subtlest … Read more
Dismantling the Culture of Parental Blame: A Call for Change in Supporting Autistic Children and Their Families Parents of autistic children often face an uphill battle when seeking support and understanding for their children’s needs. Instead of receiving the empathy and collaboration they deserve, they are frequently met with judgement, disbelief, and blame from the … Read more
Societal stigma and misconceptions about autism play a significant role in perpetuating parental blame. This is our second article based on the new ADASS research project which includes a section that demonstrates how cultural attitudes and beliefs shape the perception of autistic individuals and their families. This can often lead to harmful stereotypes that result … Read more
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