When Autism smacks you down and some kind words lift you back up…

Sometimes you can feel like you’re coasting, sticking to the routines that are so important to an autistic child. The snacks and meals are produced at the right time, the routes to and from school are not deviated from, the nighttime routine is followed religiously to (try and) ensure a peaceful night’s sleep for them.

And then something happens (as detailed in yesterday’s blog) and …..whack, slam, boom (imagine Batman & Robin graphics here)…you’re floored by autism temporarily but painfully.

This is where Twitter can be so wonderful. The autism community always has someone around to offer advice, support or a virtual hug. In yesterday’s case, it was advice from lovely Lisa (@lisaj4autism) who suggested that we use PECs in future to enable D to move on quicker from situations that she is stuck in. In last night’s blog (in case you haven’t seen it) she was saying “sorry” for about an hour, with a completely blank expression in her eyes and on her face, Hubbie said this morning that she had been rocking whilst saying it too.

It left me thinking well, should I have made T and D apologise (yes, I still think) but now know that some visuals would (hopefully) have closed the situation sooner.

It then made me think and wonder for D. When she was diagnosed, we got the “your daughter is emotionally xx years behind her peers” and “speech is delayed by xxx”, I can’t remember the exact numbers quoted but both were a good few years behind, I wouldn’t mind an update to that but cuts and lack of funding would make that an impossible request. I presume she is still behind emotionally and mentally but in a body that is a few years ahead, my poor little love!

So…this is where Twitter is great, we all have our worries, concerns and fears for the future but there are kindred spirits around who can laugh, cry and joke with you.

Thanks everyone 😘😘