Daily Living With Autism #12 — How Can Transitions Be Better Managed?

colorful letter blocks on white surface

Regular readers here know that one of my blog's four cornerstone content areas -- the one that prompted me to start blogging four years ago -- is Autism. Over the years, I've spent many posts expounding on what life is like as a parent of a child with autism. I've even created a few "mini-series" … Continue reading Daily Living With Autism #12 — How Can Transitions Be Better Managed?

Failing exams gloriously, son? No sweat!

anonymous black pupil solving task during lesson in classroom

My 12-year-old son C gloriously failed his mid-year exams over six weeks ago. Just like he did last year and the year before. But guess what? I'm ok about it. After all, let's face it. Nobody likes exams. At least nobody I'm acquainted with. I know I'm supposed to encourage my kids not to dislike … Continue reading Failing exams gloriously, son? No sweat!

What I learned from other special families this World Autism Month

Picture it. It's the first of April, the start of the annual World Autism (Awareness) Month. You walk into an air-conditioned function hall big enough to fit 200 people. A group of some 30 folks gathers there for an overnight camp. There are parents chatting among themselves. A few teenagers are playing basketball with a … Continue reading What I learned from other special families this World Autism Month

Of accidental carpools and autism conversations

As Autism Awareness Month (April) nears, I realize of late I've not posted much about autism, one of my blog's cornerstone topics. But having said quite a lot since 2019, is there really anything new? The answer? Of course! There always is, in my ongoing journey as a parent with a special needs kid. At … Continue reading Of accidental carpools and autism conversations

Daily living with autism #10: Science is hard!

unrecognizable female students studying with books

Dear Patience I need a healthy dose of you this season. Because I'm not a good parent when it comes to coaching my autistic son during this exam season. Let me explain using just one of his school subjects by way of illustration. Weird Science! Photo by Wilawan Pantukang on Pexels.com The topic we revised … Continue reading Daily living with autism #10: Science is hard!

Daily Living with Autism #8 — Fractions that fracture

back view of a student answering a problem on the chalkboard

I know this is going to sound like a broken record because I've talked about math worksheets in past blog posts. But because it just happened two days ago on a hot and humid "homework afternoon", and I ended up all hot and bothered, with my son C all scared and flustered, the memory is … Continue reading Daily Living with Autism #8 — Fractions that fracture

Daily living with autism #7– the 5 love languages

hands showing heart sign

Last week, the topic of love languages arose at a kid's day camp my autistic son C attended. Spanning three days, it was part of our church's holiday programme for those aged 7 to 12. It's been two years since such camps were held (thanks to you-know-what), so my wife and I were definitely glad … Continue reading Daily living with autism #7– the 5 love languages

Daily living with autism #6 — Beginning again. Again!

a person holding a cloud cutout with letter tiles on top

Let me start by saying I want to put the blame squarely on Covid, and the two years of possible intervention that it has robbed us of. But can I? Honestly? I'm afraid the answer isn't all that clear. What was clear though, after a recent annual follow-up with my son's assigned senior consultant at … Continue reading Daily living with autism #6 — Beginning again. Again!

My Monday Metrical Musings #78

low angle shot of a child held by woman and man on on each hand walking on an unpaved pathway outdoors

Don't stop walking I see youI doI hope you can knowSomedayThat I felt your daddy's heartacheAs he led you firmly by the handWalking nondescript down the laneHoping no one sees you twoHoping if not to endThen to at least fadeOut of sight Out of mindFrom prying eyes and furtive stares You looked miserable in your … Continue reading My Monday Metrical Musings #78

Daily living with autism #4 — A bus ride to Neverland

Yesterday was the last day of the week-long March school holidays, so we figured let's take C for a bus ride. Other than a forgettable morning hike up north three days ago, mired by sweltering heat and a less-than-scenic route, we had spent most of the week at home as the boys completed holiday homework … Continue reading Daily living with autism #4 — A bus ride to Neverland