When parenting a boy with disability, one constant concern is this: will he clear age-appropriate milestones in time? I'm no different. With my autistic son, it's always at the back of my mind, this fear he won't mature in time to enjoy what his neuro-typical peers take for granted. These could be things like confidently … Continue reading Daily living with autism #2: Surmounting milestones
Tag: Autism
On World Children’s Day – How a poolside encounter reminded me what truly counts
On World Children's Day, let me share about a recent poolside encounter. A couple of weeks ago, I overheard an interesting conversation between a male who looked to be in his late 50's and a young boy about my son's age of 12. The exchange took place at a neighbourhood pool where I go for … Continue reading On World Children’s Day – How a poolside encounter reminded me what truly counts
My Monday Metrical Musings #51
All over Splash!Just like thatHis morning milkAll over Clap!Palm on browMy morning calm spilledAll over Splat!Dry rag wet floorMe down on all foursAll over Drip!Milk-soaked clothBack-forth sink-floorAll over Fume!Rage boilingThreatening near eruptingAll over Sigh!Another day Self-care neededAll over.
Daily living with autism #1: It’s about small wins!
"Daddy, look!" It was a typical weekday evening, an hour before dinner time. That's when I usually take C for some outdoor play. What we in my family sometimes refer to as his "eye-care" time, away from home screens and out where nature and distant sights of the world await. The ground outside was fairly … Continue reading Daily living with autism #1: It’s about small wins!
Parenting Motivations #4 – Sibling Solidarity
Source: Writer's Photo Album (August 2021) One thing that warms the heart of any parent is the opportunity to watch their children happily playing with each other. For me, it's a combination of joy as well as relief. Of late, the latter mostly, because that means I can finally take a break! Sigh...caring for C … Continue reading Parenting Motivations #4 – Sibling Solidarity
Losing It! #2 — Of frogs, bullets and silver linings
When I first started on today's post, my intent was to talk about the progress C's made in the last two years. And yes, there have been quite a few. At some point in the near future, I hope to do him justice with that post. But not today. Today, I want instead to talk … Continue reading Losing It! #2 — Of frogs, bullets and silver linings
Parenting Motivations #2 – Never “take your eyes off the prize”
When my wife and I first made C's glasses 26 months ago, the lenses were at 200 degrees (each!). No doubt high for an eight-year-old. But since we ourselves were bespectacled (his brother too), it wasn't surprising. Disappointing yes, but not surprising. Sadly, four days ago, we were dealt another blow when we visited the … Continue reading Parenting Motivations #2 – Never “take your eyes off the prize”
To be a better caregiver, I must flip my day for night!
As a parent and caregiver, I don't always realise it until my sons are fast asleep at night, so busy am I throughout the day fleeting to meet first one child's needs, then the other's (and back again!). But when the lights are out and my boys are finally in bed, I start to feel … Continue reading To be a better caregiver, I must flip my day for night!
Finally, an action map to support caregivers!
It's tempting to say that this is a coincidence. After all, it was just two weeks ago that I wrapped up my series reflecting on our nation's inaugural Autism Enabling Masterplan. That's a plan to muster all aspects of help and support for the autism community in my country. As I ponder this matter, I … Continue reading Finally, an action map to support caregivers!
Our Autism Enabling Masterplan – High Priority Area #6 of 6
This is it, the last autism priority area unwrapped! Finally, after two months! Since the start of May, I've been writing every Saturday about my country's first-ever Autism Enabling Masterplan (AEM) -- launched in January -- and its six High Priority Areas (HPA). Took a break last week to write about Father's Day but now … Continue reading Our Autism Enabling Masterplan – High Priority Area #6 of 6