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

My autistic son turned 12 today. I need to catch up.

happy b day balloon wall decors

The great Mark Twain once said: "Age is a case of mind over matter. If you don't mind, it doesn't matter.". Well, the truth is when it comes to my son, I do mind. And it does matter. Or rather I did mind, and I thought it mattered. Today I'm trying to remind myself of this … Continue reading My autistic son turned 12 today. I need to catch up.

Daily living with autism #11 — Is grief love persevering?

boy in white long sleeve shirt playing puzzle

This week, I was surprised by grief. I know that sounds rather ridiculous. Maybe even disrespectful though certainly, that's not my intent. The funny thing was I didn't even expect to feel that way at all! So what happened you ask? A steep learning curve Photo by Ngai Man Yan on Pexels.com Regular readers will … Continue reading Daily living with autism #11 — Is grief love persevering?

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!

In the blink of an eye, I’m 400!

close up of rolls of film on a wooden surface

No, your eyes aren't playing tricks on you. And no, my blog title doesn't contain a typo. I really am 400 today! Or rather, this is now officially my 400th blog post! By sheer dogged perseverance, I've pushed myself hard to relentlessly churn one post after another since April 2019. My pace doubled in 2020 … Continue reading In the blink of an eye, I’m 400!

My Monday Metrical Musings #93

unrecognizable man with hands on head

He covers his ears when I burst into tears There's something you needTo know about my sonWhen I burst into tearsHe covers his...ears! Yes that's rightThat's exactly what he does!Wouldn't blame you if you found it oddI do too even now though I've seen it a lot. But it's not just my tearsThat makes him … Continue reading My Monday Metrical Musings #93

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

Podcasts that inspire me to write #2/4

a man in white shirt doing audio podcast

Last week, I began this new mini-series on how podcasts have inspired me as a writer. The focus then was on podcasts that talked about my two fave topics -- reading and writing. Today, I want to focus on those that have guided my path as a man and a father these past few years, … Continue reading Podcasts that inspire me to write #2/4

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!