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We are all unique and precious individuals. Sometimes we need reminding
I suppose the next question is – what do I think this website is for? Or who might benefit from it?
First of all, the site is for me. It’s to help keep me on track, to keep me reminded of where I am going and where I am taking my kids. After that, if you are reading this now – something brought you here and so I have to presume there is something here for you too – or someone you know.
Children/Teenagers
Just now much of my thought is with my children and every day I learn new stuff about them and with them. We explore new ways of dealing with the little everyday “downs” and how to turn them in “ups” so other children and young people might find the site interesting…
Parents of Special Needs Children
I have learned so much from my children – so far, maybe more than they have learned from me. In thinking about the past, I sometimes say “if only I knew then what I know now…” We are all different and every one of our children are unique in themselves. But, maybe some of the stuff I have learned along the way and more recently will help another parent or two.
Adults
If you think you got problems…try thinking about them differently, or better still don’t think about them at all. That is what I have learned and guess what? It’s working for me. What do you have to lose by trying another way to cope?
I don’t know what or where the end of my own story will be – but I sure am going to enjoy the journey!
Defining “That’s a Bit Irish” in Real Life Ireland!
Only in Ireland Only in Ireland will you be waiting years for an autism diagnosis, unless you can pay to go private. Yet every professional will tell you that early intervention is key. Only in Ireland will you then be told with excitement that you can now get 20 hours of home tuition for your…
Read MoreWe’ll get there…
Staying Optimistic As I reflect on our journey, I am reminded of the importance of staying optimistic. Despite the challenges we face, I choose to believe that everything will work out in the end. However, I must admit that it can be difficult at times. Life is full of obstacles and setbacks, and it’s natural…
Read MoreNo SENO in North Cork
The Absence of a Special Education Needs Officer in North Cork A Special Education Needs Officer (SENO) is a crucial role, and we currently have none in North Cork. This is the person responsible for authorizing and signing forms for Special Needs school placements. Struggles After Giving Up on Special Needs Class After giving up…
Read MoreFirst Words
Silent Gestures Have you ever had a little child look into your eyes, their expression pleading to communicate something they cannot verbalize? I experienced years of those silent gestures, where my son Johnny wanted to speak, to communicate, to be understood, but only made unintelligible sounds, much of that time accompanied by screams of frustration. …
Read MoreHow did I not know this!!
The Realization If you don’t know, you don’t know… Trying to Communicate I always asked Johnny how his day was after school, even though he was nonverbal. I hoped for an answer someday. Discovering a Breakthrough After years of asking and getting no response, I simply added the words YES or NO. I then got…
Read MoreTaking him out of school sept 2023
Sharing Our Journey I’ve decided to share our journey because it might help someone else out there, and right now, my life revolves around helping my son with autism. Life at Home At the moment, we are at home with no school and no real support or help for Johnny. Johnny’s Progress Johnny is 12…
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REMEMBER-YOU’RE NOT JUST HERE TO LIVE, YOU’RE HERE TO FEEL ALIVE
Listen – There will come a day, for all of us, when we cannot do all the little things we take for granted now. What if you get to that age, realizing you never even tried half the things you wanted to? That must be difficult to face. Stop thinking you have forever, you don’t.…
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Stop Trying To Make the Wrong Things Work Right for YOU
You know how much time you have wasted trying to make the wrong things work and how much effort you have put in. We are all guilty of this one! Now imagine putting that same time and effort into something you know can work. Can you imagine how far you would go? Imagine…
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