Tag: autism

Learning You – A Review And Questions

by The Additional Needs Blogfather, posted in All Blog Posts, Children's/Youth Workers, Film/Media, Parents/Carers

When I was asked to review the new First Capital Films release ‘Learning You’, the story of an Autistic young person (Elijah) and his Dad (Ty), I thought it would be easy. You see, I’m Dad to an Autistic son myself, so I though “Hey, this will be a breeze”... It turns out that I was wrong; ‘Learning You’ isn’t just a story about somebody else, it was a story that spoke to me about my own story, and my sons story too, and took us all on a road trip. As I watched this film, I saw so much of my son James in Elijah, and so much of myself in Ty, through the storm, through the tears, through it all. So, buckle up, have a look at the review I wrote, be prepared for an emotional roller-coaster, and if you can, watch ‘Learning You’ and learn from it through the tears... My review has got a few key questions for you to consider too...

Understanding Behaviour in Children and Young People with Additional Needs

Featured by The Additional Needs Blogfather, posted in All Blog Posts, Children's/Youth Workers, Parents/Carers

For children and young people with a range of additional needs — including Autism, ADHD, sensory processing disorders/differences, or developmental delays — behaviour is often the most reliable tool they have to communicate a need that their words cannot express.

Paracetamol / Tylenol, Trump, And 10 Other Autism Myths

by The Additional Needs Blogfather, posted in All Blog Posts, Parents/Carers

The paracetamol/tylenol Autism myth isn't the first myth that Autistic people have had to deal with. It's just the latest in a long line of misinformation, misunderstanding, and hype. It is important to call these myths out for what they are, so, here’s my guide to this one and another ten Autism myths and how we can bust them.

Is There An Increase In Autistic Children And Young People?

by The Additional Needs Blogfather, posted in All Blog Posts, Children's/Youth Workers, Parents/Carers

This is a question that is a hot topic at the moment, I get asked about it all the time, but what is the answer? Are there many more Autistic children and young people now that a few years ago, or is there another explanation for the changing data?

The Unbreakable Boy – A Review And Questions

by The Additional Needs Blogfather, posted in All Blog Posts, Children's/Youth Workers, Film/Media, Parents/Carers

'The Unbreakable Boy' is a new film from Liongate, the people that brought us the film 'Wonder'. It follows the story of Austin (sometimes nicknamed Auz-man in the movie) and his family, as they journey and learn life together. This review asks some key questions along the way, for anyone journeying with a child with additional needs.

Sensory Overload And How We Can Help

by The Additional Needs Blogfather, posted in All Blog Posts, Children's/Youth Workers, Parents/Carers, Sensory/Senses

If we don't appropriately support children and young people with a sensory hyper-sensitivity, we not only leave them struggling this time, but create stress and anxiety about a repeat of their sensory overload next time; a double whammy!

A Young Autistic Poet’s Story – Guest Post

by The Additional Needs Blogfather, posted in All Blog Posts, Children's/Youth Workers, Parents/Carers

Hi, I’m Romilly. I’m an Autistic 22 year old girl with a collection of medical conditions. For years I’ve struggled to make and maintain friendships; I didn’t understand others and they didn’t understand me. I often feel lonely and isolated because I just don’t understand the social rules that others seem to be born understanding. … Continue reading A Young Autistic Poet’s Story – Guest Post

The Neurodiverse Coke Can

by The Additional Needs Blogfather, posted in All Blog Posts, Children's/Youth Workers, Parents/Carers, Sensory/Senses

As he walks through the front door, his parent asks him “Did you have a good day at school today, Jack?” and in doing so metaphorically pulls the ‘ring pull’ on the coke can that has been shaken all day… Boom! Jack erupts, and his parent wonders why this always happens at home and not at school…

My New Book: ‘How To Include Autistic Children And Young People in Church’

by The Additional Needs Blogfather, posted in All Blog Posts, Children's/Youth Workers, Parents/Carers

A book to help children’s, youth, and families’ workers, as well as families themselves, to understand more about Autism, how to identify and remove the barriers that Autistic children and young people can often experience in church, and how together we can create inclusion, belonging, and spiritual development for all. The journey of writing this … Continue reading My New Book: ‘How To Include Autistic Children And Young People in Church’

Our Family And Autism – Paddy and Christine McGuinness – Helpful? Or Harmful?

by The Additional Needs Blogfather, posted in All Blog Posts, Film/Media, Parents/Carers

“Paddy McGuinness and his wife Christine have three children, eight year-old twins Leo and Penelope, and five year-old Felicity. All three have been diagnosed with autism, a condition that means your brain works in a different way from other people, and can impact how you interact with the world.” This is the introduction to the … Continue reading Our Family And Autism – Paddy and Christine McGuinness – Helpful? Or Harmful?