We have at least eight senses; five that we can all think of, sight, hearing, smell, taste and touch, as well as at least three ‘mystery’ senses that we might not know so much about, including vestibular (balance and movement), proprioception (body awareness), and interoception (awareness of what’s happening inside the body).
Wherever you experience or notice conflict, harshness, unkindness, lack of understanding, and other forms of negativity, let our first response not be to pay it back in return, but to take a deep breath, consider for a moment what might have caused that negativity, and make the choice to show kindness instead. Let us ‘Love one another deeply. Honour others more than yourselves.’ and turn anger, barriers, and criticism into alliances, bridges, and compassion. If we work together on this, maybe, just maybe, it can be as simple as abc!
Let's celebrate our 'badges' and use them to be a help and a blessing to people who are new to our 'pack', who haven't earned their 'badge' yet, but are working towards it.
What really caught my attention, however, was that none of these families are able to access essential respite support for their child. In every case, Local Authorities have essentially left the families to cope on their own with no opportunities for a much needed chance to recharge their batteries.
So many people said how valuable the evening had been. To gather with other parents, carers, and guardians, who are on a similar journey to themselves; to not feel so isolated and alone; to forge connections and friendships; all was hugely helpful.
I hope that our segment highlighted the challenges, but also the joys, of our story, and echoed the stories of families like ours across the country.
...In desperation, they reached out to their church and asked if there was anything that the church could do to help… and their church stepped up magnificently. Here are just some of the things the church did...
If you journey with a nocturnal child (of any age) who is up in the night on a regular basis, I know how hard that journey is, I understand and empathise with you. It may help you to know next time you are up in the early hours that you are not alone, I may well be up with James too.
Routines are important, really important, they are the links of certainty that form a safe chain to follow through the day. Breaking one of those links, even inadvertently, can cause real trauma.
Delightful Handmade Dog Products and Gifts
An additional needs Dad and Son baking adventure...
Special Education Teaching Resources, Sensory Stories and SEND Information
The Additional Needs Blogfather 