World Autism Awareness Week 26th March - 2nd April 'Until Everyone Understands'
So, I have something a little different to talk about this week in my blog that is not specifically related to my business but it is one of the main reasons I set up my own business.
Its longer than usual so please bear with me, I hope you find it informative and can understand why I am so appreciative of the support all my customers give my small business.
Thank you, Laura x
My family has had to have a crash course in autism over the last 4-5 years. Our child was diagnosed late during the teenage years which can be difficult enough for any child.
Every child on the Autistic Spectrum is different once you have met one autistic person you have met one autistic person!
Unfortunately the diagnosis coming so late for our family meant that other unhelpful labels were introduced to our lives way before we got any useful help. For example; 'just a naughty child', 'wants to be in control', 'just deciding not to go to school', 'the school has done everything they can', 'it's just bad parenting', 'its a toxic family situation', 'just wanting attention' .... anyway not to dwell on the negative too much the late diagnosis and the misrepresentation of what we as a family were going through really took its toll on our family and also lead to our child suffering serious mental health issues.
We decided one of us had to leave our job to concentrate on supporting our child and putting all the support for everything in place (because believe me to get any help you need to fight tooth and nail .. we are warrior parents!).
Anyway I left my job I had worked in for over 19 years, I took a year out to fight for the right support for our child, including; mental health support, medication, education and a more stable family home life.
We have required a huge amount of information and help from various people but mostly it has been learning from other parents who have been through the same situation.
Support Groups If you live in Milton Keynes there is a facebook parent support group you can request to join; ASD Support for MK Parents and https://www.facebook.com/NAS-Milton-Keynes-Branch-1483518281902523/
After a year off I felt strong enough to set up my own business based at home where I am always available for my children and very close by if I was needed.
This is when the Tranquility Room MK was born and I have spent the last 2.5 years building up my business. Being my own boss has been everything to my family and I can't tell you how much my customers supporting my local business means to us!
Autism Awareness Week - Why is this important? My family and I have been directly impacted by autism yet we knew absolutely nothing about it when it was first mentioned when our child was 12! So educating everyone about the condition is key to raising awareness, changing preconceptions and supporting autistic people in the best way we can.
What is autism?
Autism is a lifelong, developmental disability that affects how a person communicates with and relates to other people, and how they experience the world around them.
It is a neurological condition that will not change. It is the way their brain is wired not an error, its just different.
Think Windows v's Apple Mac ......
The difference between girls and boys.
The standard criteria for diagnosing autism is more orientated to boys and the particular autistic traits they display so remember if you have a daughter you suspect may have autism consider these signs;
How you can help?
Educate yourselves and your children, the National Autistic Society has tons of resources.
Donate to the National Autistic society so they can continue to do the outstanding work they do
http://www.autism.org.uk/get-involved/donate.aspx
Be understanding if you realise someone has autism or you see a parent struggling with their child in public having a meltdown, don't automatically assume the child is being naughty they could be completely overwhelmed and have shutdown or be in full meltdown where you just have to ride that out not touch them then once over get them somewhere calm and quiet.
Watch these two short film's created by the National Autistic Society to help see things from an autistic persons perspective.
