Thursday 31 March 2011

April 2011 - Autism Awareness Month

Here we are again.  April - the month dedicated to our beautiful people with Autism.

In the jungle of questions what causes it, if we can cure it, how to live with it, why me...etc., the most improtant (in my humble opinion) is are we able to embrace it?  And the Autism Awareness means exactly that.  Those
 who are touched by this condition live it everyday. Us parents embrace, understand and fight for rights and wellfare - we spread awareness to all who want or need to listen.

This year there a quite a few global initiatives to spread the world and show our support.


Light the world Blue:  An attempt to light up most prominent buildings blue.  Ordinary people also pledged to light a blue bulb in their homes.


Stand up for Autism: Ever so popular YouTube event. Thousands of celebrities, parents, charities and Autistic adults and children publish their recorded message to raise awareness of Autism.

Many of us will change their profile picture on Facebook into Autism related icons: jigsaw puzzle ribbon, Autism Awareness Badge, Thomas The Tank Engine, I love someone with autism... and many more.

These are only a few in a sea of events. You'll see us everywhere, badges, local stores, streets, cinemas and public transport. Only this time, we won't  be trying to blend and "fit in".  We'll be loudly and proudly speaking for Autism.

Please listen.  That's all we need.

Wednesday 30 March 2011

Back again

Hello my darlings. I am back again.
I have lost the battle with system. Health authorities indeed do not deal with learning difficulties and school will not fork out the money as well.

I am to go to test my girl privately, which I will of course... just saving funds now, ha ha.

What happened was hundreds of emails, appeals, referrals and re-referrals  and constant rejections. This did not make me too happy obviously and I spent my time moping, not really wanting to talk about it.

Well, I am over that now. New ideas and opportunities, new teacher's view. There is apparently not so much evidence to immediately state that Cirwen has dyscalculia. If she did have a diagnosis, the method of teaching would still stay the same as the maths teacher is a special needs expert in this subject.  She has expressed that Cirwen lacks confidence and that is what stopping her from progressing further.  Here I must agree, that in many cases of homework, she started to panic even before she read the instruction to the task... And then, she calmed down and just.. did it!

I am taking my time now to observe, help gain the confidence and learn, learn learn..

On the bully front we won! Cirwen has been moved to three different classes, where the bullies are not! She is happier than ever. Still the star of the Drama club, started to take Bass Guitar lessons and sings in a choir.
She's busy, creative and smiling again.

 Yesterday was Cirwen's thirteenth birthday. What can I say? EEEK I HAVE A TEENAGE DAUGHTER!!!