Sending strong but low-demand vibes to all the neurodiverse families out there for whom Christmas poses its own unique set of challenges… Let the countdown back to normal structured days begin!

The journey home was full of pleading to play in an orchestra (in a green jumpsuit). To those who made today happen: you’ve opened a door into a new universe of possibilities for a kid whose disabilities often lock her out. Your skill and passion touches lives; thank you🥰

Today was just joyous. The girls could express themselves however they needed to, including physically or asking endless questions. Highlights were the violin of course (“how does it go so high?!”), the percussion section (obvs) and the tuba player’s mute (“will he drop it?!”)…

Concerts are so inaccessible normally to kids like mine with significant additional needs. Loud noises, strange sounds, and the unpredictability of the music is hard enough, plus the journey there, the crowds, uncomfortable seats, and enforced stillness and silence….

Today’s relaxed prom was truly incredible, huge thanks to all @RoyalAlbertHall @RSNO @NickyBenedetti @tSondergard A first for my teenage daughter and her friend… watching their eyes light up and jaws drop as they experienced each new sound and sight made me cry proper tears...

School attendance is such a simple drum to beat. Get them to school and all will be well, goes to rhetoric. They can't succeed otherwise, we're told. Behind that drum there are a million stories. Here are some of them 1/

A really excellent article. Would only add that supporting and reducing all other demands on our autistic young people puts significant stress on the shoulders of their families and carers too…. So make sure to take care of yourselves too 💞

Thank you again to everyone who replied. You can find the document here named "Worrying About War" https://t.co/bWJHmaZOLW #edutwitter #resources . Please be aware that this document will be followed up next week with a larger group to support & ensure more robust.

Wishing you all a happy 2022.

Yep, this thread sums up Christmas in our autistic household. Weeks of preparation to manage the escalating anxiety (and it’s not just the kids 🙋🏻‍♀️) Do read for some ideas of how to support those you love; or, better still, just ask #AskAnAutistic #AutismAwareness

Please spare a thought for all the NHS lab staff who have processed millions and millions of tests over the past two years. These people never get a mention, but they have worked tirelessly and helped save thousands of lives.

Polite reminder that if you know someone who really struggled during last lot of restrictions, call them. We’re all feeling a bit depressed about it coming back but some will be absolutely dreading the next few weeks.

Massive thanks to the fab team at @CSHSurrey Sandown Park vacc centre for getting a #COVID19 jab in my #autistic young person today. Alan, Mary & Sheila, you couldn’t have been kinder or more sensitive. And the lady who took us via a separate entrance: this made it possible💉🙏

To healthcare workers everywhere. Thank you.

Grateful to the #NHS for my covid #Booster today - bonus was the enforced 15 minute sit-down after… perfect for starting a new crochet project

Yesterday we went to see Richard @FreeNazanin on the 7th day of his hunger strike on Whitehall, to show our unwavering support for his demands that our government do more to secure his wife’s release. What this family continues to have to endure is unfathomable. #FreeNazanin

Happy Father's Day to all us single mums 💪 doing the work of father and mother every single day

A special shout out on Fathers Day to all the single parents who role model the love, strength, and resilience of two parents by themselves every day 🥰💪😘

Would welcome an update from @SurreyCouncil @WardellR @LSBU on the research that Julie Iles commissioned below looking at link between Surrey’s ASD diagnosis rate and “intelligent parents”. Be great to see how it correlates w this research published today

Covid / #longcovid is for some of us the gift that keeps on giving, even 11 months later... and this week has been one of my most challenging in a while. But helped massively by this discovery from @SMHopkins - approved by the community dietician too!