My name is Donna, I have lived in service accommodation with my little family for over ten years. My son is 12 years old and is currently in the process of being assessed for Autism and ADHD. He has always done things a little bit differently to other kids his age, but this hasn’t stopped him becoming a strong, kind young man. He is struggling with school attendance at the moment and is still recovering from burnout.
The last few years have been difficult for the whole family. Not knowing how to help your child when they are struggling with everyday life is soul crushing. It leaves you feeling lost and alone. You feel like you are failing them, and no matter how many times people say that you are doing a fabulous job, there’s still that voice in your head that says you’re a terrible parent. It’s a horrible way to feel, especially when you do so much for your whole family. It’s true when they say your worst critic is yourself.
Our boy is very much like me. I see so much of myself in him that I am most likely somewhere on the spectrum myself.
Our boy is very much like me. I see so much of myself in him that I am most likely somewhere on the spectrum myself. If this is the case then it explains a lot about me, and it’s no wonder I struggle so much with busy places, formal situations, and social gatherings. I am usually the one who walks around with her head down to avoid eye contact, just in case someone tries to start a conversation with me.
