Hello everyone

First of all I’d like to say thankyou to Kevin for giving me an opportunity to blog on his excellent website.  I have been silently dipping in and out of Kevin’s website for a while now so the chance to be here as a blogger is a wonderful opportunity to share the challenges and joys my family have experienced over the years.  But first, a bit more about me.

My name is Debbie and I am an English wife and mother of three children who range from 10 to 15 years of age.  My eldest daughter has just completed school and will be starting college in the autumn where she will be studying maths, sciences and art.  My 13 year old son was diagnosed with an autistic spectrum disorder in 2008 and more recently my 10 year old daughter has been diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome.  With two children on the spectrum who present and react differently to the world around them, life can be challenging.  However, though there are difficult days there are also many good days as we enjoy our childrens’ unique perspectives and particular talents.

When I am not caring for my family, I work part time in adult education supporting learners with disabilities.  As a result of parenting autistic children, I am now finding myself drawn to working in the area of special educational needs.  My family experience has been invaluable in helping to support my students more effectively and I hope to continue in this area.

In future posts, I hope to provide a snapshot of family life with autism, the joys and challenges, in the hope that it can reassure others who are on the same journey.