Over 2 and half years ago my little Luca was diagnosed with autism, at the time I didn’t really understand what that meant! 

I was unsure on how to take the news that was presented to us at first, but after sitting down with paediatrician’s and support workers who pointed us in the direction of help and support groups/networks we began to understand what autism was and most of all how we could help Luca in present and future life. 

Luca doesn’t go to school for a full day, he’s in mainstream school but it isn’t suited to his needs so he has to have a 1-1 teachers who supports in, weather it’s inside t be classroom with other pupils or in his safe area by himself and support. His days are broken into 2 hourly slots and subjects/activities are broken down to what suits him so he can have a fun experience at school without becoming overwhelmed and cause him to have meltdowns. Many may not know that too much information into a child’s mind with autism can cause them to hit out, go into a spaced out zone, have a melt down and so on as their brain over stimulates and they can’t control how they think or behave. Many special schools already have full classes and cannot take any further pupils on for the foreseeable future, so for Luca and many other children that are stuck or isolated on mainstream school the days are hard some getting the help they need whilst at school and others stuck. Aswell as school their are many families/people out there that don’t know what autism is and this could impact their child if they’re unaware or in fact someone else child in how they act towards them. For this is the reason why I am doing this challenge, to raise awareness for Luca and all those other children/adults/families that are out there that may need advice or information or maybe just someone to talk to for a bit of support. 

National Autistic Society is one of the main fundraiser groups out there and they provide all the information and help a person/family with autism can contact to seek advice on certain subjects. It can help a person/parent get further information on autism on how they can help their child, school, home life or just general knowledge national Autistic Society covers all aspects as autism is a very large spectrum. They also provide support for adults with autism by having someone there to talk to, be a friend with or help them out with any problems that may occur in their day to day life. 

One piece of advice as a parent that I like to leave people with, if you’re told your child maybe autistic! Believe what you’re being told and accept it. Accepting it can be the difference to your child having an easier life and not walking round confused scared or worried. Your child/nephew-niece/grandchild or friends child isn’t naughty or a bad egg they’re autistic! 

Change the way we think in order to help those that struggle. 

Honestly Thankyou for taking the time to read through this, I’m always a message away for anyone who would like to know more about autism or help finding support. National autistic society website or facebook page has many links to help you find anything you require. 

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