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I am a parent who has two teenage children diagnosed with Aspergers Syndrome and Co-occurring learning difficulties. Their journey in life has been a difficult one, made even more challenging by the fact that they are high functioning in some elements of their disability. Despite this, they will continue to need support and care throughout their lives in areas that most of us take for granted. Apspergers is described as a hidden disability and is frequently met with a great deal of prejudice or ignorance in the adult world.

Like many parents, the diagnosis of my children was a difficult pill to swallow, but acceptance and support of their level of need has been life changing for all concerned. Employment prospects for people on the spectrum are often very poor and this caused me to think of ways in which my own children could reach their potential and become contributing and valued members of society, despite their disability. 

I started The Sanctuary Retreat, Hastings, (a holiday let business) as a part-time, self- employed mum working from home. This was not only to enable me to care for and support my family, but also with a view that they may have employment in the future, If and when my business grew.                                                               Working part-time and supporting their needs has been a delicate balance and has not come without it's fair share of stress (as anyone with children on the spectrum is only too aware, little goes to plan in an Aspies world). However, it seems to be a balance that also affords me a life beyond care and the potential opportunity of employment for them in the future.

The majority of people with Aspergers are either unemployed or underemployed, yet some of the skills they possess are extraordinary, especially those on the high functioning end of the spectrum. My life's focus since having children with Aspergers, has been to support them in obtaining independent living as much as they can and to help them develop their particular gifts and skills. Celebrating their difference and hopefully giving them the tools to enable them to make a difference in their lives. 

The National Autistic Society is the lifeline that many carers, parents or sufferers turn to when in need. They are dedicated to raising awareness, providing information, support & pioneering services and campaigning for a better world for people with Autism. Currently, they support over 700,000 people with the condition. For that reason they are a charity close to my heart.

Please spare a moment to donate whatever you can and to make a difference to somebody on the spectrum.

Thank you, Maggie