Kerry Eames, a former teacher, writes about discovering that her daughter was autistic and through that process, realising that she is neurodivergent, too.
We are still waiting on a diagnosis for our 11 year old but we already know the results. My father is what used to be termed Asperger’s, and I have recently wondered if I am also. We had to remove our daughter from school 3 years ago due to complete autistic burnout and I don’t think she will be going back any time soon. She loves homeschooling but does miss the socialising, despite it being a struggle for her as other kids don’t understand her methods. She has started her own jewellery business and loves going to markets, and she’s now writing a book! 😊 she says her favourite part of autism is her ability to hyperfocus 😅
Thanks Annie. It took time to break out of the school system mentality but she amazes me every day with her ideas and plans...and of course what better way to learn than when doing something you love?!
Thank you so much for sharing your story Kerry. My daughter is 9 ASD with PDA profile and I can relate to a lot of what you say. The deep dive into neurodivergence, the questions about our own neurotypes, the fear and the absolute pride that comes with having a kid that seems to know exactly what they want and sticks two fingers (in our case literally 😋) to this rigid world.
Thanks for writing this Kerry. So much of what you've shared chimes with me. I always knew my son was different too. I was very scared about that for a long time. Embracing his autism and most likely ADHD gives him access to a language to describe his struggles and frustration with the world. I think he's proud to be neurodivergent, although it's not something he shouts about. His obvious difference makes him a target for those who regard it only through a stigma lens. Aged 12 there is nothing he doesn't know about Geopolitics! It's such a shame that he can't show this is in the Education system. I love that your daughter's school has the ethos of "Only one you" 😊
Sounds fairly similar to our story (apart from the book reading - our 17 year old PDAer is adamant she hates books and instead has taught herself everything she knows, which is a lot, from a screen!). School is very tricky for sure because the system works with what it thinks should happen rather than what works best for our children.... good luck with the teens!
Thank you for sharing your story, there are many parallels to my own. We are pretty new to this gig but are slowly working it out and finding what helps or hinders us. The diagnosis of my daughter as autistic has been an absolute epiphany for the whole family.
Fear and absolute pride is exactly it.
My daughter has already decided she wants to be an author and illustrator. I have no doubt that she will be!
We are still waiting on a diagnosis for our 11 year old but we already know the results. My father is what used to be termed Asperger’s, and I have recently wondered if I am also. We had to remove our daughter from school 3 years ago due to complete autistic burnout and I don’t think she will be going back any time soon. She loves homeschooling but does miss the socialising, despite it being a struggle for her as other kids don’t understand her methods. She has started her own jewellery business and loves going to markets, and she’s now writing a book! 😊 she says her favourite part of autism is her ability to hyperfocus 😅
That's amazing, she sounds like an awesome young lady.
Thanks Kerry 💜
I love that your daughter has started her own jewellery business and is writing a book. This is incredible. Ax
Thanks Annie. It took time to break out of the school system mentality but she amazes me every day with her ideas and plans...and of course what better way to learn than when doing something you love?!
Absolutely x
Thank you so much for sharing your story Kerry. My daughter is 9 ASD with PDA profile and I can relate to a lot of what you say. The deep dive into neurodivergence, the questions about our own neurotypes, the fear and the absolute pride that comes with having a kid that seems to know exactly what they want and sticks two fingers (in our case literally 😋) to this rigid world.
I totally agree with this sentiment! :)
Thanks for writing this Kerry. So much of what you've shared chimes with me. I always knew my son was different too. I was very scared about that for a long time. Embracing his autism and most likely ADHD gives him access to a language to describe his struggles and frustration with the world. I think he's proud to be neurodivergent, although it's not something he shouts about. His obvious difference makes him a target for those who regard it only through a stigma lens. Aged 12 there is nothing he doesn't know about Geopolitics! It's such a shame that he can't show this is in the Education system. I love that your daughter's school has the ethos of "Only one you" 😊
Sounds fairly similar to our story (apart from the book reading - our 17 year old PDAer is adamant she hates books and instead has taught herself everything she knows, which is a lot, from a screen!). School is very tricky for sure because the system works with what it thinks should happen rather than what works best for our children.... good luck with the teens!
Thank you for sharing your story, there are many parallels to my own. We are pretty new to this gig but are slowly working it out and finding what helps or hinders us. The diagnosis of my daughter as autistic has been an absolute epiphany for the whole family.