I’m Avril, married to Robert and I’m Mum to 3 kids, Stephen, Michael and Rachel. Stephen has special needs (he has a rare chromosomal disorder). We can see he has lots in common with children on the autistic spectrum and children with down syndrome. As well being a Mum, I’m an advocate/lobbyist for those with disabilities. I feel strongly about the importance of including Stephen is as many everyday activities and I have created the Off We Go! series of books to help Stephen and kids like him manage with everyday events.
Inspiration, courage, support, kindness, relationships, positivity, hope, persistence – these are just some of the words ringing in my head after being part of the Immersion Event in Killarney last week. It was a week long event to learn, reflect...
Saturday
18 May 2013
We all hear lots of nightmare stories about the HSE, but I want to share a good experience with you! Stephen, our 14 year old with autism/rare chromosomal disorder had a bad fall before Christmas. He does not have the...
My outrage and anger continues this week with the announcement by our government in their annual budget to cut the respite care grant for carers by 20%. As a carer of my son Stephen who has autism, I cannot accept...
Why is there no joined up thinking in our government policy when it comes to disability services? There have been countless reports, most recently 
I was talking to a friend earlier this week that had just been to visit a doctor with her little boy. The news she got from the doctor was not good. Her words brought me back to the day the...
Parenting is a tricky subject at the best of times, with constant ups and downs. The toddler and teenage years seem to be particular highlights for testing of parenting skills! Stephen (who has a rare chromosomal disorder and autism spectrum...
