Recent Blog Posts

• Immersion Event April 2013

  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...

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• Going to hospital with a child with autism

  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...

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• Where is our government’s social, moral and human conscience?

  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...

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• People with disabilities and their families should be ‘grateful’

  I am incensed and outraged by the comments of our Taoiseach (Prime Minister) Enda Kenny in the Dail last week. As a parent of a 14 year old with severe autism, I know that his statement that "Persons with a...

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• What my journey has taught me so far

  I was asked recently by a grandmother whose new grandchild was diagnosed with a chromosomal disorder, what advice I could give her and her family. She was asking me because my 14 year old Stephen has a rare chromosomal disorder....

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• Respite rant – enough is enough, government cannot be allowed to cut this vital service

  Why is there no joined up thinking in our government policy when it comes to disability services? There have been countless reports, most recently Progressing Childrens Disability Services, New Directions Personal Support Services for Adults with disabilities, Time To Move...

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• Getting the news that your child has a disability

  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...

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• Parenting a teenager with autism – what Stephen is teaching me!

  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...

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