Dear FriendHow are you? Ready to meet your next challenge or simply exhausted? In the film Finding Nemo it is Dory, the plucky, forgetful blue fish, who encourages us in the face of adversity to 'Just keep swimming.' Tiredness is part of every parent’s experience. However, parenting a child with additional needs can take being tired to a whole new level! Be aware, there’s a thing called ‘carer burnout’ – a state of exhaustion that must be addressed. Can you recognise the signs? Kat Mills, who has to manage her energy levels carefully in order to ‘just keep swimming’, believes the D in ASD stands for design not disorder. Read her story and make up your own mind. Finally, if anything’s going to sap your energy getting an Education, Health and Care plan for your child should do it! The last article may throw you a lifeline. Be sure to get the help you need to ‘just keep swimming!’ (Dory) Kind regards Nicola Watson Carer burnoutCarer burnout is dangerous to you and your family. This article describes the signs to look out for and shares some practical suggestions to help you. ASD disorder or design?Navigating your way through an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP)A child with additional needs must have an EHCP to get appropriate support while in education. However, getting one can be complex, lengthy and costly, if legal advocacy becomes necessary. In this article titled 'You are the Captain!', kindly shared by Send Family Instincts, a parent describes the 'journey'. Help for you fromAdditional Needs SupportOur privacy policy and statement can be viewed here. |