Our Journey: Solo Parenting and Autism

Stuck Between Mainstream and SEN: A Heartfelt Christmas Update

In this episode I share a brief update about my nine-year-old son J’s difficult term after moving from mainstream into his school’s autism unit. I explain how the change affected his behavior, mental health, and our family life, and why the setting hasn’t met his needs. I also outline the steps we’ve taken—meetings, flexi-schooling, and ongoing advocacy—and what I plan to do in the new year as we seek the right support and next steps for J.

Alone but Unbroken: Solo Parenting a Child with Autism

Yasmin shares her solo parenting journey raising her son J, who has autism, describing the emotional and practical challenges of advocacy, finances, school meltdowns, and everyday decision-making on her own. She recounts a recent late-night A&E visit for an ear infection that became a small win when J coped well, and reflects on the resilience, growth, and bonding that come from parenting solo, along with self-care strategies that help her keep going.

Creating Calm: How Home Shapes an Autistic Child’s Wellbeing

In this episode, a single mum shares personal stories about how the home environment—physical layout, sensory elements, and daily routines—deeply affects her autistic son’s wellbeing. She discusses decluttering, lighting, textures, and creating safe spaces like sensory tents, plus practical tips for preparing children for routine changes and holidays. She also reflects on school visits, independence skills, and managing meltdowns while balancing work and parenting. The episode mixes honest lived experience with actionable ideas to make home life calmer and more predictable for autistic children. Links:  - Sensory tent: https://amzn.to/4nQbB3e [https://amzn.to/4nQbB3e] - Etsy Shop:  GeminiHomeNewForest - Etsy UK [https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/GeminiHomeNewForest?ref=profile_header] - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ourjourneyautism/ [https://www.instagram.com/ourjourneyautism/]

Helping Autistic Children Through Meltdowns- A Parent's Perspective

In this episode a mum shares her experience of her nine-year-old son starting in a special educational needs (SEN) provision, the pressure of choosing an SEN secondary school, and what it feels like when autistic meltdowns occur. She explains the difference between meltdowns and tantrums, common triggers (sensory overload, routine changes, communication difficulties, exhaustion), practical calming strategies and prevention tips, and how to cope when meltdowns happen in public. She also celebrates small victories with a new weekly segment called "little wins," invites listener stories, and previews next week's episode about creating a calm home environment for autistic children.   Please follow me on Instagram: @ourjourneyautism

When School Says 'Maybe': Our Journey to an Autism Diagnosis

In this episode a mum shares her family's journey through autism assessment, diagnosis and the transition from mainstream school to a small ASD unit for her nine-year-old son, J. She describes early development, challenges like toileting, co-sleeping, and the emotional impact of change. She explains the diagnostic process, the support from her tiny rural school, and the importance of an education health care plan, and invites other parents to share coping strategies for meltdowns and settling into new routines.