Did you know, I am parent to two young adults with autism?

So yes, it may be Autism Awareness Month - but every day is about Autism Awareness here!

I will have several social media posts this month that feature the puzzle symbol -

A note about the PUZZLE PIECE representation.

I am aware that in some parts of the world the puzzle piece is viewed very differently, particularly due to association with an organisation in the USA.

I certainly do not wish to offend anyone, so have added this footnote to clarify why I still use it.

When my first child was diagnosed, the puzzle piece was very much the normal representation, so holds some sentimental value for us a family. All people with autism are different and I believe it is important to ask individuals how they wish their condition to be referred to... that is the person-centred approach I advocate.

Our dog is also called Puzzle - but he was named by Dog's Trust. He became part of our family due to the anecdotal evidence of the benefit of pets, and he has fitted in like a puzzle piece.

I do not advocate that Autism is in anyway a deficit or a missing piece, but more that it is complicated, tricky, requires concentration and understanding, and that we are all (neuro-typical and neuro-diverse) unique (like a puzzle piece) and are put together differently (like jigsaws).

So, if you do not want to see this, please hide my feed this month!  You can also see last years posts in the Archived Blog section.