Something for Grans with ASD DGCs

Feeling quite overwhelmed this evening so this thread is very timely. Spent some time with my ND , practically non-verbal grand daughter today in the park. I just felt very ill-equipped when I was unable to meet her needs and she became distressed. Coupled with that, her mama, my daughter is a young single mum whose 2 year old son is also autistic. I feel awful but I do have pangs of jealousy when I see all the happy families enjoying Christmas festivities knowing I’ll never be able to do that; pantos, cinema, even just having a conversation with her. So sorry, I’m feeling sad for my daughter. This is not what she expected from being a mother, all she ever wanted was children. Thank you for listening, we’re doing the best we can. A Merry Christmas to one and all.

I absolutely agree. It also applies to all of us. We are not all extroverts, a lot of us need a quiet time, and often when we are putting a lot of work in, we have to be kind to ourselves too, and remember not to stress about unimportant things, and take time out.

My son is 34 now and hates the noise involved when we have his brother and the grandchildren here. We had a lovely quiet Christmas last year, just the two of us. This year it's family again.

Thank you for this poster. The hustle of bustle of Christmas with its crowded supermarkets and noisy panto's can be very overwhelming for many on the spectrum. My grandson will come to the panto with his ear defenders handy, just in case, but stays at home when shopping is on the cards. Can't say I blame him.

Thank you, my 34 year old DD is struggling today

Christmas is such a difficult time for people with autism. Everything changes: the look of familiar places, the sounds and smells and social expectations. On top of that you're supposed to be really happy and to be having a great time.

Our GS is neurodivergent I have just sent him the screen shot.

(He is 16 1/2 at sixth form, a challenging time of year for him and others)

Not just neurodivergent DGC though. I utterly dread having to go to my eldest’s house every year, and fit in with the kind of Christmas she expects everyone to want.

That's brilliant Aveline.

A great reminder Aveline , thankyou.

Great poster!

Thank you Aveline