Friday 7 April 2017

SEND Stars 13

Wow, I'm amazed that we are up to number 13 in our SEND Stars series - short introductions to bloggers who write about their lives involving additional needs. Kind of highlights my thinking that blogging is good therapy I would say...



So without further ado, let me introduce you to this week's blogger:

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Who are you and how old are you?

I'm Julie and I am 40.

Who else is in your family and what are their ages?

Married to Mike, he is 42 and our children are Eliza, 7 and Noah, 3.

Which members of your family have SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) or additional needs, and what are those needs? 

Eliza is Autistic, on paper classed as ASD with moderate-severe learning difficulties. She also struggles with social anxiety.

Is there an official diagnosis and if so, what is it, at what age was it given and by who?

Eliza was diagnosed at age 3 years by a team which consisted of - Speech and language therapist, Educational Psychologist, Paediatrician and a member of our local Integrated Disability Services (IDS).

Can you list the job roles of everyone you've been involved with on your SEND journey so far?

Sencos, Speech and language therapy, Occupational Therapy, Integrated Disability Services, Paediatrician, Educational Psychologist, Health Visitor, GP, Nursery Teacher, SEN school staff, Children's continence Team, EHCP team, Local SEND team for support, info, advice and a lot of other parent bloggers that keep me sane on a daily basis. 

Are your children in school (if so, what type of school) or home educated?

Eliza attends a Special School where she is thriving but we do quite a bit at home also (especially in the School holidays where she needs the routine to continue). 

What would you like others outside the SEND community to know about your child's condition?

The word autism seems to make others want to say things like "Oh, I'm so sorry" or "That must be terrible". Please don't fear autism. Yes it can be hard, it can be devastating at times and yes it can unpredictable BUT never forget the child or adult that is behind that 'label'. Everyone is unique regardless of condition or diagnosis. Autism just means some people are different, they are not less and they are certainly not to be feared. 

Tell us a fact or funny story about you or your life which is totally unrelated to SEND.....

I worked at Warwick Castle many years ago in the themed events team. I dressed up as a medieval wench to serve dinner and drinks at the banquets and we had to also sing and dance as part of the entertainment. I got some funny looks walking to work dressed like that some evenings! 


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Julie's blog name is Living with Blooming Autism and it can be found at - bloomingautism.com
Twitter - @blooming_autism 
Facebook - Living With Blooming Autism

Please pop along and show her some support with a like or a comment!


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