Being a parent of a child with Autism, epilepsy and learning difficulties is a daunting and scary propersition full of dread and worry. Once navigating the minefield of diagnosis or coming to terms with our childrens struggles, there is very little in the way of support and guidance available. Life can be particulay very tough for nurodivergent children as well as parents, siblings and family members, especially to my little man, Artemus whos conditions are for life.

Parents And Autistic Children Together, PAACT a parent lead support group have been there for us and many other families in the Lincolnshire area. Run by parents of neurodivergent children, this support group provides vital training programs, support group meetings alongside activities and workshops designed to help and signpost families towards understanding of diagnosis and after diagnosis procesess. PAACT provide workshops and training in understanding meltdowns and shutdowns as well as understanding entitlement and support alongside advocacy. PAACT have been there for us, provided assistance, training and advice during the ’fog’ of what to do next. Without PAACT we would have struggled to have obtained the right educational setting for his needs. The advise, training and workshops that PAACT provide has helped us to understand Artemus, the needs he requires and support him to ensure that he has a happy childhood And the support in place for the future.

So I’m going to put myself out and be in his shoes, albeit if only for a short time. Everyday is a challenge to Artemus and he takes everyday one step at a time and is a true inspiration to me. Through gritted teeth and tears, everyday can be a frightening ordeal in which he picks himself up and carries on. There is nothing more heartbreaking for a parent to see than their child struggling through life and cajole him to keep going when his peers leave him behind. As part of my big 40 birthday I am going to complete a Wing Walk on top of a Boeing Stearman biplane aircraft on Saturday 24th August (*due to weather conditions on the day this has been rescheduled to Saturday 21st September and again due to weather conditions to Friday 18th October, and again to 25th May 2025 *). So I’m going to do it. I’m going to place myself in Artemus’ shoes and put myself through this few hours of my life to experience the same worries, dread, sleepless nights and lack of comprehension (to what I have signed myself up for!) which he has to go through everyday of his life. This time I will be doing this event in aid of PAACT . The money raised will go to the parent lead support group that will help many families and children stuggling with Autism support in the Lincolnshire area. This vital work is critical in aiding parent navigate the minefield of diagnosis, advise on school support and many other support functions that help neurodivergent children and there families have the best life they possibly can.

Artemus does not get a chance to walk away from anxiety and the stuggles of everyday life and neither am I from this task. The more donations that come through to this just cause, the more I realise that I am having to to complete this task!

I thank you all very much for taking the time to read this and inspired you to give what you can to aid a just cause. All proceeds go directly to PAACT .