There are many mountains to climb in life, and being a parent is one of them. Usually we all learn how to do this through our own experiences, role models, and how we wanted to feel as a child. 

Having a child with autism means that you have to throw out all of that traditional parenting knowledge and start with a blank page.  Our children are wired completely differently. You have to start with yourself, in freeing your mind, to try to understand and enter your child's world - how they think and feel, what triggers behaviours; why is he constantly putting things in his mouth, making strange noises, hits other children, refuses to wear a coat in freezing cold weather, has a melt down 'for no reason' etc.  

The 'Time Out for ASD' course (4 x 2 hour weekly sessions) gives parents and carers an in-depth understanding of autism and related conditions, along with practical tools and techniques that really can make a difference to everyday life for a family.  

I want to raise £620 to run one of these courses for our PACT families, any more raised will go towards a second course.  Each course has just 12 places and we have many more families needing help! 

If you are one of my work colleagues then Pitney Bowes will match your donation!  You need to complete an online form (link below, PACT for Autism reg. no. 1148170) and email your 'Thank you for donating' Just Giving email to UKGiving@pb.com.  Here is the link to copy and paste:  https://s.zoomerang.com/r/ZBRPTGW?sm=kG32eZH0WodKs0BXZynUjw%3d%3d 

My son James is now 16 years old and I have been on many courses and learned so much over the years. So many families are now just starting their journey, and your donation will really make a difference to their lives. 

World Autism Awareness Day is 2nd April so please do make a donation to PACT for Autism, of which I am Chair and co-founder.  

Thank you so much for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page xx

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to our charity. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.