Thursday, 30 April 2026

Looking Back at a Diagnosis That Never Fit

A beige background with the title “Looking Back at a Diagnosis That Never Fit” centred at the top in dark brown text. Below, two wooden frames sit side by side on a desk. The left reads “2015 Dependent Personality Disorder” beside a small notepad, a red highlighter, and crumpled paper. The right frame shows a checklist titled “Autism?” next to a neatly folded stack of grey clothes. The image symbolises reflection and re‑evaluation of a past diagnosis.

I have been blogging consistently again since December. I have been trying to rebuild good blogging habits and have been working through old posts. As I said in my last post, I have noticed how much my writing has changed. I have gone right back to the start, revamping posts and reflecting on the person behind them.

Monday, 27 April 2026

Studying Theology: Earning My Graduate Diploma

A rolled parchment diploma tied with a red ribbon sits beside a black graduation cap with a gold tassel, resting on a stack of three hardcover books against a deep blue background. The title “Studying Theology: Earning My Graduate Diploma” appears clearly at the top in white text.

My blog started in 2010 as a place to reflect on my growth as a new Christian. That stayed the focus for several years, until James was born and Will started home education. I joined the blogger community and became a family, home education, single parent, and disability blogger. I found my stride and unique voice. When the Chritian posts no longer fit the identity of the blog, I returned the posts to drafts. I was not ashamed of them. My writing, voice, and life had changed.

Friday, 24 April 2026

Parenting James: The Long Awaited ASD and ADHD Diagnosis

 

A silhouetted teenager sits on the floor near a softly lit window, knees drawn up and head bowed. Warm light filters through sheer curtains, casting gentle shadows across the room. The text above reads “Parenting James: The Long Awaited ASD and ADHD Diagnosis.” The image conveys reflection, understanding and calm after a long emotional journey.

James has always been bright, funny, creative, expressive, mischievous, troublesome and mouthy, but “different”. He never needed fixing. He just needed micromanaging. He was never purposefully naughty, despite often finding himself in trouble. For the school, it was always labelled as behavioural.

As an ex-teacher, qualified in child development and psychology, and someone who knows our son’s true character, I knew there was an underlying cause outside of behavioural issues. Nevertheless, a question mark always hovered above him.

That was until this month.