Aniesa is joined by Stacey a mother of two, to talk about life as a parent of a child with additional needs. Stacey talks about her journey to finding out her eldest, Viv had autism, the many challenges they face and what her every day looks like. She also talks about the things she finds helps her as a mum with a neurodivergent child and advice she would give to any other parent who is dealing with the same challenges.

KEY TAKEAWAYS 

• When Stacey’s daughter, Viv, was small she had many trips to the doctors, this is when they first suspected additional needs as there was often no reason for her unsettled manner.
• There are unique challenges to parenting a child with additional needs, from sleep issues that impact everything to communicating their needs.
• Those with neurotypical children often don’t realise how difficult every day is, simply going to the shops can be extremely difficult.
• Stacey has had to stop working in order to support her child in nursery and further education settings.
• Stacey and her husband work as a team to tackle the many challenges they face each day.
• Research is essential in understanding your child. Regardless of what one person may say, look into everything yourself and learn as much as you can from as many different sources as possible.
• Learn to see the world as your child does, this will aid you in be able to support them, particularly in planning and foreseeing things that may be difficult for them.

BEST MOMENTS

“Her journey has been interesting and not easy”

“Parents of a neurotypical child take that for granted, just being able to have a conversation with their child”

“That seemingly innocuous event to us can be a problem”

“You try your best to make them happy and hope they will be in the future”

“Try and understand things from an autistic persons perspective”

CONTACT METHOD

www.instagram.com/aniesabblore/           
www.instagram.com/sensationalkidstherapyuk/    
www.facebook.com/sensationalkidslondon

ABOUT THE HOST

Aniesa completed her degree in Occupational Therapy at the University of Stellenbosch, in South Africa. She has since been focusing on pediatrics and sensory processing and integration. She has worked across a range of pediatric fields and has extensive experience in autism, specific learning difficulties, as well as anxiety and emotional regulation.

Aniesa has one teenage son with autism, and one with sensory difficulties. She herself was diagnosed at a late age as having ADHD and has found that understanding her neurodivergence has led to a greater connection with children and their parents.