A boy, a zoo, and an autistic meltdown | Days out

Two boys hugging in what looks like an upturned giant plant pot at Chester Zoo

Let me tell you a little story. One that isn’t shown by the abundance of happy photos taken during this day out.

One Friday in August a family went to the zoo. Mummy and Daddy, with their 7 and 9 year old boys.

The 9 year old (J) is autistic, with suspected ADHD. The 7 year old (N) is currently undergoing referrals for assessments too.

The family were hoping it was going to be a day of fun and adventure; seeing lots of animals – especially the meerkats, penguins and red pandas! Read more

Reach Out And Find Your Reason | Mental Health

Reach Out And Find Your Reason | Mental HealthImage Credit

Ever since the news broke of Caroline Flack’s suicide yesterday, I’ve been feeling sombre, and more emotional than I have been the last few days.Only more than the last few days because – I started the week off emotionally exhausted after feeling really low and persistently crying. And then it was like a switch flipped and I was feeling marginally better again.

That’s the thing with mental health issues – sometimes you can’t see when that switch will go, other times it’s a slow burn. Read more

AD | 6 gift ideas for the traveller in your life

6 gift ideas for the traveller in your lifeImage

If you have someone who loves to travel and is always jetting off across the world on their adventures, then they’re not always the easiest person to buy for. Smellies and fancy toiletries probably won’t be their first priority when it comes to cramming everything into their backpack, and pretty home décor items probably wouldn’t be appreciated if they’re never at home to enjoy them properly… Read more