On Monday, the Awesome Archie team were privileged to be invited to the grand opening of the DCF’s inclusive cinema.
The Dorset Children’s Foundation is an incredible charity of which Archie and I are very proud to be affiliated with. Patsy Hallmey (founder) has, not only managed to open three charity shops but, with the help from her incredible team, has created a beautiful and inclusive space for Dorset kids in the Sovereign Centre in Boscombe.
The DCF’s “Tree House” is not only a charity shop but a space where children can be read stories, make friends and now watch movies on their all new bespoke cinema setup.
Together for Cinemas organised this fantastic installation and now Patsy and her team are giving disabled children the chance to visit the cinema like any able-bodied child.
Archie and I would like to personally thank EVERYONE at the DCF. Not only for all the incredible things that you do for Dorset children… but for how you have supported Archie and I on our very own non-profit journey.
See below, links for our Radio Solent interview and a video of the opening itself.
Well, what a 3 weeks it’s been for the Awesome Archie team. We have SO much exciting news to share . Now, I know the title of this blog post will look completely bonkers, but by the end of this post it will all become clear… hopefully π
Dorset School Games meeting.
I was privileged enough to be invited to TGS to meet two rather incredible people. Dan Moody, Active Dorset’s strategic lead for sports and development and Claire Tabor, Children and young persons manager and school games county lead.
We had an hour long sit down where we chatted about the importance of inclusion and adapting lessons to suit all abilities. I am so delighted to say that they really didn’t need to learn much from me at all. Both Dan and Claire have an open passion about getting EVERYONE to love sport and are already leading a program called “Dare to believe.”
Dare to believe is a sporting event that is targeted to those children for whom PE is just that little bit tougher, for whatever reason.
Students with mobility differences, the neurodiverse, the quiet and reserved… EVERYONE IS THERE TO HAVE FUN! I am delighted to say that I have been invited to join them at the end of this month to observe in person. This way, we can collect our thoughts and see how we can make this, already brilliant event, even more AWESOME!
I want to say a massive thankyou to both Dan and Claire for all the work they are doing and for going the extra mile for the kids that have a tougher time in PE. THANKYOU X
Willy Gilly wellness.
William Gilpin is a school that I am currently 1:1’ing in a couple of days a week. I am so lucky to have two AWESOME students who just fill my time there with laughter. It is a genuine joy to be part of such a welcoming and nurturing school team. When one of their incredible teachers asked if I could help her create a ” Wellness Hub” within their stunning New Forest grounds, I JUMPED at the opportunity.
It is so vital that kids have a break out space. So many children can find the school day overwhelming… and having a sheltered, but outdoor chill zone will provide some calm. I plan to use it a lot π
This week, we got started on this exciting project. I donned my PG Tips apron and painted the walls white, the bunting in being sewn and the wooden positivity messages are underway.
The school are hosting a bake off fundraiser where we hope to raise enough money to buy weatherproof beanbags, cushions and outdoor rugs. Thankyou to Harriet Crossen and Simon Croutear for trusting me with this, it means a lot. Watch this space for progress reports π
And lastly…..CHRISTMAS!!!!!!!! #sorrynotsorry π
Being a non-profit means that you spend your entire career asking for money, eeeek.
One of the most productive ways that we raise Awesome Archie funds is to create and sell. This year, we are hosting 3 Christmas/craft tents. All profits will go into the Awesome Archie fund to then be used to directly support a child with a neurological difference.
Thankyou so much to my ever supporting husband, Ian. He is not one for the limelight at all but he needs this public recognition. Last week, he worked for 50 hours, then spent his weekend chopping wood and making Christmas trees and decorations that I will paint and sell at the upcoming fayres. He does this because of love. Love for Arch, love for our family, love for the cause and the fact that he is just a properly top bloke.
Like so many of our readers, I have to do a lot of work with Archie at home to make sure that he is progressing with his learning, no matter how slowly. Thankfully our eldest son, Josh, has always been really supportive with this because I find it so tough! I genuinely get really overwhelmed by all the terminology and I’m sure that some of you could be feeling this way too?!
This year, our third son started senior school and so, with his help, I am learning all about the English curriculum and the specifics that it covers. Thanks Herbie for your patience with this… I am not a fast learner! π€¦ββοΈ
We thought that we’d share some of these (seemingly crazy hard) learning objectives, to help any AA home schoolers out there (or parent carers like me that didn’t have a clue π)
Coordinating conjunctions.
A coordinating conjunction is a conjunction that connects words, phrases, and clauses that are coordinate, or equal to each other. There are seven coordinating conjunctions:Β for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so. They can be remembered using the acronym FANBOYS.
Clauses and Phrases.
A clause is a group of words that contains a subject and a verb.Β A phrase is a group of words, but it doesn’t contain a subject and a verb.
Subordinating conjunctions
A subordinating conjunction isΒ a word or phrase that links a dependent clause to an independent clause. This word or phrase indicates that a clause has informative value to add to the sentence’s main idea, signalling a cause-and-effect relationship or a shift in time and place between the two clauses.
The five Ws.
The term “Five Ws” refers to the six basic questions to ask when gathering information or solving a problem. The questions are:
1. Who?
2. What?
3. Where?
4. When?
5. Why?
The goal of this technique is to gain a factual answer to each question. Answers to all five questions should give clarity to whatever the questioner is trying to discover: the solution to a problem, the answer to a mystery, or even the best way to build a product.
It’s fair to say that the curriculum have toughened up since my school days… EEEK!
I hope that these snippets of info have eased the panic for some of you… WE CAN DO THIS! π
This new academic year is another opportunity for me to learn more about kids differences. I am so blessed to work with a wide range of kids with differing needs. This time I am learning all about verbal Dyspraxia and delayed speech. I thought I’d share what I have learnt so far to see if it could help you π
Verbal dyspraxia is a condition in which children have difficulty in making and co-ordinating the precise movements needed to produce clear speech with their mouths; without any signs of damage to nerves or muscles.
It is also commonly referred to as “childhood Apraxia of Speech”. Children with verbal dyspraxia will find it harder to produce individual speech sounds and to put sounds together in the right order in words. As a result, their speech is often a lot harder to understand. Imagine just how frustrating that must be!
Although it is speech that is mostly affected in verbal dyspraxia, children can also have difficulty moving their mouths, lips and tongue for things like eating and can sometimes find it hard to co-ordinate their body movements. It can be diagnosed by a speech and language therapist alone, although often a paediatrician and/or an occupational therapist will be involved in reaching such a diagnosis.
Here are some certain features within a childβs speech that they may look for before diagnosis.
ο· A limited range of consonant and vowel speech sounds. ο· Overuse of one sound (favourite articulation) ο· Inconsistent production and unusual error patterns ο· Breakdown in sequencing sounds in words, particularly as the length of words increases. ο· Fine and gross motor co-ordination/development.
Delayed speech.
Every child develops at his or her own pace. But if your child isn’t talking as much as other children of the same age, there could be an underlying difference. IT IS OK, there are so many people to help you if this is your situation.
A speech and language delay is when a child isnβt developing speech and language at an expected rate. Itβs a common developmental problem that affects as many as 10% of preschool children.
Your child may have a speech delay if they arenβt able to do these things:
Say simple words (such as βmumβ or βdadβ) either clearly or unclearly by 12 to 15 months of age
Understand simple words (such as βnoβ or βstopβ) by 18 months of age
Talk in short sentences by 3 years of age
Tell a simple story at 4 to 5 years of age
There are many reasons for why you child has speech delay but I see it most frequently in kids with ASD.
Living in a bilingual home also may affect a childβs language and speech. The childβs brain has to work harder to interpret and use 2 languages. So, it may take longer for these children to start using one or both languages theyβre learning. Itβs not unusual for a bilingual child to use one language for a while.
How is a speech and language delay diagnosed?
Your doctor can help you recognize a speech and language delay. They will ask you what you have heard and can listen to your childβs speech and check your childβs mental development.
Your doctor may refer you to other specialists to determine why your child isnβt speaking. For example, if your doctor thinks your child may have trouble hearing, they may refer your child to an audiologist for a hearing test. This is a licensed health care professional who treats hearing problems.
The take home for me from this barrage of new information is DO NOT PANIC! I think we are all terrified when we notice that are child may not be developing in the way we expected, it’s scary but there is help!
This totally AWESOME human is called Flo. I was privileged enough to work closely alongside Flo when I worked as a TA at her school. Over the 3 years that we have helped each other, she has taught me so much. So, when she says that she likes a sensory toy, I listen and learn.
Yesterday she showed me her latest Sensory fidget purchases and I have to say that they are amazing.
This all-in-one sensory toy unfolds to reveal 5 panels with unique sounds and fun textures. It records and plays back your voice with the removable recorder.
It as a fantastic way to explore unique sound effects and fold up the cube for a sensory experience on the go. The Sensory FX ASMR Recorder Cube is made for restless hands and soothing ASMR effects.
As we know fidgeting with tactile sensory toys can help release restless energy.
Fidget toys are self-regulation tools to help with focus, attention, calming and active listening (and they are so much fun!)
It also worth noting that Smyths toy superstore ( where this was purchased) has 2 aisles dedicated to sensory needs. WELL DONE SMYTHS!
Thankyou Flo and your ever supportive Mummy Vicci.
When Archie was in mainstream education he was unhappy a lot of the time. Needless to say, this had a tremendously negative effect on his ability to process the information taught.
We all know that only happy kids learn. If they are overwhelmed with worry, sadness, loneliness etc, they cant possibly find the brain space to fit in long division. When you think of it logically, it makes so much sense. What on earth is the point of learning your times tables if you hate yourself, are afraid of life and just feel like you don’t fit in?
This is the very reason that I go to mainstream schools to support ASD kids. If having that tiny bit of fun injected into the school day can get a child back on track then that’s AWESOME!
Now that Archie is blessed enough to be in specialist provision the challenges are a little different. He is happy, confident, more communicative verbally and we no longer self harm. We do have to focus on learning from home a little more though…..which we LOVE.
Archie may not get his GSCE’s. We don’t know if the pressures of a test environment will cause him too much distress so we’ll cross that bridge when we get there. We are however encourage by his tutor to immerse ourselves in his favourite subjects.
Many successful people in life had terrible exam results and this is something that we share with all of our kids.
So, with this in mind we bought Archie an online diploma course. Archie was able to sit in his own home, learn at his own pace and in his own way. We are proud to announce that he is now the proud owner of a Feline behaviour and psychology Diploma. He passed with a rate of 96% and received a distinction π
What a phenomenal and memory making experience we have just had.
Thanks to the brilliant Reformed Plastics, Archie was welcomed as a guest of honour at this years fantastic New Forest show.
David and Martyn, the CEO’s of Reformed Plastics have skilfully created the UK’s first giant rainbow chair in Archie’s honour. This remarkable chair was sat on and admired by thousands of visitors and was a real talking piece. πππͺπͺ
Please visit Reformed Plastics website for details π
For me, seeing our Awesome dude be proud of his differences, pose for pictures and talk to strangers was overwhelming. He was more than happy to let his quirky personality shine, even though he did get upset because I wouldn’t buy him a real piglet! π·π·
We were also privileged enough to briefly man the William Gilpin tent, an incredible school that I am currently (voluntarily) supporting a child 1:1 because of all of your kind support.
Thankyou to William Gilpin’s Head (Mr Simon Croutear) for the ongoing support π
What a truly awesome day Friday was for the whole Awesome Archie team π πππ§π§π
We were lucky enough to be able to hold a fundraising stall at the beautiful Priory C of E Primary school in Christchurch. Each year they host a fantastic summer fayre in their playground. We were treated to Singing, ukulele playing, hip-hop dancing, the under 12’s world dance champions and Awesome Archie even got a go on the microphone to welcome everyone and encourage them to give generously π π°π°π°
By selling item/gift donation,s kindly given by the public, we managed to raise Β£185!!
The Awesome Archie team are thrilled to be donating Β£92.50 (half our profit) to the Friends of Priory school charity. They spend these kind of donations on fun, play equipment and giggle making activities to help kids have an even better time in school. The remaining Β£92.50 has been put back in the AA pot ready to buy another chrome book for a child with ASD as soon as we are able. π»π»π»
I don’t mind admitting that I did get a little emotional at one point in the afternoon, seeing so many children running around with their official ‘Awesome Archie merch’ t-shirts!! ππ
This week I was privileged enough to visit “The Link” and witness first hand the immensely supportive teaching style for the kids with Autism, blessed to be taught there.
Our Archie was one of the very first pupils to have been lucky enough to join The Link as it opened as an ASD hub in the grounds of Broadstone Middle school. Fast forward 2 years and not only is the school thriving, but so is Arch!
We will never be able to explain fully just what a positive impact the staff have all had. Not just on our son, but the positivity that has been carried home has changed our home life for the better too!
Mr Chris Goulding and Mrs Claire Sweeney, to name just two of the brilliant staff there, continue to go above and beyond. As a family we are forever grateful and inspired by their endless patience and kindness. The kids in their care are TRULY blessed!
Archie showed me all around the fully stocked class and even graced me with some nifty tricks performed the school Labrador “Peggy”.
One Boy and his borrowed Dog π
As “The Link “expands and grows over the years, we want to share just how fab this team is and shout of how highly we would recommend sending your Awesome kid there!
To all at The Link. THANKYOU from the bottom of our hearts!
This image brought on a wave of genuinely strong emotions for me this morning. I know and you are right, that does sound bizarre… let me explain π
Unlike most almost 15 year olds, Archie still see’s the complete joy in playing “submarine rescue” or ” octonaughts save the planet”
While a lot of neurotypicals of his age are tictocing or hitting the beach with friends, he is here, still playing like his 8 year old sibling. This is where the real mix of emotions comes into play.
See, sometimes I feel sad that Arch wont grow up to be like his unbelievably gorgeous siblings. Sometimes I feel sad that he doesn’t see the world like I do, or notice the real dangers in life. Sometimes I feel sad that he may not find a partner or have children . I also ALWAYS feel sad that there is so much discrimination and exclusion across the globe, something for which I will FOREVER fight. However, along with those negative feelings rushed an onslaught of total joy!
Archie still screeches with the sight of a rainbow. He jumps for joy when the Ice cream van comes. He doesn’t care that his clothes aren’t trendy, they are comfy and that’s all he is bothered about. He can spend hours playing with toy cars and not fearing for what’s happening in the world. He sleeps SURROUNDED by his teddies, with zero shame. A Cat or a Dog is literally ALL the company he needs. Riding a scooter up and down the road is still every bit as exciting for him as the very first time he did it. Thunder and lightening are magical and best of all, he still wants to sit on my lap for cuddles….even though he is as tall as me now!
I wanted to share this for any parent/ carer who may be having a sad day. It happens! The sheer fact that you are reading this post shows that you care, that makes your kid the LUCKIEST kid ever!
Lets go into the world with the same immaturity and joy of Awesome Archie π
