I’ve just invited my sister and my closest friends/couple to the Jamie Cullum concert taking place next year, the night before my birthday.

Dopamine boost done for the day!

What a dialogue between a brilliant school and a mother of an autistic child who is traumatised by the last school looks like:

Teacher and headmistress: Ana, for the Christmas Show, we’re not sure…

Me: Oh, I understand, you’re not sure it’s a good idea he’s here that day.

Teacher and headmistress: No, you see, we were just…

Me: No, it’s ok, he doesn’t have to participate. The same happened at the other school the last 2 years, I understand.

Teacher and headmistress: No, we really want him to be included! Please let us try our idea. We were just wondering if you agreed to bringing him on stage with one of the teachers, during the last song, when it’s more comfortable for him?

I was so touched I had to hold back tears.

And this afternoon, B, in the way that was possible, participated in the school’s Christmas show. Every teacher and child helped making it a happy experience for him.

I’m telling you, when you see this kind of good humanity, there is no holding back those tears.

Hope is such a curious and powerful thing.

You reach a point of complete darkness and convince yourself with all your energy that the path stops there. You even begin to turn back.

And suddenly hope is there, holding a candle, with a knowing, taunting smile on its face.

And you can’t help but follow it.

There is a recruitment/sourcing Hackathon happening and for the first time I was able to find all the answers.

I managed to keep the knowledge from sourcing books and events! This feels so good to realise!!

Loooong day of Christmas adventures between Sintra and Lisbon 🥰

And B’s first carrossel ride 😊

Any tips on how to navigate a moment when clients are voicing their discontent, missions aren’t advancing, people don’t reply, and you’re blocked by executive dysfunction? Fun times!

This morning B woke up quite early, so after the usual playing time at home, and to enjoy a sunny day after a rainy week, I took him for a walk around the center of town. We even explored little corners I’ve never been to.

This was unthinkable a few months ago, I would be too fearful of a meltdown. Ever since B changed schools to an inclusive one, and in only 2 months, the progress has been incredible. They are kind to him, strict when needed, every kid in his class includes him and is super caring (hugs and kisses galore) and his interaction with people outside the family is much more active.

Going for a walk alone with my son on a sunny day. Seems so simple and ordinary, but it is such a victory after the last few years.

Feeling very, very thankful today.

Right. Perfectly balanced lunch prepared yesterday is right there waiting for me to have it.

Brain: You know what we need RIGHT NOW? Crisps!

Damn the damn dopamine craving.

This morning’s game for calm and concentration 🥰

(Made by my niece when I told her about B’s therapist’s recommended activities. Who said teenagers are self-centered 😊)

You know when in the middle of a series of cloudy, gloomy days, you suddenly get a sunny one, metaphorically speaking?

Well today was a lovely, sunny day. 😊