Laura Johnstone

Is It Really Wasting Time… or Are We Just Reconnecting?

Growing up, I always felt like I was wasting time. I’d procrastinate, put off tasks I knew I needed to do, and end up feeling frustrated with myself. What I didn’t understand back then was that I wasn’t lazy—I was overwhelmed, anxious, and unknowingly managing life as a neurodivergent person without the tools I needed.Continue reading “Is It Really Wasting Time… or Are We Just Reconnecting?”

Semolina, Safe Foods and Special Memories: A Neurodivergent Reflection

When you’re autistic—whether diagnosed young or later in life—there’s often a comfort found in something called a “safe food.” It’s not always the most exciting thing on the plate. In fact, some people might even say “eww”. But for us, that food becomes a little anchor of calm in a world that can feel overwhelming.Continue reading “Semolina, Safe Foods and Special Memories: A Neurodivergent Reflection”

The Night Before the Exam: How Martin Luther King Helped Me Find My Voice

By Laura Johnstone When I was growing up, I always had this deep sense of what was fair and what wasn’t. Even when I didn’t have the words or the essay-writing skills to explain it, I felt things strongly. I believed – and still believe – in human rights, in fairness, and in standing upContinue reading “The Night Before the Exam: How Martin Luther King Helped Me Find My Voice”

UK MPs Vote to Remove Criminal Penalties for Abortion – A Historic Shift

On June 17, 2025, the UK’s House of Commons voted by 379 to 137 to decriminalise abortion in England and Wales. This marks the most significant change to abortion law since the 1967 Abortion Act, which allowed terminations under strict conditions, up to 24 weeks, with approval from two doctors . The new amendment targetsContinue reading “UK MPs Vote to Remove Criminal Penalties for Abortion – A Historic Shift”

🌍 Travelling Abroad with Coeliac Disease: Why Italy and Spain Feel Like a Breath of Fresh (Gluten-Free) Air

Going on holiday when you’ve got coeliac disease can feel more like a military operation than a relaxing getaway. You’re not just thinking about swimsuits and suncream — you’re researching restaurant menus, double-checking ingredients, and carrying snacks everywhere you go. You also end up becoming fluent in explaining the difference between “coeliac disease” and “beingContinue reading “🌍 Travelling Abroad with Coeliac Disease: Why Italy and Spain Feel Like a Breath of Fresh (Gluten-Free) Air”

Adriana Smith: A Tragic Testament to the Cruelty of the Heartbeat Law 💔

Last Friday, baby Chance was born via C-section, weighing just 1 lb 11 oz. His mother, Adriana Smith, had been declared brain-dead back in February—yet her body was kept on life support for months, not because it was her wish, but because of Georgia’s strict “heartbeat bill.” She was just nine weeks pregnant at the time of herContinue reading “Adriana Smith: A Tragic Testament to the Cruelty of the Heartbeat Law 💔”

[AD] “Surviving (and Enjoying!) Long Car Journeys with a Toddler: Our Upcoming Trip to Llandudno”

By Laura Johnstone AD – This blog contains a referral link to Toniebox. If you choose to buy through my link, I’ll receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. (And you’ll save £15 on your first Toniebox, so it’s a win for both of us!) We’re currently preparing for a big tripContinue reading “[AD] “Surviving (and Enjoying!) Long Car Journeys with a Toddler: Our Upcoming Trip to Llandudno””

A Father’s Day Reflection: For the Dads Who Hold On Through the Hardest Days

By Laura Johnstone | The Good, The Bad, and Your Parenting Journey Father’s Day is meant to be a time of smiles, breakfasts in bed, and handmade cards covered in glitter. But for many families—especially those who’ve had a baby in special care—it’s a bittersweet reminder of everything they’ve been through. Two years ago, onContinue reading “A Father’s Day Reflection: For the Dads Who Hold On Through the Hardest Days”

“A Slow Boat to China”: My Journey Through Education as a Neurodivergent Child, to walking across the stage when I got my degree.

I remember being told I was “on a slow boat to China” at school. I didn’t even know what it meant at the time — but the way it was said made it clear it wasn’t meant kindly. It stuck with me, not because I understood it, but because I felt it. It summed upContinue reading ““A Slow Boat to China”: My Journey Through Education as a Neurodivergent Child, to walking across the stage when I got my degree.”

[AD] Choosing Tonies Over TV: A Small Moment That Felt Huge

By Laura Johnstone This morning, something really beautiful happened in our home. It wasn’t a big milestone or a fancy outing — just a quiet, simple moment that felt like a real parenting win. For her birthday, Amelia received a Toniebox. At first, she was a bit unsure about it. We’d tried a couple ofContinue reading “[AD] Choosing Tonies Over TV: A Small Moment That Felt Huge”