By Laura Johnstone | The Good, The Bad, and Your Parenting Journey Have you ever sat down for “just ten minutes” to do something you love—and then looked up and realised hours had disappeared? If you’re autistic, have ADHD (or both like me), you’ll know that feeling all too well. That magical moment when yourContinue reading “When Your Special Interest Takes Over Time (and You Wouldn’t Have It Any Other Way)”
Category Archives: NICU & SCBU
What Really Bothers Me? Medical Gaslighting.
Let me tell you what really bothers me. Like, makes-my-blood-boil kind of bothers me. Medical gaslighting. And not just the odd misunderstanding or “hmm, let’s monitor that” — I’m talking about being outright dismissed. Being made to feel like you’re dramatic, imagining things, or wasting time. Especially when you’re chronically ill or neurodivergent. As someoneContinue reading “What Really Bothers Me? Medical Gaslighting.”
10 Truths to Hold Onto – Whether You’re Neurodivergent or Just Human
There are some things I wish someone had told me years ago. Not just in passing, but in a way that made me really hear it. These are the things I’ve come to believe deeply, through therapy, community, heartbreak, healing, and a lot of reflection as a neurodivergent mum. Whether you’re autistic, have ADHD, dyslexia,Continue reading “10 Truths to Hold Onto – Whether You’re Neurodivergent or Just Human”
POTS Syndrome and Heat: Why They Don’t Mix – and What Happened to Me Yesterday
Right now, we’re in the middle of a heatwave here in the UK — and if you live with a chronic illness like POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome), you’ll know just how unbearable that can be. Unlike countries built for warm weather, our homes are designed to retain heat. There’s barely any air conditioning anywhereContinue reading “POTS Syndrome and Heat: Why They Don’t Mix – and What Happened to Me Yesterday”
Craving Stability but Chasing Excitement: What It’s Like Living with Autism and ADHD
Some days I wake up craving a calm, predictable day. I want to know what’s happening, when it’s happening, and exactly how it’s going to unfold. That’s the part of my brain that longs for stability — my autistic brain that finds comfort in routine, structure, and sameness. But not long after, a different feelingContinue reading “Craving Stability but Chasing Excitement: What It’s Like Living with Autism and ADHD”
Why I Took a Few Days Off – And Didn’t Feel Guilty About It
It’s been a few days since I last wrote a blog. And for once, I didn’t feel guilty about it. That might not sound like much, but for me — someone who spent years masking without realising I was neurodivergent — it’s huge. In the past, when I didn’t tick off every box on myContinue reading “Why I Took a Few Days Off – And Didn’t Feel Guilty About It”
What Are You Scared of in the Future?
Today’s prompt hit me right in the chest—what are you scared of in the future? For me, it’s simple but deep: I’m scared that Amelia won’t be happy and fulfilled in life. From the moment I was one day late for my period, I just knew. You know that inner whisper that says, “You’re pregnant”?Continue reading “What Are You Scared of in the Future?”
Understanding Learning Styles and the Power of Belief in Our Children
When we talk about education, we often focus on results: grades, targets, and milestones. But as a parent—and someone who’s walked a difficult path through the education system myself—I believe what really matters is how we support children to get there. It’s not just about information. It’s about belief, encouragement, and understanding how children learn.Continue reading “Understanding Learning Styles and the Power of Belief in Our Children”
Have You Ever Had Surgery? Here’s My Journey.
The short answer? Yes. The long answer? I’ve had lots. When people ask me if I’ve ever had surgery, I sometimes laugh – not because it’s funny, but because it’s such a big question for someone like me. Being born prematurely meant that surgery wasn’t just a one-off event – it became part of myContinue reading “Have You Ever Had Surgery? Here’s My Journey.”
The Daily Habits That Keep Me Grounded – Even with a Suspected Autistic Toddler
When you’re parenting a child who is possibly autistic, one of the biggest pieces of advice you’re given is stick to a routine. But what they don’t always tell you is how tricky that is when you have a toddler—autistic or not. Toddlers can be delightfully unpredictable, strong-willed, and let’s be honest—chaotic. So while IContinue reading “The Daily Habits That Keep Me Grounded – Even with a Suspected Autistic Toddler”
The bad and your parenting journey 