Caring for a parent is one of the most complex emotional journeys we can face. You still love them deeply — but the role reversal, the loss of personal freedom, and the constant responsibility can leave you feeling trapped. Many of us never admit it out loud for fear of being judged, but that doesn’t
A practical and emotional guide for those caring for ageing loved ones Caring for an elderly family member is an act of love — but it can also feel like trying to juggle ten balls while walking a tightrope. Between medical appointments, emotional support, daily routines, and your own life responsibilities, it’s easy for things
When I first stepped into the role of caring for my mum, I thought love and determination would be enough to get me through. What I didn’t realise was that caregiving isn’t just about practical help — it’s about carrying the emotional, physical, and even financial weight of another person’s daily life. Some days, it
When my son, Jacob, was younger, he used to call every uncomfortable feeling “angry.” It didn’t matter if he was anxious, embarrassed, or just tired — to him, it was all anger. And excitement? He’d either miss the feeling entirely or confuse it for something else. I remember one day after school, he came home looking
When my daughter, Lily, was first diagnosed as autistic, my protective instincts kicked in harder than ever. I wanted to speak for her, stand up for her, shield her from every challenge. And for a long time, I did. But one day, at a school event, Lily turned to me and whispered, “Mum, I can tell
I used to think meltdowns were just “big tantrums.” I didn’t understand them — not really. Then I became a parent to Ethan. The first time I saw him in the middle of a meltdown, I didn’t even recognise my own child. His little face was red, his breath coming in short bursts, tears pouring
This post is written by Sarah Bennett, mum to seven-year-old Oliver and four-year-old Mia, both on the autism spectrum. You can read more about our journey with autism, therapies, and family life here on the My Virtual Carer Blog. When Oliver was first diagnosed, our home became a revolving door of therapists. We had speech therapists, occupational
If you’re raising or working with an autistic child, you’ll know there’s no single “rulebook” that fits every situation. Each child is unique — with their own joys, challenges, and ways of experiencing the world. But one truth is universal: the wrong approach can unintentionally cause harm, even when it’s well-meaning. Many of us have
Many parents silently carry the weight of sleepless nights, constant vigilance, and endless coordination of therapies and appointments. They rarely admit, even to close friends, that they feel tired, overwhelmed, or in need of a break — often for fear of being judged as not loving or coping well enough. But needing rest does not
In Canada, children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are entitled to a variety of supports, services, and financial benefits provided through both federal and provincial/territorial programmes. These can help families manage the costs of care, access therapy, and create opportunities for their child to thrive. Understanding these entitlements — and how to apply for
In the United Kingdom, children with autism are entitled to a range of services, support, and legal protections designed to help them thrive and meet their individual needs. These entitlements can cover healthcare, education, financial assistance, social care, and legal rights — and understanding them can make a significant difference to a child’s development and
Caring for a child on the autism spectrum is a journey filled with love, learning, and unique challenges. While every child is different, many benefit from a supportive environment, consistent routines, and an understanding approach that meets their individual needs. In the UK, autism affects around 1 in 100 people, according to the National Autistic
