Smallboy (@smallboy4298)

Happy Birthday Smallboy

Growing food with a child with ARFID isn’t about getting them to eat it. when food feels unsafe, familiarity can be the first step towards safety. #ARFID #NeurodivergentKids #balconygarden #autistictoddler

Trust your instincts. I knew Smallboy was having difficulty controlling and coordinating his hands and fingers efficiently, even when he understands exactly what he is meant to do. I kept arguing that just because he could pick up something didn't mean he could dress or use utensils. And thats…

Anyone else's toddler took at a transport map like they’re planning the national rail infrastructure? #Autism #AutisticKids #SpecialInterests #AutismParenting #transportforlondon

You’re making it worse by accommodating them. No. Sometimes accommodation is what makes eating possible.A safe food, a different texture, food served separately, no pressure to take a bite etc. These steps aren’t giving in, they are ways of making food feel safe and accessible.Accommodation isn’t…

What color is 13? #autistictoddler #neurodivergentkids #autism

Autistic people with low support needs deserve a voice. So do autistic people with substantial support needs, intellectual disabilities, communication disabilities and those who cannot independently participate in the conversation. The goal should be a bigger definition of autism, not a narrower…

We have had emotional support hangers that almost took out some eyes. Sticks, spoons and even cups. But the best friend water bottles are by far my secret favorite. #AutismParenting #NeurodivergentKids #AutismHumour #ParentingHumour #AutismAwareness

We often talk about stimming as a way to cope with overwhelm, anxiety or sensory overload.But stimming can also be joy in its most authentic form. #AutismAcceptance #belikeblippi #AutisticJoy #ActuallyAutistic #neurodiversity

For kids with ARFID, foods aren’t always interchangeable just because they’re made from the same ingredients. Presentation, texture, predictability, context and familiarity can completely change how a food feels. So for now we eat sushi. 🍣 ❤️ #ARFID #ARFIDAwareness #Autism #feedingkids…

Eating out with ARFID doesn’t always look like a tantrum. When the food, smells, noise, people and expectations become too much, the nervous system can essentially say: I’m done. #ARFID #AutismAwareness #AutismParenting #NeurodivergentKids #FeedingDisorderAwareness

I know better. I know that he doesn't like hands in his crisps. this is life with Arfid. #autismawareness #autistictoddler #eatingdisorder #arfidawareness #arfid

Speaking is one skill. Communicating clearly is another. Understanding language is another. #AutismAwareness #ActuallyAutistic #AutisticChildren #SpeechAndLanguage #GestaltLanguageProcessor

Got some glasses a month ago so its been 4 weeks of prep just so we can enjoy the eclipse together. #autismawareness #autismacceptance #eclipse #neurodiversity #eclipse2026

Say sorry. Not because you meant to upset them. Because you did. #ParentingTips #ConsciousParenting #AutismParenting

I should've missed that train but oh well. #autismawareness #autistictok #neurodivergent #autismfamily

Teaching boundaries, reminding each other about boundaries are now just part of our life. Pants are however still optional when indoors 😂

For autistic children, increased sensory input can overwhelm the brain’s ability to coordinate movement. This is sometimes called dual-task interference. It's when managing the environment leaves fewer mental resources for the motor skill itself, in this case riding a bike. #Autism #AutisticKids…

And just like that its Monday again.

Some autistic children may kiss, lick, or hugs strangers because they may struggle to understand social boundaries, seek sensory input, or show affection in the way that feels natural to them. Smallboy is one of those kids. When we are out i have teach him safe, appropriate ways to interact with…

Never underestimate the power of a pair of scissors. #FineMotorSkills #ChildDevelopment #LifeSkills #LearningThroughPlay #EarlyYears

I have been using gardening moments as an opportunity to chat with Smallboy. And though his language is delayed there is no doubt he dislikes this person and his toddler self feels this adult has no respect for him. So i am going to honour that and keep them away from him. #autismawareness…

Every small step is helping to build confidence and a healthier relationship with food. Every small milestone is a step towards greater independence, and that’s worth celebrating. #ARFID #occupationaltherapy #FeedingTherapy #lifeskillsforkids #Neurodiversity

We practice a lot because if child can’t cut their own food, they may avoid eating altogether or only accept food that has been prepared in a very specific way. This can further limit food choices and reduce independence at mealtimes. So because Fari has ARFID it is important that he gains this…

I ate the cake and he played in the new dinosaur playground so everybody was happy. #autismacceptance #parentingishard #eatingdisorder #londonkids

I know my child's brain may perceive certain foods as genuinely overwhelming because of sensory differences, fear of choking or vomiting, or even just anxiety. I know that when i insist, pressure or use consequences around eating it doesn't help. But knowing all this i am still frustrated that for…

Gardening with kids grows confidence, curiosity, and a lifelong love of learning. For Autistic kids gardening can also provide a calming, predictable activity with rich sensory experiences and no social pressure. Gardening is all about understanding how the world works. #gardeningwithkids…

Just taking a pause to celebrate my autistic kiddo. #autistictoddler #autismacceptance #neurodivergentkids #autismparenting

For some autistic children, denying they’re ill isn’t about attention or stubbornness. It’s about what being ill means. When an autistic child insists they’re okay despite obvious symptoms, it’s worth remembering that fear of what illness leads to can be just as overwhelming as the illness itself…