#Silent Sunday (Me & My Little Man)

Little Man Puts All His Social Skills Training Into Practice When He Meets His Favourite Chelsea Players

I can not begin to put into words what an amazing day, today has been.

If you’ve read my recent posts, you will already know how I won the opportunity to take little man to watch his team ‘Chelsea FC’ training today at Cobham, in preparation for their home game against West Ham this coming Sunday (17th March). What’s more, we are also invited to the match. As winners we have been handed VIP Platinum tickets to the game. This package offers the works, its the ultimate in VIP experience and with tickets costing between £700 – £800 each on the Chelsea official website, we are overwhelmed to have been given this amazing opportunity! One I never could have afforded otherwise.

Well, back to today… We woke up nice and early and set of to Cobham and Stoke with all our fingers crossed that little man would get to meet his football heroes. The PRs who contacted me over my win were made aware of little man’s aspergers Syndrome and they were great on the day. Little man did so well, given he was full of excitement and had very little sleep the previous night, he still managed to deal with it all really well.

Lucky for us it was decided that training would take place inside rather than outside. I say lucky because it was absolutely freezing with high speed winds playing complete havoc with my already wild untamed hair. This also meant we were even closer to the action with the players training just a few feet away from us.

Little man wasn’t at all star struck at this point. While there was some distance between himself and his footy heroes, I think it still felt a little dreamy.

Then it was the moment of truth! No one knew for sure if we would get to meet the players but we were told to bring Chelsea memorabilia for possible signing plus a camera as there may possibly be photo opportunities. You, see it was all a case of maybe and of course such uncertainty for a child on the autism spectrum is torture. We discovered we had won on the Friday and this was his first question. I did just consider saying it wasn’t an option as to lower his heightening suspense but even though it would have been my idea of being kind, he would have been most upset as the surprise may just have been to much. He wouldn’t have enjoyed it as much as he should have due to the whole unexpectedness of it… He needs to be prepared for something as big as this, so I decided that if we didn’t get given the opportunity to meet the players then I’d much rather deal with his disappointment then that of his confusion and shock if we did.

Well, the photos say it all! He was a very lucky boy and I’ll never forget the look on his face as he saw Ashley Cole making his way over to say hello! Yes, I’ve honestly never seen such a look on his face… I guess this is what they call star struck! I was so proud of how he held his excitement together as he greeted the players. He was even starting conversations… Rehearsed I think, though brilliant all the same.

Posing with Ashley Cole

Little man with John Terry

Picture with Luiz

Little man made sure he greeted each player and had them all sign his Chelsea football shirt which he was wearing.

I even got a quick snap with the lovely Frank Lampard…

Not my most flattering but how could I not share

It was wonderful seeing my Little Man so happy. He left the training ground on a real high and still can’t stop talking about this day.

Bring on Sundays Match, that’s all I can say!

Thanks so much to the guys at Lucozade and Chelsea FC for making Little man’s day a truly remarkable one! I really don’t think them boys in blue release how much joy they brought to a little guys face who over the years hasn’t found much to smile about.

THANK YOU FROM BOTH OF US.

Its All Smiles At Ours

Earlier this afternoon I was on twitter when I discovered a link to a competition from Lucozade. I had to enter as the prize was for two people to watch Chelsea train next week, followed by VIP match tickets next Sunday (Chelsea Vs West Ham) including a 3 course meal and champaign reception.

Little man was off school today as it seems that his now got the flu (the one I’ve had this past week)! When entering the competition, Little man commented, “You won’t win Mum, thousands of fans will be entering!” Well he was wrong, when I arrived home from the supermarket this evening an email pinged and there in the header were the words “Congratulations”

Little man’s face was a picture… He stood stunned before letting out a huge roar as he danced round the room, not letting the flu hold him back!

I rang the number in the email and had it all confirmed. I now have one very excited little man on my hands.
Admittedly I would have liked to hold it back for a few days but I was actually really excited myself and kinda blurted it out as soon as I read the email. Why might I’d liked to leave it a day or two before informing him? Well, his a kid like any other and he will drive me potty with his excitement I’m sure. Then again he is a child with Aspergers and I will need to prepare him for our trip so in many ways its great that I’ll have the time to do this…. Please no swearing at the match… No swearing at the match… No swearing at the match! Yes, his already heard these words a 100 times since we discovered we won!

So… Here’s hoping we can get one of his shirts signed after training. I have all my fingers and toes crossed as this would be a truly magical experience for him.

There are very little things that excite my son… Transport, WWE, Mindcraft & Chelsea FC are right up there in his list of top interests. Winning the competition is great because I know its something I’d never be able to afford otherwise and seeing the smile its created is the best Mother’s Day gift ever!

Aspergers & Sport

Yes, it’s true… Many children with Aspergers Syndrome do experience a certain degree of difficulty when joining in with team sports. Nonetheless this doesn’t mean trying is out the question.

Our children may not be able to overcome autism but they can overcome many of the challenges they face just like you or I they have the capability to go forward and pursue their ambitions and dreams.

Ok, the Little Man isn’t dreaming of becoming a footballer but he has always wanted to be a part of a team and as a 12 year old boy why shouldn’t he be?

I remember the first time little man joined a local team. We had to explain his difficulties to the trainer as he was gobsmacked when little man just walked off the pitch mid game. He shouted… “Oi, where do you think you are going” Little man just turned around and replied “I’m going to the vending machine for a drink” (he had a bit of a fascination with the vending machines back then)! It took some explaining to get him to realise that you can’t just walk of in the middle of a training session or worse still… a game.

He lasted 2 more weeks before deciding it wasn’t for him. He thought the trainer was mean but he was just doing his job. Plus, every time he was tackled for the ball, he would haul abuse at them for cheating or purposely trying to kick him! It was in all honesty a total nightmare.

His that bit older now and fancied another shoot. My stomach flipped with nervous… I didn’t fancy watching him get booted off a team just as he joins it. But then our neighbour the mother of little mans best friend started up her own team. She is fully aware of little mans difficulties when it comes to sport but regardless she gave him that chance to play football.

As I watched him at his first big match a few weeks back I watched with pride. Ok, he did walk off once and almost had a fight with another player on the other team… And yes, yes his a sore loser! But he did it… He played the whole match and left mum feeling proud.

Things the whole family can do this half term

Image via Wikipedia

Things to do this half term to interest all the family including the child with Aspergers.

 It’s hard when half-term comes around and your left to entertain three children one on the autism spectrum who isn’t easily pleased.

 I give it my all when taking all three of the children out together. I find that most of my problems come from Little man and his sister, Its like embanking on a world war two mission. 

 However, regardless of how many times I’ve heard myself state, “Never Again”

There’s always a next time.

 When taking three children out anywhere, great organisation is required! When one of them children are one the autism spectrum, this level of preparation goes to a whole new level.

 I admit, I’m the kind of girl who likes to do things on a whim, but since becoming little man’s mother this is damn right impossible!

 Here I have put together a list displaying a number of places we have visited.

 LEGOLAND

 Little man loves Lego (he builds buses out the stuff) he therefore loves visiting a land full of it. Alice my daughter is also very keen and always enjoys a day visiting the attraction.

Legoland is part of the Merlin’s entertainment chain. If your child is on the spectrum or has any other form of disability or is in some way considered to be disadvantaged, you can apply to ‘Merlin’s magical wand’ who provide family days out to one of their attractions (some being Legoland, Chessington and Thorpe Park).  Tickets are for all the family (only one application can be made per year) Merlin’s can also help families cover travel cost (including mileage) and occasional provide funds towards over night accommodation in special circumstances.

 If you can prove your child is notable to sustained long queues, they will receive a wrist band entitling them to enter via the exist point of each ride (note the new system does mean that on certain rides a certain time between rides needs to have passed before accessing). Photo id and proof of disability is needed to gain the wrist band. 

 We will in deed be returning to Lego land this half-term! Staff are friendly and most seem to have some idea when it comes to hidden disabilities (which is always a positive in my book)! 

London Transport Museum

(Covent Garden)

 A firm favourite with the little guy not so much with the siblings (the excitement wears of on the second or third visit)! However daughter is happy to take the tour, again…….. Given we hit the Covent garden market place following the museum with the opportunity to indulge in an ice cream (even in October)!

 Yes, we have been to the above thousands of times ( exaggeration, though it tends feel this way) but with kids entering free and adults paying £10 (you can normally find many offers at your local train station or online) it’s not expensive. However stay clear of the dinning area (Money, money, money… If you want money left, you will grab a Mac ds on your way home! Please take my word for it)! 

The transport Museum is very autism friendly so there is no worries on that front. 

Crystal Place Park. 

 Just up the road from where we live, Crystal place park host the ruins of the old palace. 

There is a large boating lake and lots of sculptures of  dinosaurs dotted all over the place, (lots of children on the spectrum love this feature) and a giant maze which little man is terrified off. There is also a big swing park with some pretty funky play equipment, a mini petting zoo (not open all year round) plus the famous Crystal palace sports ground. 

 The park has no entrance cost (small cost for the zoo + boating lake) Little man seems to love it as well as my other two children, (Alice and Little Harley). There is lots of space to just ran about in, which is a great way to get little man tired ( following a trip to the park seems to be the only time he sleeps of a night)

Greenwich Park

 We used to live in Blackheath which host one of the many access points to the park. Currently there are some works commencing as part of the Olympics 2012 but there’s still plenty to do. 

Sometimes during half-terms and summer holidays there is a train that can take you to one end of the park to the other (note it’s a big park) Little man is train bonkers and this is his best part of the day. There are also a number of deer kept in the park and squirrels will take nuts gently from your fingers if you offer. The park has a huge lake where peddle boats are rented out cheaply plus a large play area that doesn’t seem to get to busy since the works started out (which is better for us given little man’s social skill difficulties). There is also a massive sand pit great for sensory play (not to great if your child can’t stand the stuff due to the fact he is tactile defensive… Yep that’s little man, though this only applies to him sitting or standing in the pit).

 The park also offers a great view-point of London and appeared in the film ‘Layer Cake’

The park is famous for its time keeping (yep, it’s of course the home to Greenwich Meantime) and just outside the gates you are greeted with the lovely Greenwich Market! Little man loves this place as there is a stall which sells a massive selection of vintage model buses and vricals.

The park is free but some of it’s attractions (train and boating may require a small fee depending on the time of year). 

The Science Museum

London

 Free entry and granteed to provide a great day out. Lots of things to discover with many interactive displays for the kids to engage in. Both Little man and Alice love the Science Museum though little Harley is still a tad young to experience the full benefits of such a place. 

One of little mans favorite features is the simulators. Yes, I’ve got to admit, they are mine too. 

Please note these normally require a payable fee to ride.   

 You will also find a pretty awesome gift shop which isn’t overly high in it’s pricing. Little man brought a lava lamp on his last visit (with his tutor).

NEW CHELSEA F.C. MUSEUM 

 We haven’t visited the museum as yet which is located on site behind the legendary football stadium at Stamford Bridge. It’s reported to be a massive 670sqm and offers state of the art technology to create a totally awesome experience. Visitors can experience a mix of audio displays through to interactive tours with 16 different zone all together there is something for all football fans. Little man doesn’t play footie but his grown up with a family full of  Chelsea supporters (count me out, I only support Frank lampard *giggle*) It’s my side of the family that are Chelsea nuts and it’s my father (Little man’s grandfather) who will be taking little man this half term. My brother and nephew will also join them much to their delight. This one isn’t for me and Alice and we will do something else on that day. Not sure the youngest will get anything out of it given his only 22 months old so guess he will join his mummy and big sister on a shopping trip (that’s my kind of day out)

 We will let you know what little man thinks on his return from the Chelsea Museum. 

Check out the cool video below to give you an insight into what It’s all about.