From a single Parent -
Butterflies has made the world of difference to my child and me.
Progress is slow but steady.Life is an on-going struggle but I take a day at a time.
The first Butterflies meeting in September 2009 was an education!
I have learnt that I am not alone in my concerns.
My child is not unique in his experiences and there are people in every organisation who understand, care and are empowered to support us.
Butterflies has transformed me as a parent, carer and as a person.
In turn I am supporting my son, other carers and the wider community.
Jane.
When my son was first diagnosed as having 'high functioning' Autism, I was devastated, even though I was obviously aware that his behaviour was not typical of a child his age. We had reached the point of needing to know what was going on with him and how to help his anxiety and mammoth tantrums.
I wanted to believe that his behaviours were 'my fault' as had been previously implied by the professionals. I felt that if this was the case, I could correct the problems. However, when the diagnosis was finally Autism, I knew he would never be that typical child and that his life would always be more of a challenge, not to mention the effect it would have on our own lives.
At this point, I wanted to stay in 'denial' and not accept the diagnosis.
When I then found the Butterflies Support Group, I realised that I had to accept his Autism in order to move forward. Sitting with others who all had their own individual stories yet with the same common thread of dealing with Autism, helped me to reach this new way of thinking.
When I sat and listened to the other parents it made me realise that I was not alone yet it also made me face up to the reality. My child displayed the same behaviours that the other parents were talking about and I needed to accept this.
The support and advice from other Butterflies members has proved to be invaluable to me. To be able to talk with others who understand is such a relief.
From a mum and dad who are both Butterflies Members.
I Joined Butterflies because having a child or teenager on the Autistic Spectrum can make you feel so Isolated and Alone.
At Butterflies, a group of parents can meet and talk without being judged or made to feel Useless and a Bad Parent because we are all reading from the same page.
Living with someone on the Autistic Spectrum is hard work! Coming to Butterflies groups gives you a feeling of Empowerment to cope better with this difficult parenting job.
You can cry or even laugh and believe it or not, sometimes, rejoice because we are doing a marvellous job of raising our children.
Unless people have walked in our shoes 24/7 52 weeks in the year, they will not understand this disability because it is mostly invisible to the outside world.
This is why Butterflies will help you, the parent, to believe in your own knowledge, understanding and skills because WE ARE THE EXPERTS concerning our own children's needs and abilities.
Please come along even if your child has not been diagnosed as we can help you with that journey.
You will be welcomed, supported and nurtured and helped to believe in yourself as a parent.
Heather
I came across Butterflies via a poster I saw with my friend in Keynsham. My son had just been diagnosed as having Asperger's Syndrome.
I had no idea what this meant.
I just knew my son was different to his peers.
The poster caught my eye and I thought I'd go along just to see what it was all about.
Well, I am so glad I went.
The people at Butterflies are like my extended family.
No-one judges you, thinks you're odd or looks down at you. Why? Because we are all there for the same reason...... Our very beautiful and unique children.
It is so comforting and reassuring at Butterflies to know we are all going through the same if not similar things in our lives regarding our children.
There is so much support from everyone especially Trisha who is always there waiting for you with a warm smile and forever open arms.
If you have a child/children/teenagers who you think may be Autistic or you've just had a diagnosis and feel so alone and in despair, please come along.
You won't be alone ever again.
'Thank you' Butterflies for being there.
xxxx Sally and Tomas (aged 9).
