Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility

Reflections

Essays from Kristy Forbes exploring PDA, autistic experience, parenting, identity, care, systems and the ordinary moments that shape family life.

Learning to Parent from my Heart Space

Nov 06, 2020

I have to make a daily, often moment by moment conscious decision to drop from my head space down into my heart space when it comes to parenting my girls.

For far too long, I was riddled with self doubt, seeking answers o...

Read the reflection

We are all Learning. Always.

Nov 04, 2020

It's important we tell our children the truth.

When an adult stands over a child, tells them "I make the rules", attempts to intimidate them or yells,

It's the adult who is out of control and not the child.

We are human. We...

Read the reflection

Trusting Your Intuition

Oct 30, 2020

Hey.

In the name of honesty and transparency, I'm going to tell you a story.

Within the last two years I've noticed changes with not only my vision but my eyes.

I noticed that they were often bloodshot or itchy, sore or wat...

Read the reflection

Today, I lean into the Joy of what my Life has Become

Oct 28, 2020

I'm always so moved by how beautifully supportive this community is.

Today is a new day.

The sun is up, the air is fresh and with that, comes new thinking and doing.

I am so privileged to be trusted so much by my community ...

Read the reflection

I want Freedom. Autistic, Neurodivergent and Divergent Freedom.

Oct 26, 2020

When supporting families to find calm and peace in their life together collectively, Neurodivergence is profoundly important to understand and recognise.

In our extraordinary families, we balance significant support needs...

Read the reflection

Do I reject that D in ADHD?

Oct 23, 2020

Yesterday I was interviewed by a wonderful woman who creates spaces that are inclusive for neurodivergent kids.

I was asked a really great question.

After mentioning that within my positive autistic identity framework, I N...

Read the reflection

We Know our Kin

Oct 19, 2020

"I wonder when *insert public figure or professional who works in the autism field* will work out that they're autistic" is a sentence often typed and spoken inside of the autistic community.

We know our kin.

We often know...

Read the reflection

Why do those of us with a PDA Autistic Profile Antagonise Others?

Oct 15, 2020

Why do those of us with a PDA autistic profile antagonise others?

To restore balance.

When our threat response is activated and perceives a compromise to our autonomy, the resulting expression or behaviour will LOOK LIKE a...

Read the reflection

Being Autistic PDA and in Business - I'm just gonna be ME

Oct 13, 2020

Ahhh being autistic PDA and in business, hey.

It's bloody hard work.

I'm not talking about the challenges that come with being autistic, ADHD and PDA and running a business either.

I'm talking about the weird concept of me ...

Read the reflection

How We Found a Way to Take Care of ALL of Our Needs

Oct 07, 2020

Before the youngest two of our four girls were old enough to go to school, my husband and I had a system.

It took us years to work out.

After many tears, sweat, rage, calling each other an arsehole at 2am.

We're autistic am...

Read the reflection