What a great leveller the water is! Coping with Chaos had organised a swimming pool session today which was just for special needs children and their siblings. The whole pool was alive with shrieks of laughter and everyone of all ages and abilities was having a really good time. Despite the evident range of disabilities there was not a great deal of difference between the achievements of each child in the water. Autism, CP or able bodied, it did not matter as everyone was having a great time on the same level.

Certainly I cannot think of many other activities that act as such a leveller as being in water. Wherever we go we are acutely aware that our two are unable to fully join in and that, even if they can, they have to be constantly guided to behave appropriately. One of my most hated places is the local park, for when our son was small I felt duty bound to take him only to return home in tears as he was unable to participate or did not want to, instead preferring to just sit and watch everyone else having fun. I do feel quite guilty about this as now he is much more able and would enjoy it, but the park for me symbolises all that he is and was unable to do. Even though now he is more or less physically able, his social skills and language problems make it very difficult for him to interact with unfamiliar peers who frequently find him quite intimidating. Often I feel that I am his translator, body guard and Mum all wrapped into one and am unable to relax in such ‘sociable' situations.

For this reason amongst others,  I am so grateful to organisations such as Chaos who make our lives so much more tolerable. It didn't matter today that a child was shouting as they did not want to get out of the pool, or that a little boy with autism had refused to wear his trunks so was wearing his pants instead. No one cared, passed comment or stared because we all understood. Such a supportive environment is invaluable, not only for the children but also for parents too. Often our children are blissfully unaware of the difficulties their special needs present and it is us that has to carry the burden of worry. Thank you to Coping with Chaos and thank you to everyone else who helps special needs families in any way to feel accepted. Even if it is for a short time, a little bit of light is very much appreciated in a sometimes dark world.