Emma Sutton
@emmalgsutton.bsky.social
#SENDMum #AutismMom #ADHDMum to two incredible adopted children. Battling for an education that fits the needs of her neurodiverse children. Expressing the reality of being a SEND parent in books and cartoons.
So we shut down screens and phones
But that doesn't work
We shut down the WiFi
We know she's hot-spotting her phone to Yet Another secret device
Her AuDHD brain just cannot cope with being offline to enable sleep
Instead we have to juggle IT madness & sleep deprived teen
Why is it all so hard?
But that doesn't work
We shut down the WiFi
We know she's hot-spotting her phone to Yet Another secret device
Her AuDHD brain just cannot cope with being offline to enable sleep
Instead we have to juggle IT madness & sleep deprived teen
Why is it all so hard?
January 18, 2026 at 8:19 AM
So we shut down screens and phones
But that doesn't work
We shut down the WiFi
We know she's hot-spotting her phone to Yet Another secret device
Her AuDHD brain just cannot cope with being offline to enable sleep
Instead we have to juggle IT madness & sleep deprived teen
Why is it all so hard?
But that doesn't work
We shut down the WiFi
We know she's hot-spotting her phone to Yet Another secret device
Her AuDHD brain just cannot cope with being offline to enable sleep
Instead we have to juggle IT madness & sleep deprived teen
Why is it all so hard?
Reposted by Emma Sutton
Best TikTok thing going is the two dudes trying food from every country without leaving NYC. If you haven’t seen them yet, it’s incredible. My favorite so far is last week’s. Legit got me emotional.
January 9, 2026 at 1:50 AM
Best TikTok thing going is the two dudes trying food from every country without leaving NYC. If you haven’t seen them yet, it’s incredible. My favorite so far is last week’s. Legit got me emotional.
Today's been tough.
Eldest was on a phone call at 4am and I didn't get back to sleep
Navigating Olympic level parenting challenges in 4h sleep makes me go slightly insane
Patience - nil
Empathy - who cares?
Compassion - nada
This bright orange fungus was the highlight of my awful day
Eldest was on a phone call at 4am and I didn't get back to sleep
Navigating Olympic level parenting challenges in 4h sleep makes me go slightly insane
Patience - nil
Empathy - who cares?
Compassion - nada
This bright orange fungus was the highlight of my awful day
January 9, 2026 at 6:39 PM
Today's been tough.
Eldest was on a phone call at 4am and I didn't get back to sleep
Navigating Olympic level parenting challenges in 4h sleep makes me go slightly insane
Patience - nil
Empathy - who cares?
Compassion - nada
This bright orange fungus was the highlight of my awful day
Eldest was on a phone call at 4am and I didn't get back to sleep
Navigating Olympic level parenting challenges in 4h sleep makes me go slightly insane
Patience - nil
Empathy - who cares?
Compassion - nada
This bright orange fungus was the highlight of my awful day
I wish it was as easy to save young lives as it was to mend the 3 items of clothing I saved from landfill
*A pocket on my dress
*A neckline of a teen's fav top, resewn
*The lining of a dress
There's a huge sense of achievement in mending that isn't the same as buying a replacement
*A pocket on my dress
*A neckline of a teen's fav top, resewn
*The lining of a dress
There's a huge sense of achievement in mending that isn't the same as buying a replacement
January 3, 2026 at 1:57 PM
I wish it was as easy to save young lives as it was to mend the 3 items of clothing I saved from landfill
*A pocket on my dress
*A neckline of a teen's fav top, resewn
*The lining of a dress
There's a huge sense of achievement in mending that isn't the same as buying a replacement
*A pocket on my dress
*A neckline of a teen's fav top, resewn
*The lining of a dress
There's a huge sense of achievement in mending that isn't the same as buying a replacement
Today I contemplated paths on my long dog walk .. I noted how some are wider with clear destination, some barely visible with twists and turns so you have no idea where they'll lead
The walk felt like a meditation on life & reminded me to search out those who've been here before, for advice.
The walk felt like a meditation on life & reminded me to search out those who've been here before, for advice.
January 3, 2026 at 1:33 PM
Today I contemplated paths on my long dog walk .. I noted how some are wider with clear destination, some barely visible with twists and turns so you have no idea where they'll lead
The walk felt like a meditation on life & reminded me to search out those who've been here before, for advice.
The walk felt like a meditation on life & reminded me to search out those who've been here before, for advice.
Found/ designed time to immerse myself in creativity, art, sculpture in the gorgeous landscape
A much needed mini-holiday in a two week festive break that has been exhausting, not much fun & almost devoid of festivity
I'm not looking forward to next week - I fear the struggle will be huge
A much needed mini-holiday in a two week festive break that has been exhausting, not much fun & almost devoid of festivity
I'm not looking forward to next week - I fear the struggle will be huge
January 2, 2026 at 6:52 PM
Found/ designed time to immerse myself in creativity, art, sculpture in the gorgeous landscape
A much needed mini-holiday in a two week festive break that has been exhausting, not much fun & almost devoid of festivity
I'm not looking forward to next week - I fear the struggle will be huge
A much needed mini-holiday in a two week festive break that has been exhausting, not much fun & almost devoid of festivity
I'm not looking forward to next week - I fear the struggle will be huge
I asked my OH (in all seriousness) if it was too early to take them down today (and that's me holding off for 3 days)
The decorations have only been up a week and are getting on my nerves. 😂
December 30, 2025 at 7:12 PM
I asked my OH (in all seriousness) if it was too early to take them down today (and that's me holding off for 3 days)
I think Fred wants a stocking ...
Or a treat if he gives up the stocking without ragging it to pieces/ swallowing bits so he ends up at the vets
Despite the obvious ruse, I'd rather swap a treat than spend hundreds at the vets
Or a treat if he gives up the stocking without ragging it to pieces/ swallowing bits so he ends up at the vets
Despite the obvious ruse, I'd rather swap a treat than spend hundreds at the vets
December 26, 2025 at 10:50 AM
I think Fred wants a stocking ...
Or a treat if he gives up the stocking without ragging it to pieces/ swallowing bits so he ends up at the vets
Despite the obvious ruse, I'd rather swap a treat than spend hundreds at the vets
Or a treat if he gives up the stocking without ragging it to pieces/ swallowing bits so he ends up at the vets
Despite the obvious ruse, I'd rather swap a treat than spend hundreds at the vets
Celebrities sharing their experiences can help with education & representation
Today, I saw a paragraph about Robbie Williams
As I read, some ideas clicked in my brain - I think my son might have dyscalcula
His time blindness
His inability to memorise phone numbers
His struggles getting lost...
Today, I saw a paragraph about Robbie Williams
As I read, some ideas clicked in my brain - I think my son might have dyscalcula
His time blindness
His inability to memorise phone numbers
His struggles getting lost...
December 23, 2025 at 5:20 PM
Celebrities sharing their experiences can help with education & representation
Today, I saw a paragraph about Robbie Williams
As I read, some ideas clicked in my brain - I think my son might have dyscalcula
His time blindness
His inability to memorise phone numbers
His struggles getting lost...
Today, I saw a paragraph about Robbie Williams
As I read, some ideas clicked in my brain - I think my son might have dyscalcula
His time blindness
His inability to memorise phone numbers
His struggles getting lost...
Eldest was on her laptop until 5am this morning
Despite her begging not to have screen time limits, her AuDHD brain can't seem to make smart decisions
I woke at 0330am and am now stomping around like a bear woken from hibernation to an empty fridge
Despite her begging not to have screen time limits, her AuDHD brain can't seem to make smart decisions
I woke at 0330am and am now stomping around like a bear woken from hibernation to an empty fridge
December 23, 2025 at 12:03 PM
Eldest was on her laptop until 5am this morning
Despite her begging not to have screen time limits, her AuDHD brain can't seem to make smart decisions
I woke at 0330am and am now stomping around like a bear woken from hibernation to an empty fridge
Despite her begging not to have screen time limits, her AuDHD brain can't seem to make smart decisions
I woke at 0330am and am now stomping around like a bear woken from hibernation to an empty fridge
We keep routines as close to normal as possible - but even decorations, extra crowds, the radio, TV are different
It's impossible to avoid the craziness
It's impossible to avoid the craziness
Many will have their routines off the charts this week. Please be gentle. 🫶🎄
#Autistic #Autism #Neurodivergent #Neurodivergence #Holidays
#Autistic #Autism #Neurodivergent #Neurodivergence #Holidays
December 22, 2025 at 8:38 PM
We keep routines as close to normal as possible - but even decorations, extra crowds, the radio, TV are different
It's impossible to avoid the craziness
It's impossible to avoid the craziness
Reposted by Emma Sutton
Many will have their routines off the charts this week. Please be gentle. 🫶🎄
#Autistic #Autism #Neurodivergent #Neurodivergence #Holidays
#Autistic #Autism #Neurodivergent #Neurodivergence #Holidays
December 22, 2025 at 2:38 PM
Many will have their routines off the charts this week. Please be gentle. 🫶🎄
#Autistic #Autism #Neurodivergent #Neurodivergence #Holidays
#Autistic #Autism #Neurodivergent #Neurodivergence #Holidays
I'm currently at "I hate Christmas" levels of feeling like the burden is too heavy and very unevenly distributed
I reckon the distribution is about 90% me, 9% my husband and 0.5% per teen (which is being generous)
Everyone wants to put their feet up and have a good time
Hello incompatible wishes
I reckon the distribution is about 90% me, 9% my husband and 0.5% per teen (which is being generous)
Everyone wants to put their feet up and have a good time
Hello incompatible wishes
December 22, 2025 at 5:27 PM
I'm currently at "I hate Christmas" levels of feeling like the burden is too heavy and very unevenly distributed
I reckon the distribution is about 90% me, 9% my husband and 0.5% per teen (which is being generous)
Everyone wants to put their feet up and have a good time
Hello incompatible wishes
I reckon the distribution is about 90% me, 9% my husband and 0.5% per teen (which is being generous)
Everyone wants to put their feet up and have a good time
Hello incompatible wishes
I've done my fourth present wrapping session
To be frank I've not a clue what I've wrapped, whether I've found everything, or what day it is
It's been a very odd few weeks with far too much adrenaline, far too little sleep and I'm totally discombobulated
SEND parenting is hard at Xmas
To be frank I've not a clue what I've wrapped, whether I've found everything, or what day it is
It's been a very odd few weeks with far too much adrenaline, far too little sleep and I'm totally discombobulated
SEND parenting is hard at Xmas
December 21, 2025 at 2:48 PM
I've done my fourth present wrapping session
To be frank I've not a clue what I've wrapped, whether I've found everything, or what day it is
It's been a very odd few weeks with far too much adrenaline, far too little sleep and I'm totally discombobulated
SEND parenting is hard at Xmas
To be frank I've not a clue what I've wrapped, whether I've found everything, or what day it is
It's been a very odd few weeks with far too much adrenaline, far too little sleep and I'm totally discombobulated
SEND parenting is hard at Xmas
Some things don't need gamifying
My book recording app (so I know which book is next in the series, favourite authors etc) now tells me how long my reading streak is
I don't need to know
It doesn't matter to me, as much as not taking books on holiday I've already read
Stupid app
My book recording app (so I know which book is next in the series, favourite authors etc) now tells me how long my reading streak is
I don't need to know
It doesn't matter to me, as much as not taking books on holiday I've already read
Stupid app
December 20, 2025 at 4:28 PM
Some things don't need gamifying
My book recording app (so I know which book is next in the series, favourite authors etc) now tells me how long my reading streak is
I don't need to know
It doesn't matter to me, as much as not taking books on holiday I've already read
Stupid app
My book recording app (so I know which book is next in the series, favourite authors etc) now tells me how long my reading streak is
I don't need to know
It doesn't matter to me, as much as not taking books on holiday I've already read
Stupid app
My festive mojo has been cowed beneath family stuff, but poked her head out today & put my homemade bauble wreath up
I also strung a few lights around my focus tree
And got the ladder ready to get the decs from the loft (next year, we'll have a loft ladder, she says for 7th year in a row)
I also strung a few lights around my focus tree
And got the ladder ready to get the decs from the loft (next year, we'll have a loft ladder, she says for 7th year in a row)
December 18, 2025 at 5:48 PM
My festive mojo has been cowed beneath family stuff, but poked her head out today & put my homemade bauble wreath up
I also strung a few lights around my focus tree
And got the ladder ready to get the decs from the loft (next year, we'll have a loft ladder, she says for 7th year in a row)
I also strung a few lights around my focus tree
And got the ladder ready to get the decs from the loft (next year, we'll have a loft ladder, she says for 7th year in a row)
My daughter needs to know in advance if her most desired present is under the tree
Or her anxiety makes the whole experience too stressful
Her expression is not a measure we use as feedback ...
Or her anxiety makes the whole experience too stressful
Her expression is not a measure we use as feedback ...
People of autism - show us your most convincing gift-opening faces!
Sketch written & starring @stuartlawscomedy.bsky.social as part of last year’s Christmas sketch show with Turtle Canyon Comedy. Watch the whole thing here and TELL YOUR FAVOURITE AUTISTICS!
youtu.be/BX9aTj27xTA?...
Sketch written & starring @stuartlawscomedy.bsky.social as part of last year’s Christmas sketch show with Turtle Canyon Comedy. Watch the whole thing here and TELL YOUR FAVOURITE AUTISTICS!
youtu.be/BX9aTj27xTA?...
December 18, 2025 at 4:12 PM
My daughter needs to know in advance if her most desired present is under the tree
Or her anxiety makes the whole experience too stressful
Her expression is not a measure we use as feedback ...
Or her anxiety makes the whole experience too stressful
Her expression is not a measure we use as feedback ...
Today's going to be tricky
Had about 2h sleep
Because youngest ran away - caught by police miles from home in a big city
We've no idea what to do to keep him safe anymore
Had about 2h sleep
Because youngest ran away - caught by police miles from home in a big city
We've no idea what to do to keep him safe anymore
December 16, 2025 at 7:16 AM
Today's going to be tricky
Had about 2h sleep
Because youngest ran away - caught by police miles from home in a big city
We've no idea what to do to keep him safe anymore
Had about 2h sleep
Because youngest ran away - caught by police miles from home in a big city
We've no idea what to do to keep him safe anymore
The meeting seemed to go well - they listened and responded and commented on the information I'd sent them (a risk assessment re: dysregulation)
Overall, I'm hopeful that they will create a safe and supported approach to my son's individual needs
But time will tell
Overall, I'm hopeful that they will create a safe and supported approach to my son's individual needs
But time will tell
Today I have to open my son's schools minds to how to help him when he's dysregulated
Last week they threatened, failed to listen to him, gave him a deadline he couldn't respond to & lied to him
All whilst his brain was in fight/ flight mode
Then suspended him for being distressed
Last week they threatened, failed to listen to him, gave him a deadline he couldn't respond to & lied to him
All whilst his brain was in fight/ flight mode
Then suspended him for being distressed
December 15, 2025 at 11:17 AM
The meeting seemed to go well - they listened and responded and commented on the information I'd sent them (a risk assessment re: dysregulation)
Overall, I'm hopeful that they will create a safe and supported approach to my son's individual needs
But time will tell
Overall, I'm hopeful that they will create a safe and supported approach to my son's individual needs
But time will tell
Today I have to open my son's schools minds to how to help him when he's dysregulated
Last week they threatened, failed to listen to him, gave him a deadline he couldn't respond to & lied to him
All whilst his brain was in fight/ flight mode
Then suspended him for being distressed
Last week they threatened, failed to listen to him, gave him a deadline he couldn't respond to & lied to him
All whilst his brain was in fight/ flight mode
Then suspended him for being distressed
December 15, 2025 at 7:15 AM
Today I have to open my son's schools minds to how to help him when he's dysregulated
Last week they threatened, failed to listen to him, gave him a deadline he couldn't respond to & lied to him
All whilst his brain was in fight/ flight mode
Then suspended him for being distressed
Last week they threatened, failed to listen to him, gave him a deadline he couldn't respond to & lied to him
All whilst his brain was in fight/ flight mode
Then suspended him for being distressed
My elder sister and I have taken our photographic pebbling to a new level - with 'Pebble Snap"
Currently on a festive theme, we've been snapping photos of large bows, giant baubles, grotto doors...
I sent her this today - I'm not sure she'll find festive skeletons anytime soon
Currently on a festive theme, we've been snapping photos of large bows, giant baubles, grotto doors...
I sent her this today - I'm not sure she'll find festive skeletons anytime soon
December 14, 2025 at 3:20 PM
My elder sister and I have taken our photographic pebbling to a new level - with 'Pebble Snap"
Currently on a festive theme, we've been snapping photos of large bows, giant baubles, grotto doors...
I sent her this today - I'm not sure she'll find festive skeletons anytime soon
Currently on a festive theme, we've been snapping photos of large bows, giant baubles, grotto doors...
I sent her this today - I'm not sure she'll find festive skeletons anytime soon
During COVID, a therapist asked what support I had, I shrugged nervously (I'd none)
Friday s/one asked what support I had, I listed
* My soprano sisters
* The SEND parent group
* The Women who Talk (deep talk)
There are so many people who lift me up, I'm truly grateful for them in my life
Friday s/one asked what support I had, I listed
* My soprano sisters
* The SEND parent group
* The Women who Talk (deep talk)
There are so many people who lift me up, I'm truly grateful for them in my life
December 13, 2025 at 9:36 PM
During COVID, a therapist asked what support I had, I shrugged nervously (I'd none)
Friday s/one asked what support I had, I listed
* My soprano sisters
* The SEND parent group
* The Women who Talk (deep talk)
There are so many people who lift me up, I'm truly grateful for them in my life
Friday s/one asked what support I had, I listed
* My soprano sisters
* The SEND parent group
* The Women who Talk (deep talk)
There are so many people who lift me up, I'm truly grateful for them in my life
I am "stay safe when walking the dog on country lanes with no pavement" age today
Cost less than £4 - which doesn't even make sense to me.
If it saves my life, I don't care how square I look.
Cost less than £4 - which doesn't even make sense to me.
If it saves my life, I don't care how square I look.
December 12, 2025 at 11:01 AM
I am "stay safe when walking the dog on country lanes with no pavement" age today
Cost less than £4 - which doesn't even make sense to me.
If it saves my life, I don't care how square I look.
Cost less than £4 - which doesn't even make sense to me.
If it saves my life, I don't care how square I look.
I can confirm that having a missing teen with autism & anxiety is a surefire way to lose your appetite & mind
Seven hours of location tracking as he turns his phone mostly off & panic is not a fun way to spend a day
Here's hoping he's home soon 🤞🏻🙏🏻
Seven hours of location tracking as he turns his phone mostly off & panic is not a fun way to spend a day
Here's hoping he's home soon 🤞🏻🙏🏻
December 9, 2025 at 5:41 PM
I can confirm that having a missing teen with autism & anxiety is a surefire way to lose your appetite & mind
Seven hours of location tracking as he turns his phone mostly off & panic is not a fun way to spend a day
Here's hoping he's home soon 🤞🏻🙏🏻
Seven hours of location tracking as he turns his phone mostly off & panic is not a fun way to spend a day
Here's hoping he's home soon 🤞🏻🙏🏻
Reposted by Emma Sutton
Everyone is not "a little" autistic
Everyone is not "a little" ADHD
Everyone is not "a little" OCD
To be diagnosed with these conditions, a person must be meaningfully impaired by them.
Everyone is not "a little" ADHD
Everyone is not "a little" OCD
To be diagnosed with these conditions, a person must be meaningfully impaired by them.
December 8, 2025 at 1:57 AM
Everyone is not "a little" autistic
Everyone is not "a little" ADHD
Everyone is not "a little" OCD
To be diagnosed with these conditions, a person must be meaningfully impaired by them.
Everyone is not "a little" ADHD
Everyone is not "a little" OCD
To be diagnosed with these conditions, a person must be meaningfully impaired by them.