When you hear the word "autism", what comes to mind? Maybe it's the image of a brilliant mathematician with extraordinary abilities, or a child who avoids eye contact and lives in their own world. Both of these visions may have a grain of truth in them, but neither fully reflects what autism spectrum disorder is. Because, as the name suggests – it is a spectrum. I am the mother of a wonderful boy who is on the spectrum. And for years, before I understood it deeply, I myself wandered in assumptions, stereotypes and uncertainty. Today, I want to tell you what autism spectrum disorder is, as I understand it – simply, from the heart, but also vividly and clearly. Imagine… a Radio For me, it's easiest to think of autism spectrum disorder as a radio. You have a radio that has many stations. One station is classical music, another is rock, another is news. Each station broadcasts its programme, and you, as a listener, may have your preferences. Now imagine that the radio of a neurotypical person (that is, most of us) is perfectly tuned. The signal is clear, the sound is clear, everything works smoothly. In a person on the autism spectrum, this radio may have a slightly different "frequency", or some "knobs" may be set differently. "Sound" knob (sensory perception) For my son, some sounds are like a sudden, loud screech, even if for me it's just a quiet hum of the fridge. The touch of some materials can be unpleasant, and the light can be more dazzling. Their radio receives signals from the world with different sensitivity – sometimes too strong, sometimes too weak. "Communication" knob (social interactions and language) Sometimes it's as if their radio is broadcasting on a different frequency than the radio of the rest of the world. They want to communicate, but sometimes they don't catch the subtle signals, tone of voice or facial expressions that are obvious to us. Or they themselves send signals that are difficult for us to decipher. They may have difficulty starting a conversation, maintaining eye contact or understanding jokes. "Programming" knob (repetitive behaviours and routines) Imagine that their radio has a favourite, very specific station that they want to listen to over and over again. Routine and predictability give them a sense of security and peace. Changing the programme (even a small one) can cause great discomfort, because it's like someone suddenly changed their favourite station to something completely unknown. Why is it a "spectrum"? And here we come back to the "spectrum". Because just as on the radio you have millions of different stations and combinations of settings, so in the autism spectrum every person is different. One child may have great difficulty with speech, another may be a real chatterbox, but not understand how to conduct a dialogue. One may react very strongly to loud sounds, another to smells. One may need rigid, unchanging routines, and another will have a more flexible approach. That's why we no longer talk about "Asperger's syndrome" or "high-functioning autism", but about Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). Because it is one big, vast spectrum, on which everyone has their unique place. What does this mean for us? For me, as a mother, it means one thing: understanding and acceptance. This is not something that needs to be "fixed", it is simply a different way of functioning. Our task, as parents, friends, members of society, is to learn to "tune" to their frequency, help them cope with the challenges that their "radio" poses to them, and celebrate their extraordinary, often surprising talents. Because children on the spectrum, despite their difficulties, often have amazing abilities – extraordinary memory, deep interests, creativity, a unique view of the world. They simply see the world in different colours, hear it with different sounds and feel it in a different way. I hope this analogy with the radio has helped you understand at least a little what autism spectrum disorder is. Remember – every person on the spectrum is unique, deserves respect, understanding and a chance to develop their full potential.

As a mother of a child on the spectrum, I know how easy it is to fall into the trap of over-analysing every behaviour of a toddler. The internet is full of lists of "symptoms" that can make you dizzy and anxious. It is important to look at the child's development holistically and remember that every child develops at their own pace. Remember that a single symptom rarely indicates autism. Rather, it is patterns of behaviour and failure to achieve milestones in key areas (social interactions, communication, repetitive behaviours) that should raise concern. The earlier we notice these signs, the sooner we can react and provide the child with appropriate support. Below you will find signs to look out for, divided into groups: Difficulties in social interactions (from around 6-12 months) Observe the lack of or limited eye contact, avoidance of reciprocating smiles, lack of response to their name, and lack of social gestures (e.g. "bye-bye", pointing). The child may show little interest in people, prefer to play alone and not seek to share joy or imitate adult facial expressions. Difficulties in communication (verbal and non-verbal) Pay attention to the lack of babbling, delayed or lack of speech development, and especially the loss of previously acquired words or communication skills. It is worrying to use speech, but not for communication, difficulty understanding simple commands, and lack of "proto-declarative pointing" (pointing to draw attention to something interesting). Repetitive behaviours and limited interests Observe motor stereotypes (waving hands, rocking), rigid routines and strong resistance to change. There may be an intense fascination with unusual objects or repetitive, obsessive activities. Sensory hypersensitivity or hyposensitivity (e.g. to sounds, touch, pain) are also important signs. What does NOT have to be a reason to panic? Remember that some of these behaviours may occur in any child and be part of their normal development. Below are signs that, in themselves, rarely indicate autism: Single, sporadic behaviour: If a child occasionally avoids eye contact or waves their hands, it is usually not a cause for concern if overall development is normal. Phase of development: At certain times, children may focus on repetitive movements, develop specific interests, or have temporary difficulties with communication. It is important to observe whether these behaviours are dominant, persist and intensify. Single delay in one area: If your child communicates and makes contact well, but starts talking a little later, it often means that they simply need more time to develop in that particular area. It is important whether the delays concern many areas and are unrelated to other progress. Shyness or introversion: A child may simply be shy and therefore prefer to play alone or in smaller groups. This is not the same as a lack of interest in social interactions. When to seek help? If you notice many of the listed signs that persist over time, intensify and affect your child's functioning in daily life - do not hesitate. Consult a paediatrician who will refer you to appropriate specialists: a child psychologist, neurologist, speech therapist, or sensory integration therapist. Early diagnosis and early intervention are key to supporting a child's development and improving their quality of life. Trust your parental intuition. No one knows your child better than you do. Observe, take notes and don't be afraid to ask questions. You are your child's best advocate.

As a mother of a child on the autism spectrum, I often encounter questions full of concern, and sometimes misunderstanding: "Will he cope?", "Isn't it too difficult for him?", "Is he even happy?". I know these questions come from good intentions, but deep down there is always an echo of thought in them: "He sees the world differently, so probably worse." Today I want to debunk this myth. My child, like many other children on the spectrum, does perceive the world differently. But that differently does not mean worse at all. On the contrary, it often means perspectives that are richer, more detailed, and sometimes just... magical. Details that we miss Imagine you are walking down the street. You see people, cars, shop windows. Your brain automatically filters out excess information, focusing on what it considers important. Now think of a child on the spectrum. For him, every detail can be equally intense, equally important. My son can spend hours watching raindrops running down the window, being hypnotised by swirling leaves, or noticing shadows that are invisible to me. Once, during a walk, I was looking at the city skyline, and he was admiring a single blade of grass, on which a dewdrop sat, shimmering in the sun. Is this a worse view of the world? Absolutely not. It's a deeper, more attentive look at the little wonders that we, in our haste and automation, simply miss. A different operating system, but with unique features I often compare the mind of a person on the spectrum to a computer with a different operating system. We, neurotypical people, run on Windows, and they may be on macOS or Linux. Each system has its advantages and disadvantages. Some functions are different in them, require a different approach, but that does not mean that one system is by definition better than the other. Detailed memory My son remembers facts, dates, names that I forget as soon as I hear them. His "hard drive" stores information in a way that is often inaccessible to us. Logical thinking When I look for shortcuts, he analyses the problem with unusual logic, often finding solutions that I would not have thought of. He is not afraid to think "outside the box" because he is not as constrained by it as we are. Intense passions When something interests him, he can delve into the topic with unusual passion and determination. This is not a superficial hobby, it is a real dedication, which often leads to the development of extraordinary talents and expert knowledge. A world without "grey areas" For many people on the spectrum, the world is black and white, and the rules are clear and unchanging. For us adults, this is sometimes frustrating – after all, life is so many nuances! But think about how much stress and uncertainty our "grey area" brings. Children on the spectrum often value honesty, simplicity and clarity of intention. They don't play social games, they are not two-faced. Their world is often more authentic, free from hidden meanings and unclear signals. This teaches us patience, precision in communication and respect for honesty. In summary... Yes, our children see the world differently. They perceive it with different senses, interpret it through a different lens, react to it in their unique way. Sometimes this means challenges that we have to overcome together. But never – ever – does it mean that their world is worse, less valuable or less beautiful. Our task, as parents, friends, teachers, is not to try to "fix" them by force so that they fit our pattern. Our task is to open up to their perspective, learn from them, see the beauty in their unique way of perceiving. Because in their eyes, the world is often full of details, passions and authenticity that we, in our "normal" world, do not even notice. And that, in my opinion, makes their vision of the world not only different, but often – simply – more beautiful. What do you think? Do these thoughts resonate with your experiences?

You're waiting for that one word. "Mummy." You wait for months, sometimes years, listening to silence or to sounds you can't immediately decode. In a world that equates communication with speech, we – mothers of children on the spectrum – must become the world's best translators. Today, we'll focus on what happens when words don't come, even if your child is verbal. Because the truth is, our children are talking to us all the time. They just do it with their whole being. Behaviour is the loudest message When your child throws themselves on the floor in a shop, covers their ears, or suddenly gets angry, it's not "naughtiness." It's a sentence written in capital letters: "It's too loud for me" "I'm scared of this change" "My brain has just stopped processing stimuli" For us, mums, the key is to change the question from "Why are they doing that?" to "What are they trying to tell me?". When we learn to see a plea for help in challenging behaviour, frustration disappears, and understanding emerges. The magic of echolalia – "second-hand" words Does your child repeat lines from their favourite cartoon or your own questions? That's echolalia. For a long time, it was considered purposeless, but today we know it's a powerful communication tool! A child might say: "The train is leaving the station" (a quote from a cartoon), because at that moment they feel sad, just like the character in that scene. They're not talking about a train – they're talking about their sadness, using the verbal blocks available to them. It's their way of staying connected with you. A body that doesn't lie Pay attention to small gestures we often overlook: Hand leading: This is the highest form of trust – "Be my hands, help me get this." Stimming (self-stimulatory behaviours): Hand flapping, jumping, or spinning often says: "I'm so happy I can't contain it!" or "I need to calm down because there's chaos around me." Avoiding eye contact: This isn't a lack of interest. It's often a message: "I'm listening so intently that I can't look at you at the same time, because it's too many stimuli for me." Communication through closeness (or lack thereof) Sometimes the message is: "I need you, but don't touch me right now." This is difficult for us mums, who want to hug and comfort. But respecting this space is also a form of dialogue. Conversely, "pressing close" to mum, seeking strong physical contact, is a signal: "Help me feel my body, I feel uncertain." Mummy, your heart is the best receiver. Sometimes you feel tired of this constant guessing game. That's understandable. But remember – no one knows your child's code as well as you do. Every glance at an object, every tug on a sleeve, every specific sound is a building block in creating your shared language. How to build a bridge of understanding? Instead of forcing speech, let's build the foundations of communication. Let's use gestures, pictures (the PECS system), and short messages. Let's show our child that their "language" is important to us and understood. When a child feels understood without words, it will be easier for them to open up to those words in the future. On szczesciewspektrum.pl, we want to demystify silence. Because silence on the spectrum is not empty – it's filled with information just waiting to be discovered. What "secret signals" does your child send? Do you remember the moment you first understood something they didn't say aloud?

I remember that day like it was yesterday. The words of the SEN specialist who referred us for diagnosis blurred into one big buzz, arousing anxiety in me, although I had suspected autism for a long time... And then came the emptiness, and immediately after it – a real storm of emotions. There was fear, uncertainty, sadness, but above all, somewhere deep down, this question appeared, quiet but powerful: "Why me?" If you know this, know that you are not alone. This is one of the most natural and common feelings that accompanies parents after receiving a diagnosis of autism spectrum in their child. And there is nothing shameful in it. A storm of emotions, or what you feel when the world stops A child's diagnosis on the spectrum is a turning point. Suddenly, everything you knew about the future, about parenthood, about how it was supposed to be, is called into question. It's like grief – grief for the imagined future, for the ideal image you carried in your head. Shock and disbelief For a moment, the mind refuses to acknowledge what it has heard. This is impossible. It's a mistake. Sadness and despair After the shock comes the realisation of loss. Loss of a carefree future, a sense of helplessness and the burden of responsibility. Anger and frustration You may feel angry at fate, at injustice, and even at yourself – although this is irrational, because nothing is your fault. Guilt "What did I do wrong?", "Is it my fault?". These questions are exhausting, but you must remember – autism is nobody's fault. Anxiety and uncertainty What next? What will our life look like? Will we cope? Will my child be happy? Thousands of unanswered questions can be overwhelming. Isolation You may feel lonely, misunderstood, as if no one else is going through the same thing. Sometimes it is difficult to talk about it with loved ones. All these emotions are absolutely natural and healthy. It's your mind and heart trying to process a huge, life-changing piece of information. Give yourself permission to feel them. Don't judge yourself for them. How to deal with this "Why me?" Working through these emotions is a process, not a one-off event. Here are some ways that can help you: Give yourself time to grieve This is a time to mourn what has changed. Don't rush, don't pretend everything is okay. Allow yourself sadness, anger and disappointment. Seek information, but in moderation Knowledge is power, but too much information can be overwhelming. Find reliable sources, ask specialists. Understanding the spectrum will help you feel more confident. Find your "support group" This is the most important thing! Look for other parents of children on the spectrum. On the internet, in local groups, on forums. Sharing experiences, frustrations and successes is invaluable. Take care of yourself This is not selfishness, it is a necessity. You can't pour from an empty vessel. Find time for your passions, rest, a moment of silence. If you are exhausted, you will not have the strength to support your child. Allow yourself professional support If emotions overwhelm you, don't be afraid to seek help from a psychologist or therapist. This is not a sign of weakness, but of wisdom and care for yourself and your family. Focus on the "here and now" Instead of worrying about the distant future, focus on small steps, on what you can do today. Celebrate your child's small successes and your own. Remember: you are not alone Millions of parents around the world have gone through the same thing. You have a strength within you that you may not have discovered yet. Your child is special, and you are their best advocate. The question "Why me?" is natural. It is important to let it resonate, but not to let it paralyse you. After the storm, the sun always comes out, and with each day you will be stronger, wiser and more rooted in love for your extraordinary child. I hope this article gives you a sense of support and understanding. Is there anything else you would like to talk about?

It's 11 PM. Silence has finally fallen over the house. You look at your sleeping child, and instead of relief, you feel… a heavy burden. A film of the entire day plays in your mind: that moment you lost your patience during the third meltdown; that therapy session you didn't have the strength to take him to; that dinner that ended in tears again because the pasta had 'the wrong shape'. And then it appears. A quiet, intrusive question: 'Am I even a good mum?' Today, mum to mum, I want to tell you: stop looking for answers in perfection. Look for them in your presence. The "Supermum" Trap in the Spectrum World When our child receives a diagnosis, we often unconsciously enter task mode. We want to be the best therapist, dietitian, speech therapist, and child advocate all rolled into one. It seems to us that a "good mum" is one who: Never raises her voice. Always has sensory aids prepared. Smiles through the stares of people in the shop. Maintains a home that looks like it's from a catalogue, even though next to it, the world is being 'reorganised' with Lego bricks. The truth is: this ideal doesn't exist. And trying to live up to it makes us increasingly tired, frustrated, and… emotionally absent. Perfection vs. Authenticity A child on the spectrum doesn't need a mum who is a robot executing a therapy plan 100%. They need someone who will be their safe haven. Authentic presence is much more difficult (and more beautiful) than perfection. It means: Being there in difficult emotions: Even if you can't stop a meltdown, your calm (even if tired) presence says: "I'm here, don't be afraid, we'll get through this together." Admitting mistakes: A good mum is one who can say (even if the child isn't speaking): "I'm sorry, I was tired, I shouldn't have shouted. I love you." This teaches the child that emotions are human. Letting go: Sometimes "good parenting" means ordering pizza and lying together under a weighted blanket instead of practising speech. Because at that moment, your peace is more important than another worksheet. You are "Good Enough" Donald Winnicott, the famous paediatrician, coined the term "good enough mother". This is someone who makes mistakes, gets tired, but is predictable in her love and care. In the world of autism, this concept takes on special significance. Your child doesn't judge you by how much therapy you've paid for. They feel your scent, your touch, and that when the whole world is too loud and bright for them, you are the one person who tries to understand them. Small Victories, Great Love Mum, look at today again. But this time, change the filter. Did you hug them even once? Did you notice a small success that no one else would have seen? Did you simply… just exist? If so, then the answer is: Yes, you are an amazing mum. The best your child could have. Because no one else would fight for them like you do. Your task for today: Choose one thing you are proud of today. Not of your child, but of yourself. Maybe it's that you didn't explode when the juice spilled? Or maybe it's that you found 5 minutes for a warm coffee? On the blog,s we take off our superhero capes. Here, we can just be ourselves – mums who love, fight, and sometimes cry from helplessness. And that's OK. If you haven't yet joined the Challenge "7 days to see a MIRACLE: Your child, Your strength, Your path" - for free - don't delay. It will help you release many hidden emotions. Big hug.

The moment your child with an autism diagnosis starts education in a nursery or school is the beginning of a new, important journey. For many parents, it is also a time full of concerns: "Will they understand my child?", "Will they want to cooperate?", "How do I make sure they don't treat me like another demanding parent?". The key to success is building a partnership, not a client-institution relationship. This requires effort from both sides, but as a parent, you have a huge impact on the quality of this cooperation. Here's how you can achieve it: Prepare yourself - knowledge is key Before you cross the threshold of the facility, collect all the necessary documents: a certificate of the need for special education, opinions from the psychological and pedagogical centre, test results, previous therapies. Organise them. Know what you want: Consider what your child's key needs are. Know your rights: Familiarise yourself with the regulations regarding the education of children with special educational needs. Don't go in unprepared: Prepare a list of questions and points to discuss. Start with the positives - build a relationship, not a wall First impressions are key. Instead of immediately presenting a list of problems, start by building a positive relationship. Introduce your child: Talk about them not only through the prism of diagnosis, but primarily as a unique person. Express trust and willingness to cooperate: Say that you believe in the professionalism of the staff and that you care about working together for the good of the child. Share knowledge, don't impose: You are experts in different fields. Share your observations. Communicate clearly, specifically and regularly Good communication is the foundation of partnership. Be specific: Instead of generalities, describe specific situations. Establish communication channels: Make sure both sides know how and when you will be in contact. Listen actively: Give teachers space to talk about their observations and challenges. Solve problems, don't escalate conflicts: Focus on finding solutions. Appreciate and thank: Small gestures of gratitude build a positive atmosphere. Be proactive, but respect boundaries Participate in meetings and propose solutions, but remember the boundaries. Participate in meetings: Take part in meetings and consultations. Propose solutions: If you see a problem, think about what could be done. Remember the boundaries: Teachers have many students and their duties. Remember the goal: the good of the child All activities, all conversations have one overriding goal: to provide your child with the best possible conditions for development and learning. When both sides have the same goal, it is easier to find common ground and overcome any difficulties. Building a partnership is a process that requires patience, empathy and consistency. But when you manage to create such a relationship, everyone benefits - you, the teachers, and above all your child, who will feel safer and more confident in an environment that understands and supports them. I hope these tips will be helpful on your journey!

When I get the news that my child was on the autism spectrum, I immediately began researching ways to support him in his daily life. I quickly came across the topic of diet. Many parents and specialists emphasized that proper nutrition can help reduce difficulties, from concentration to intestinal problems. Remember, there's no single "miracle diet"—every child is different. However, there are certain principles that recur in parental conversations and expert recommendations. I'm sharing what I've managed to piece together from the perspective of a mother who is constantly searching for the best solutions. 1. Gluten-free and casein-free diet (GFCF) Many parents notice improvement after eliminating gluten (wheat, rye, barley) and casein (milk protein). These proteins are more difficult to digest in some children, and their metabolites can affect the nervous system. The effects vary, from reduced hyperactivity to improved eye contact and sleep. 2. Limit sugar and processed foods Children on the spectrum often have sensitive nervous systems. High sugar intake causes energy spikes and difficulty regulating emotions. Therefore, we try to limit sweets, colored drinks, and "ready-made snacks" at home. Instead, we opt for fruit, homemade baked goods, and snacks made with natural ingredients. 3. Gut support – probiotics and fiber Intestinal problems are more common in people on the spectrum than in their peers. Constipation, diarrhea, and abdominal pain can all make daily functioning difficult. Therefore, significant emphasis is placed on: probiotics (e.g., fermented foods, plant-based yogurts, probiotic supplements), fiber (vegetables, fruits, gluten-free whole grains). My reflection as a mother Autism diet isn't a simple list of dos and don'ts. It's more of a process of carefully observing your child and finding solutions that will make their life easier. I see that when my child eats healthier, they are calmer, sleep better, and have more energy to learn and play. I'm not saying that food "cures autism." But I believe that a proper diet is one of the pillars that support our children—along with therapy, exercise, and love.

Medication in Autism - A CAUTIOUS APPROACH When I heard my child's diagnosis, this question immediately came to my mind. Can medication help my child with autism? Our principle: Natural support first Today I know that autism cannot be cured with a pill. Medication can influence certain symptoms – e.g., to calm or improve sleep – but it doesn't change the essence of autism and carries the risk of side effects. That's why we follow the principle: natural support first, and medication only as a last resort. Paracetamol – research controversies It is increasingly being said that the popular painkiller and fever reducer, paracetamol, may have an unexpected effect on children's development. Some observational studies indicate that frequent paracetamol use during pregnancy or early childhood may be associated with an increased risk of neurodevelopmental disorders – including autism or ADHD. Researchers emphasise that this is not yet definitive causal evidence, but the mere possibility that such a popular drug could affect brain development is, for me – as a mother – sufficient reason for caution. Why I prefer to avoid medication? Side effects Every medication has its undesirable effects, often difficult to notice immediately in a child. No impact on autism Pills will not make a child "stop being on the spectrum". Alternatives Natural alternatives exist: diet, supplementation, therapy, movement, and healthy sleep. New research Since even paracetamol raises questions, it's worth thinking twice before giving a child anything. Medication only as a last resort I am not against medicine – I know that pharmacology saves lives and health. But in the case of autism, I treat medication as a last step, not a first choice. Before reaching for them, I try natural methods and support my child's development through diet, therapy, movement, and love. My reflection as a mother Recent years have shown me one thing – it's better to avoid medication if it's not absolutely necessary. Autism cannot be cured with a pill, but you can create conditions for your child to develop as best as they can. And if research emerges suggesting that even popular medications, such as paracetamol, can affect brain development – then I prefer to be even more cautious.