Julie

Hi, I'm Julie, a 44-year-old (peri-menopausal!) single mum to three teenagers with additional needs. I have ADHD myself and have navigated life with my three children, all of whom have a combination of Autism and ADHD. Over the years, our family has experienced a range of educational settings, including specialist education, specialist boarding, home learning, and mainstream school. My eldest is preparing to go to university this year, and navigating the transition to adulthood and the prospect of an empty nest brings a whole new set of thoughts and emotions. Our journey hasn't always been straightforward. Along the way, our family has experienced loss, abuse, child-to-parent abuse, and addiction. One of my children has also been diagnosed with gender dysphoria and is on her transgender journey. Any conversation with me is based on my own personal experience — simply sharing what it has been like for us. I'm happy to talk about parenting neurodivergent teenagers, ADHD, Autism, education journeys, specialist schools, home learning, university transitions, gender identity, single parenting, perimenopause, and the realities of family life when things don't always go to plan. I enjoy hearing about other people's experiences and perspectives and having open conversations about the ups and downs of parenting and family life.