Welcome to Life On Planet Pam

Sharing the experience of life as a neurodiverse mother

My life, my style, my travel, my health, celebrating middle age and all it brings

Lifestyle

Discover tips and advice on how to create a balanced and fulfilling lifestyle.

Health

Learn about my health and fitness journey and self-care practices.

Travel

I try to get around, joined many times by my son Elijah!  Join us on our travel adventures and get inspired to explore new destinations.

About Life On Planet Pam

Discover the story behind the blog

If you search the word AUTISM, it can give you more than 89,400,000 results, telling you what it is, what the symptoms are and the possible causes. But what does it feel like?

Well, it feels like everyone else knows what they are about. You know? That sharpness that everyone seems to have? Like their brains are floating in a sparkly clear liquid that helps them function in a way that someone with autism would love to. Like they are privy to the secret of life that you just cannot grasp, but one day the formula will be announced and then everything will make perfect sense.  So, in the meantime, you try to function in this world that you find yourself in. Where you want to behave in a certain way that is perfectly normal to you but might be alien to many, but are told that it definitely is not normal, and to behave in a way that's totally alien to you. Like an robot born to be programmed. That's what autism feels like.

How do I do know?

I know… because I'm the mother of two sons, currently aged 28 and 18, and both with autistic spectrum disorder.  I have made it my goal to be their advocate, coach and support as they grow up with this condition.  They don't suffer from it or even cope in spite of it. They LIVE WITH it and have come up with ways of dealing with any challenges they face along the way, whether educational, physical, emotional or social.  Their autism has never been used as an excuse and they have never been taught to conform. In fact, it's their inability to conform that fills me with pride. I have been able to understand exactly what they are about and the language they speak.

I know… because, in November 2016, at the grand old age of 51, I suffered a mental health crisis and during my care from the mental health crisis team, was myself diagnosed with autism. To be honest, this was something I've known since I was at least five years old.  That feeling of not belonging; that everyone understands what's going on, except me.

I've gone through some truly awful times, along with times where my autism has set me free from the pressure to conform - but at a price.

I've therefore started Life on Planet Pam to celebrate my life so far, that of my children, and to help those parents and carers who have been chosen to look after these amazing people.  

I also want to welcome you onto my planet to share other parts of my life with you, the highs and lows of motherhood, growing older, the menopause, my style, hobbies, friendships and pretty much anything else I have learned, in the hope that it will encourage and inspire you.  You might just discover something about your own planet that is worthy of celebrating and sharing!

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