Ireland AM
Reflections on the Early Days of Little Puddins
(Originally written in 2015)
When I launched the Little Puddins blog in 2015, I did so with a clear and deeply personal purpose. At that time, my family, like many others, was navigating the early stages of understanding Autism following my son Jack’s identification as Autistic. What quickly became apparent was the limited availability of accessible, family-centred information and support for parents who were newly entering this space or experiencing periods of uncertainty and challenge.
Little Puddins was created to address that gap. Its aim was to provide reassurance, shared understanding, and practical signposting for families who were seeking information, connection, and a sense that they were not navigating this journey alone.
Shortly after establishing the blog, I was invited to appear on Ireland AM to discuss Autism, family experiences, and the broader need for meaningful supports. While this was my first television appearance and understandably nerve-wracking, the experience was both welcoming and affirming. The production team and presenters created an environment that was respectful, supportive, and genuinely attentive to the subject matter being discussed.
During the programme, important issues were highlighted, including the significant lack of services available to Autistic children and their families at that time. The discussion also acknowledged that effective support must extend beyond the individual child and encompass the wider family system, a perspective that was not yet widely recognised in public discourse in 2015.
Following the broadcast, I was contacted by many parents seeking information, resources, and guidance. This response reinforced the original intention behind Little Puddins and highlighted the urgent demand for accessible, compassionate, and informed support for families.
Although the period surrounding the appearance involved significant travel and personal demands, it marked a turning point in the evolution of the blog. It became clear that Little Puddins had the potential to grow beyond a personal reflection space and develop into a resource that could meaningfully support families navigating Autism-related experiences.
Looking back, it is striking to reflect on how a blog created in response to a lack of support grew into a platform that connected families, shared lived experience, and contributed to wider conversations about Autism and inclusion. While this post reflects the language, context, and understanding of its time, it captures an important moment in the early development of Little Puddins and the beginnings of a journey rooted in advocacy, connection, and community.
