Young parent with autism highly commended in UK Awards 2021

Since moving in with SLSW Carer Melanie Thomas, Abby has changed beyond all recognition.

When she moved in, Abby who has autism, was a new Mum and she was adapting to all those challenges. She was quiet, shy and wouldn’t voice her opinion even if she disagreed.

With Melanie’s help she has become a confident, strong and has developed independence living her life, her way – doing what is best for her and her daughter. All with Melanie there with a gentle arm of support.

At the start of the placement there was a child protection order in place, which was in place at the birth of her daughter Eliza*.

Abby has had to prove to the courts and social care teams how great a Mum she is. She has done that with bells on tending to her daughter Eliza’s every need. She has had to voice how to be a ‘parent’ and document her every move. It’s been hard for Abby as her parenting has been under a microscope, but she has handled it with maturity and kept her eye on the prize and proved herself.

She is now shining and the court order was removed before Christmas – it was the best Christmas present she could ask for.

In years gone by Abby never used to tell her family how she felt, whether she was happy or not or if she disagreed. With Mel’s support Abby has learnt to challenge without confrontation and to stand up for herself when appropriate.

Abby is without a doubt of Mel’s extended family going to all family events and that has now extended to the community. Abby is part of her local Slimming World group and attends the weekly weigh-ins and has lost a staggering five stone. Thanks to healthy eating, she is ensuring Eliza also has the best start with nutritious and balanced diet.

Abby also takes Eliza to nursery two days a week and is part of the school community network.

“I go out with Eliza in the afternoons, we play with her toys; she’s loving her baby doll and nursing her. We also love drawing, colouring and painting together,” said Abby.

“Eliza’s bedtime routine is good and the healthy food that we eat is great. It’s also important to sit down and eat with her at the table while she is in her highchair.”

“She’s also now in a local nursery on Tuesdays and Thursday and it’s really nice for her and really important for her.

“She certainly isn’t a baby any more and is into everything, she’s reaching all her milestones and the biggest challenge is keeping up with her!”

With Abby’s confidence boosted and Covid-19 restrictions lifting her next goal is to find a voluntary job – which she did just before we announced her as highly commended!

Well done Abby!

*name changed