Motherhood - How bringing up an autistic child by myself changed my life

Hello Everyone,
This week I visited another mill that is happily sitting next to a lively river.
When I became a mother my life changed in many ways and learning that my son is autistic changed it once more when he was already grown up.
Whatever your child brings to you, embrace it, support it and follow your own path.
I also made some pasta this week - an easy recipe that doesn’t require the need of a machine. It really was tasty!
Have a lovely week and I see you soon 🧚
#scotland #autism #autisticson #motherhood #followyourpath #authenticity #thescottishfairy #roslincountrypark #outlanderfilminglocation #nature #ambient #highlygifted

[@lorrainerichardson3280]

All children are precious. I have taught children on the spectrum and have loved every minute of being with them. You are right when you say experiences and the knowledge that they are valued are the most precious gifts that children will keep with them. Being a sole parent is extremely difficult but also it brought our family closer and like you my parents stepped in when I needed them. Take care =-)

[@Anita-rq9ev]

Thank you for being so open about your situation. It's not easy, when suddenly you are a single mother, but glad your dad helped you. I'm sure you gave your son all your love. Have a good week 🙏

[@thescottishfairy5396]

Thank you Anita, these are very kind words! Yes, I will forever be thankful for my late father. And my son is so much like him which is lovely to see. Have a good week🧚

[@Anita-rq9ev]

@@thescottishfairy5396 thank you 🙏

[@rachael943]

Yes you are 100% on the spectrum as well (I am too), it just displays differently for us women. We go undiagnosed but are just labeled as "quirky, artistic, daydreamy" and sometimes live in our fantasy worlds so we go undetected much longer than boys. It was having my two boys diagnosed with autism/ADHD that made me realize they get it from me.

[@elizabethp17]

"Let them be who they are" Exactly that ❤

[@shirleymcmurtrie7853]

Thank you for sharing this. You certainly are blessed with a very dear and special son.

[@jillychandler]

What a lovely video. Although I am not autistic, I had a hard time at school, as I just did not fit in. It has affected me for the rest of my life, as it took all my confidence away, so I have always struggled with that. I now live a recluse full life with my rescue greyhound Madge, which I am happy to do. I would like to meet more humans at times, but can go days without talking to anyone. I would rather that, than have to live with someone who made me unhappy. I love your photography, and your soft voice, thank you for this video. xxx

[@thescottishfairy5396]

Thank you so much for this wonderful comment. I think you are doing the right thing for yourself. I love being on my own even though I have a lovely husband today, but like you I was the odd one out without being autistic. We are all unique and that is a lovely thing. Have a nice weekend 🧚

[@jillychandler]

@@thescottishfairy5396 Thank you for your reply. I am going through a bit of a rough patch at the moment, and just to have someone that understands means so much to me. xxx

[@lynngliottone2812]

Such wise words, and such a lovely video.

[@tanjadoppelstein6986]

My love, I recently found your channel and it is like I'm looking into a mirror 😮 After rewatching a few of your videos I recognized so many touchpoints we both have in common - your struggle with your mental health, the hypersensitivity, the introvert personality and the joy in nature and the simple things in life - it's the same road I've been down my whole life, too. Even the stories of being the black sheep within the family sound extremely familiar to me (as I broke with my family almost ten years ago for that reason). To hear that you also have an autistic son gives me goosebumps all over! I'm in my 40's and I struggle a lot with my life since I became a mother. I'm married, but I feel like I'm alone in this fight, I have absolutely no faith and energy to move on in my life although I clearly know I have to! You are miles ahead from me and you did a great job by following your dreams and by learning acceptance. I wish I could let go of my boundaries like you did! Could find a fellow mate that feels my soul and lends me a hand so that I'm not lost in this world anymore 💔 Thank you for being, Kerstin! Your videos give me peace and a deep longing for life again. Maybe I can find my path back from the darkness... Lots of love from Germany, Tanja ❤

[@thescottishfairy5396]

Hello Tanja and thank you for your comment. That is very interesting how some parts of our life are so similar! I am sorry to hear how you feel right now, it is a hard place to be. But you reflected on where you are and it sounds like you feel change is needed and that is a first big step you have already done! I felt alone a lot in my younger years (also in relationships!) due to my highly sensitive nature. There is a video on my channel about that. For me acceptance of my personality and befriending myself made all the difference. I am very happy that my channel and content might be able to help you, if only for some minutes of relaxation. Have a lovely Sunday and take good care of yourself - you are needed in this world! Lots of Love from Scotland 🧚🌸

[@isabellammusic]

Wonderful video, thank you for telling us about your experience of motherhood.

[@nettiengelhard421]

What a lovely Video. Beautiful knitted Stola and such a cute idea how to shape the noodles! But the best were your kind and uplifting words to those who are concerned. Greetings to your lovely son. 😊

[@mariamontserratgomezgarrid668]

Beautiful video my friend, thank you for sharing it with all of the us❤️

[@thefairyqueen369]

I too am a single mother and my parents also supported me in the time when I needed it.....I have embraced motherhood too as you had explained and I have never looked back. I am on the verge of moving to a more rural setting and I am looking for ward to spending time in Nature. Thanks for sharing your story, it is very inspiring!

[@thescottishfairy5396]

Hello fairy queen - a kindred soul 🙂. Well done for bringing up your child/ren alone. It is a great achievement. And rural living is awesome, so peaceful and still full of all that it has to offer. Thank you for your comment, it is much appreciated 🧚

[@marilynroberts6644]

A touching story and one that I'm sure many mothers can relate to. For those with younger children on the spectrum you offer much in the way of advice. To follow what our hearts tell us is good advice for all of us really ! Thank you for sharing the beautiful flowers and your gorgeous countryside. And your pasta looked great too 💜

[@lyndagray5937]

Thank you for another heartwarming video and for sharing about your son and motherhood. You have done a wonderful job of raising your son as a single mum and I bet you are both very proud of each other. My only son is married now and lives quite a distance away but my love for him never diminishes. The scenery in your video is beautiful and the spring flowers are such a joy, thank you for sharing those. Love to watch you baking and your pasta looked delicious. Take care 🌼 🌷 🪻❤

[@missglenellen]

What a beautiful episode, thank you!

[@rrhines3151]

What a respite your videos and “visits” with you are. Scotland’s countryside you share with us are breathtaking. Sharing your story of motherhood was warm & kind. All of us, who have raised children, would have some shared experiences but also others unique to our own children… It was heartwarming 🥹 to hear that your father stepped in, and how your challenges and strong character resulted & resonated with many in our community. This world, and its “noise” needs inspiration from nature and simpler times. But I digress… thank you for another lovely video ❤ Your shell water-color painting was quite striking; soft brush-strokes created a strong likeness! 🐚 Until next time, enjoy! 😊

[@thescottishfairy5396]

Thank you very much for this kind comment. I can only agree on Scotland's countryside and landscape. It is breathtaking. I am also happy that many in this lovely community can resonate with my topics and I think it is important to talk about experiences for those that just start the journey. You summed it up perfectly, simpler ways to live aligned with nature is - in my humble view - so important. Thanks again, your comment really warmed my heart. Have a wonderful Sunday 🧚

[@artemandalas1305]

Thank you very much for your kind words. I agree with you. Motherhood is an unimaginable gift. Witness such a beautiful energy that you witness. On the other hand, as single mothers, we can be so grateful to everyone who formed a new circle of love and care.🙏🙌🌷All thé Best for you too, Irène

[@thescottishfairy5396]

Hello Irène and thank you for this lovely comment. We will find love in care in all places which is so good to know! Have a wonderful weekend 🧚

[@artemandalas1305]

@@thescottishfairy5396 👌🙏🪔☮️

[@lovelyenglishnature3277]

I have an autistic son too and he sounds very similar to yours. He’s at university too and it’s such a worry but I’m like you in that I’ve encouraged him to be himself. I’m HSP/INFJ and was diagnosed with Asperger’s nine years ago but I identify with the HSP label more. I too spend a lot of time wandering about in nature….I’m in West Yorkshire and I particularly enjoy the lighting effects that the hills tend to offer. I love standing on a hill and watching the clouds roll across casting shadows on the ground. Sometimes I despair that so many people don’t even notice! Scotland looks lovely x

[@thescottishfairy5396]

Thanks for your lovely comment and sharing your story. I could not agree more about the beauty we live in and many people missing it. We do live in a digital era I guess but nature can not be replaced by anything. Enjoy the hills and have a lovely weekend 🧚

[@rrhines3151]

HSP… while no official diagnosis of that, I sometimes wonder if my anxiety is triggered by similar issues. Glad we are all here together!❤ Best wishes from NorthEast USA!

[@lonlep1831]

@@rrhines3151The connection between HSP and anxiety is a main topic of Candace van Dell. I have learned a lot from her. Try a couple off video’s if you wish (on KZbin) and see if you connect with her words and her style. Greetings from Holland.

[@trevorlsheppard7906]

Lovely video , thanks for sharing your life story ❤.

[@cicelyfairyflower2149]

It's beautiful to hear how you loved, supported, and stood up for your autistic son in his early years. This must have contributed much to his present happiness and confidence. It's wonderful he is studying something he loves and has always enjoyed. Life can be tough for an autistic child (I know because I was one). Your son was, and is, very fortunate to have a gentle intelligent, and sensitive Mum who understands. Kudos to your kind father too.

[@thescottishfairy5396]

Thank you for this heart warming comment, it is much appreciated! My father was a kind soul and helped so much and yes, I will always thank him for that. Have a wonderful evening 🧚

[@lbailey5430]

The Scottish Fairy….what an appropriate name. Once again listening to your calming voice and eloquent way of telling your life story is so heartwarming. What a blessing your father stepped in to help you and your son. I can only imagine what a beautiful human being he is having you as his mom. You are so right in that it’s not the things the children will remember it’s the love and support and nurturing that will stay with them forever. I believe you were an amazing mom just by listening to your wise words and encouraging advice for others. I wish for you many years of a fulfilled life ahead with blessings of good health and love. You are meant to be where you are right now including here doing your videos. I look forward as always to your soft spoken kind words and beautiful scenery. It does my heart good. Continue to take care of yourself and please God one day you will feel much better as you deserve it…….Lisa 🤗🙏💓

[@thescottishfairy5396]

Hello Lisa and thank you for this very lovely comment. I am very happy that you like my content and I appreciate your words of praise. I am very grateful for this lovely community. Have a wonderful Sunday, thanks again and blessings to you 🧚

[@rameshwolf]

Thank you so much for sharing your beautiful story. I just learned my young child is neurodivergent and schooling has caused many challenges for us as well. It's very encouraging to hear someone who is on the other side of the journey and off the "hamster wheel", as I have also called it. I needed to hear this today - to not worry, to allow our children to be themselves and move through the world in their own way. God bless you and your son as he continues in his studies.

[@thescottishfairy5396]

Thank you for you comment and sharing your experiences. I know it can be hard with a neurodivergent child and it takes a lot of effort and energy to stand your ground to do the best for your child. You got this though! The hamster wheel is not forever and you will look back one day and can be very proud that you have raised a lovely human. Hang in there and you are not alone! Sending you a heartfelt hug 🧚

[@jessiemillard4704]

Beautiful woodland scenes , it’s lovely to see the snowdrops and crocuses all around! My son studied astro- physics at university too, though now he lives and works many miles away from me , it is always a joy to see him, I was a single mother too and it was hard at times but so worth it ❤️

[@thescottishfairy5396]

Well done you Jessie for bringing up your son by yourself. I am proud of you! It was hard for sure but also so worth it - I totally agree. Have a lovely weekend 🧚

[@markellwilliams3594]

Hi Scottish fairy. I have an autistic grandaughter and the looks I get when she’s screaming in the store is unreal. Grown people at that. Like do they think that everyone’s the same? Anyway I love your channel already .. have a blessed weekend kindred spirit 🙏🏽♥️

[@thescottishfairy5396]

Hello and thank you for this kind comment. We are all different and unique and should tolerate and accept differences without question. The best thing is your granddaughter has you and is loved. Sending blessings from Scotland 🧚

[@daggy1778]

dear scottish fairy.............you are so right..... my kids are grown up,my husband died 10 years ago.........but the remember of the lucky days will ever in your heart..............☘☘☘

[@thescottishfairy5396]

Thank you for sharing this. Sending you a heartfelt hug🧚🏻🤗

[@Sunshinysky432]

My situation and experiences raising a high functioning autistic son are very similar to yours. I did marry when he was five and had that support raising him. We went through some difficult times but were always his advocate and did what was best for him. He is now 35,living independently working as a professor at a University. Of course he still has struggles but has persevered beautifully. We are only a phone call away and have a close relationship. I resonate and ditto to everything you said. Thank~ you for sharing, it really helped me. So many people don’t understand the hardship Autistic individuals struggle with. Especially when they are highly intelligent and “ don’t look Autistic”. People actually say that! As if there is a look. I love your beautiful videos!❤

[@thescottishfairy5396]

Thank you for your comment and sharing with us. Well done for raising your son who seems to be a happy adult today. Yes, I had questions on my son's diagnosis as he "did not look autistic" or did not do things people think autistic people do or don't do. But everyone is different and that also applies to people on the spectrum. Have a lovely day and thanks again for supporting my channel 🧚

[@nancyalaeddin8447]

You are so brave, really such a role model.

[@thescottishfairy5396]

Thank you 🙂🧚🏻

[@yvonne5074]

Beautiful video 🌿🌳🌱🌷🪻✨️🧚‍♀️

[@thescottishfairy5396]

Thank you Yvonne and have a wonderful Sunday 🧚

[@francescabarbetta7888]

Hi, love your videos! May I ask you what age he started speaking?

[@thescottishfairy5396]

Thank you! My son did start to "speak" at the normal time but he only had few words. It was as if he was soaking up everything and then started to speak in a very eloquent way. He did the same when we relocated to Scotland (he only had basic english). For some months he barely spoke in school and then was fluent-ish. Have a lovely Sunday

[@sageflower2680]

I think that neurodivergenecy is NORMAL.