Gemma-Jean

Chocolate, Chaos & Coping mechanisms

I hope you all had a wonderful Easter Break. I hope you were able to celebrate it in your own way & enjoy time with loved ones. 

But, let’s have a little moment here.

Holidays like Easter can stir up a whole bag of mixed feelings—especially when you’re raising neurodivergent kids.

You wanted to do the surprise egg hunt, the themed breakfast, the matching pyjamas, the Pinterest-perfect Easter basket & all the special set ups to create that magical moment for your children…

But instead, you were met with:

• Meltdowns over textures, smells, or unexpected changes
• Anxiety over visitors or loud family gatherings
• A complete lack of interest in “fun” traditions that just don’t feel fun for them
• Or the need to explain (again) to others why your child isn’t participating “like the other kids”

And then comes the guilt. The why can’t I just give them a magical holiday?

The social media expectations and quiet ache of watching them struggle while the world posts highlight reels.

The grief for the Easter mornings you imagined.

But here’s the truth:

You are not failing.

You’re parenting a child whose needs don’t disappear because it’s a holiday.

You are showing up with creativity, flexibility, and radical love in ways that the world doesn’t always see.

Sometimes magic looks like keeping the morning calm.

Like skipping the crowds.

Like giving them the same treat they’ve had every year because it feels safe and familiar.

It’s not less-than. It’s just different.

And different can still be beautiful—even if it doesn’t come in pastel wrapping.

You’re doing an amazing job.

And your child doesn’t need surprises or traditions to know they’re loved.

They need you, showing up in the ways they can actually receive.

Autism Awareness month

Since April is Autism Awareness Month, we’re not just chucking on a blue shirt and calling it a day—we’re flipping the script like a sausage on the barbie.

Autistic people aren’t rare unicorns hiding in the bush—they’re already in our classrooms, at the park, and maybe raiding the snack cupboard for the exact right brand of chicken chips (because yes, they can taste the difference). And guess what? They’re absolute legends.

Some people flap when they’re excited. Some spin like a Bunnings ceiling fan. Some speak with words, some with devices, and some with a perfectly-timed quote from Bluey, SpongeBob, maybe Mean Girls. However they do it—it’s all communication.

Being a good mate this month (and every month) means celebrating differences, not trying to “fix” them. It’s giving your friend time when things feel too loud. It’s not yucking someone else’s yum (even if they only eat beige food and your mum says they need a veggie). And it’s asking how someone wants to play—not just assuming they want to play tiggy or footy.

Autism isn’t a puzzle to solve. It’s a different way of thinking, feeling, and experiencing this wild ride we call life. And honestly? The world’s way more interesting because of it.

So this April, let’s turn up the kindness, ditch the stereotypes, and remember: inclusion isn’t just a fancy word—it’s an action. And maybe also a really cool dance move.

All April, I’ll be sharing all things inclusive, life experiences & more. All in the lead up to stepping up in May. If you follow along awesome! Join in even! I’d be super grateful if you were able to donate as well 🧡

I'm walking 7k steps a day this May to support Autistic Australians

I’ve stepped up to Walk for Autism. Please show your support as I walk my own brilliant way for Autistic Australians and their families!

Did you know? Because the world is not autism-friendly, 70% of Autistic people in Australia experience mental health issues.

That's why I'm walking 7k steps a day in May to fundraise for Aspect (Autism Spectrum Australia). Can you please support me?

Your donation will help deliver services that support Autistic people to live their best life.

Funds raised can help Autistic people and their families access earlier diagnosis, provide autism-specific schooling for children on the autism spectrum, support research and help create inclusive, autism-friendly environments.

Please support my Walk for Autism and donate now. Thank you so much!