“This isn’t a guide. It’s a record, of love, resilience, and the quiet realities of raising a neurodivergent child through the long summer days.”
Hi, I’m Sarah (41) a primary school teacher of 17 years, mother of two, and summer-time full-time carer for my four-year-old son River.
River is autistic and speech delayed, though he uses words and phrases to communicate his needs and wants in his own unique and wonderful way.
When nursery ends, routine disappears, and the support thins. That’s when I step into the role of everything: the structure, the comfort, the regulator, the team.
This blog, 50 Days of River, is a space to share that reality. To write it out. To connect. To be honest.
Why I’m Writing
I’m writing to share, connect, and raise awareness — not just about autism, but about the invisible labour of care.
About the loneliness of walking the edge of the playground while other parents sit and talk. The avoidance of leaving the house as you can’t face the public meltdowns, stares and well-meaning advice.
About celebrating tiny victories that no one else sees.
About support that is out there but can be hidden.
Our Family
- My son: River (4) — smiley, joyous, intense, deeply loved. He’s drawn to rhythm, motion, and repetition. His special interest is Halloween (13 months and counting). He also has strong opinions about the things he does not wish to do…
- My daughter: Summer (8) — a social butterfly who won’t appear much here, as she’s off thriving at clubs, playdates and basically living her best life all summer long.
- My husband: Kike (41) is endlessly supportive and runs his own business, which means he’s working through most of the summer but holding us up behind the scenes.
A Note on Gratitude
I know I’m lucky to have children. I don’t take that for granted.
And I also know I’m not a full-time carer all year round. I’m a teacher during term time, working in classrooms and surrounded by other people’s children while mine are in nursery and school.
I’m also not a stay-at-home mum. I’m somewhere in between, parenting through the school day, caring intensively through the evenings, weekends and holidays; constantly shifting roles.
So, when I write about the hard bits: the overwhelm, the long days, the isolation. It’s not because I’ve forgotten how lucky I am. It’s because two things can be true at once:
You can be grateful and still be exhausted.
You can love your children deeply and still long for a break.
You can know your privilege — and still find it hard.
What to Expect Here
- Daily posts for all 50 days of the UK summer holidays
- Honest reflections from a carer’s perspective
- A blend of humour, raw truth, and emotional insight
- No polished parenting, no filters — just real life as it is
- Possible rants about lack of support in education and the wider community
If you’re here, welcome.
Whether you’re raising an autistic child, caring for someone you love, or simply looking to understand more deeply, I hope you find something here that resonates.
Our stories matter.
And none of us are as alone as we sometimes feel.
I hope it helps someone,
River’s mum
50 days of River 