...Sorry in advance for the following rant and Im sure other people have a much harder time of it than me but.....
Took DD (nearly 5) and DS (1) to a friends DDs 4th birthday party, glad to be invited really, it was at a playcentre. DD is great at the playcentre we normally use but we hadnt been back to this one for some time as its too big, too full and plays very loud music to alert parties to go to the party area. DD has sensitive hearing. She started to whinge and slow as soon as she realised where were heading, was very reluctant to enter. Once inside however she played quite happily, alone, and covered her ears when music came on....even jumped around a little at our turn to go upstairs. DS was tired, having missed his morning nap, so grumpy and crying. DD got anxious at the food table, does not like people to sing happy birthday, all the food served was too hot, DD would eat it burning hot if I let her, even when in pain would continue to stuff her face. We made a dash for it asap. By then both DCs very tired so went to get party bag, DD of course not happy with pink princess so we had to swap for a boys box, spacemen and a blue balloon.......
We have several issues with balloons;
Loves 'UP'....but thinks we will float away.
Last time we got a balloon DDs cousin was in tears as hers floated away, DD laughed but then got extreme paranoia that hers would do the same, even though it was tied to her....anxious and very very slow walk home.
...followed by nightmares.
Loves blue things.
Hates the squeaky noises if you touch the balloon and the possibility of it popping.
So I was not sure how she would handle it but she accepted a balloon tied to her bag.
During the madness of the playcentre on a saturday DH rang to say we need £300 for a new exhaust! :( We do not have £300. DH needs the car as he works nights.
Got outside, raining, DS who had finally decided to sleep woke immediatley. DD walked nervously clutching the blue balloon. No footpath leading to tramstop, took half an hour to walk a 5 min journey, terrified of traffic, balloon, wind and rain.
Got on tram, decided to go to city centre to get 1 bus home instead of local connection that means 2 buses. Was ok but busy and DD was very tired and zoned out to her Mickey Mouse world, babbling in a squeaky voice. An elderly, disabled lady was helped on to the tram....she sat on the ribbon tied to the balloon....DD started to scream, panic, complete meltdown, tried to retrive ribbon, lady could not get up nor communicate, I appealled to her helper before meltdown got worse....to find she was simply a stranger getting on at the same stop and also had an autistic son with her so understood my stress but was unable to help...lady could not get up and didnt understand what was wrong.....tbh she should have had a carer helping her, she could barely shuffle and her clothes were covered in food/vomit. Nice lady tore the part bag at the other side of ladys bottom. Got the balloon.....DD began to freak out at torn bag, balloon not being attached to anything....may float away. Quickly reattatched and attempted to fix bag. DD calmed down. Began to immitate tram noises and zoned out. Everyone looking at us. Nice lady came to see if DD was ok as she got off tram.....if your on MN thanks for saving me!
Got on a bus in town, rang family/garage/friends/DH to resolve car/money problems. DD now begging to go home....still clutching balloon. Got off bus at our end, lady pressed traffic light button before DD....twice...DD not a happy bunny. Still raining. Had to go long way to get bread/milk. DD wants a magazine, DH has bank card. DD informs me she must poo right now....very slow walk home with crossed legs.
Took two hours all in all to get home from the party. Just had my...lunch???...and a cuppa. DD and DS watching Aladin.
.......I know it doesnt look so bad. I promise to suck it up and stop moaning now!
On a more positive note...a friend told me of a MS school I may be able to get DD into that has a ASD base....once Ive got her SA and final DX. We may need to move or sort transport though.
I will now focus on the good stuff and shut my cake hole! 