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I absolutely love the celebration of special interests and also think my autistic kid is friggin’ awesome!

Last year he suffered through autistic burnout, it was a scary and upsetting time. As he was emerging from the burnout he started talking again and sharing his thoughts, ideas and passions. This was something that was lost during his period of anxiety and depression. In fact that was how I knew he was getting better, as he followed me around the house talking non stop for approximately 3 hours. My heart lifted…he was back! He’s currently interested in different dimensions and nothing makes me happier than hearing him talk endlessly about the 4th dimension ❤️‍🩹

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Oh this makes me so happy. I teared up reading it. I feel like I can tell how my son is doing by how he talks about his special interests too - it's a beautiful way to communicate ♥️ I'm so glad your boy is coming back to himself ♥️

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This group is the tonic I personally needed after the cruel cuts to disability. In the absence of support from those running the country, we can find hope, solidarity and the best sorts of support from each other. Love you Em and Ham for this!!! xxx

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also hands down the best thing to happen in Autism bloody April :)

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I reckon eh? I don't think I realised how low I felt about the cuts until I just sobbed reading all the comments in the group. It has made a big difference for me ♥️

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I love the group!! It’s such a positive and lovely place! The national bank special interest was my fav. I love the real specific ones.

I also love when I know a quiz answer because of something my son taught me due to his special interests. These kids are awesome!!

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Yes! One day there will be a geography pub quiz and I'll win 😂

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Form a whanau quiz team as soon as he's old enough? I quiz every Tue and used an app to learn flags. Another team member reads his atlas for fun (he's definitely on the spectrum) and is excellent at capitals, population sizes, area and the like...

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Just sorting and bundling a much loved collection of aeroplane magazines to go to new fan. My son is saying goodbye to them and wants to know the boy's name - a kindred spirit across time and space.

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Oh that's so wonderful! 🥹

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That is an amazing, happy story. You are such a positive force in the world. So many good things that have come from one action and a positive outlook. Really well done.

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Thank you Bonnie ♥️

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I was so excited to join the group - purely for the possibility of being able to contribute to someone's special interest (first bundle posted today!!) reading posts from parents proudly sharing the special interests of their beloved kid(s) (or spouses or selves as it turns out) and joyfully celebrating them is just an added bonus. My new favourite place to scroll. Thanks Emily for creating and sharing so wholeheartedly, as you always do. Enough gushing from me though - gotta go make a little 🦊 for someone 😍

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Yes I feel the same and joined the group with the thought of maybe having something to contribute to the kids(or adults). I’m getting a lot of pleasure from reading of the diverse interests of everyone . 🦋

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Would any of your kids like a collection of coins? I have a Golden Syrup tin nearly full, of one and two cent NZ coins - about 1.5kg including the tin. Probably every year they were ever minted, but they would check that out, I'm sure, if coins were their thing, and figure out if missing years indicate a collection failure on my part, or if none were minted that year. :) Also, an Earl Grey tin with all the old NZ coins I have collected over the years. This is also close to 1.5kg, tin included. Sixpences, threepences, florins, and old sizes of 50c, 10c, etc. Plus a plastic coin bag with about 500g of miscellaneous small change from travels in Asia, Europe and Nth America. Let me know johnforman@xtra.co.nz

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Do you want me to ask in the group John? I'm sure there would definitely be a kid who has coins as their special interest! What area are you in because that would need to be a pick up by the sounds of it! ♥️♥️

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Yes please Emily. I'm in Petone. Cheers, john

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Whoops, that should be john.forman@xtra.co.nz

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This reminds me, I was going to mention on FNC, I have a Christmas Special BSC book, it's set out in the style of letters. Some are in envelopes, some are like Christmas cards. If this is something you don't already have, and would like, let me know!

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Oh my gosh Toni he would go absolutely bananas for it! I can pay post!

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It's ok, I can post. I'll send you an email

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So so heartwarming ❤️

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I love this, so beautiful 🥰

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It’s been so wonderful seeing all the special interests and the generosity ❤️

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😭🥲🥰❤️❤️❤️

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founding

I love this so much 🧡🧡

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This is awesome.

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What wonderful gifts your child has,Emily! Both his passion for facts and the family he has. Arohanui

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author

🥹🥹 he's wonderful!

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founding

Amazing 😍

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