Monthly Archives: September 2025

Autism Arrgh!!!

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Hello all,

How are you?

Today I thought I’d write about a terrifying topic. One which will make you slam your laptop closed or through your tablet to the group, or your phone out the window. Yes….we’ve all heard of it…we’ve all heard stories….or perhaps you have experienced it yourself…. Or you know someone who’s experienced it…. I’m talking about Autism!!! Argh!!!

I don’t mean to alarm you… but it could well be that you have been near an Autistic person and did not know it. They may not have known it. They could well have sat next to you at work. Spoken to you to ask for directions…. Ordered a coffee in front of you at the coffee shop…. Maybe they’re in your home right now and you, or they don’t even know it!

Has anyone seen that Simpsons episode where Homer crashes into Bart’s room in the middle of the night and wakes him up saying ‘Bart I don’t mean to alarm you- but there maybe a buggy man or buggymen in the house!’.

How funny was that moment? And how ridiculous.

I am not likening Autistic people to the boogymen before you start to get even more scared.

Autistic people are everywhere. We show up in many different ways. We are not all the same and we all have different needs and support levels. We have the right to exist just like everyone else.

Some people are afraid that if their child is Autistic then how will they cope? Well that’s a fare enough question. The world is not built for us, Autistic people we are trying to fit into a world which is not designed for us, because we are not the majority. Some of us go for years without knowing we are Autistic. Then we find out and it can be quite overwhelming.

There is a lot of talk at the moment about trying to find the cause of Autism….and apparently they’ve found it…. Hmmmm….

I just want you to really consider that you shouldn’t be afraid of something just because you don’t understand it. You should try to understand Autistic peoples needs and wants and help us to fit in. Rather than trying to find the ‘reason’ we exist. Please don’t stop taking paracetamol. If you’re in pain please do something about it. Paracetamol is a way to manage pain.

My post today is just to point out Autistic people exist and yes we do have struggles. It is a spectrum. Please don’t think that Autism is all bad. It is a spectrum.

I am not one of those Autistics who thinks it is a super power… to me it really isn’t a super power at all. It’s just me.

Please don’t try and act as though Autistic people are a thing which needs to be gotten rid of. We have a right to exist. We just need to have the world be more supportive of us and our needs.

Thank you for reading.
Philippa. 

Period Underwear and Autism

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Hello all,

How are you?

It has been a while since my last blog on this topic so I thought I would revisit it.

A while ago I wrote a blog about period underwear and wanting to try them out. I was searching all over for recommendations and then as algorithms would have it I was pointed into the direction of Modibodi.

Modibidi are an Australian brand which emerged in 2013. They are also a B Corp. This is amazing because BCorps are companies which have been found to be doing good for the planet and for its residents.

Please check out more here.

I have been using Modibidi for a few years now and they have made a massive difference to my periods. My previous posts on Modibodi are here.

Even after using them for a good few years I am still very happy with my experience. I love how comfy they are, they don’t get bunched like pads can sometimes do. They are soft against your skin.

Three packets of cardboard packaging with the brand Modibodi. A pair green underwear, boys shorts style are underneath.
Modibodi

The best thing for me is the helpful change with routine. As you can wear a pair and not have to worry about going to change your pad during the day for fear of it leaking. If you’ve been there you know how horrible this is.

You can rinse them out at the end of everywhere and then put them to dry. Then you’re ready to wash them. This part at first feels a bit disgusting, but then let’s rember, it’s all natural. It’s only because it’s new it feels weird.

The level of comfort I felt on my period whilst wearing these instead of pads was wonderful. You can go about your day and not worry if you are near to a bathroom to change.

They come in different levels of absorbency so you can pick the one that is right for you.

As an Autsic I find all these things to be big wins.

Not having to adjust my day to consistently accommodate changing a pad.

Being able to be more comfortable.

Periods are hard enough just dealing with the pain. I often find my periods to be very heavy. I have found myself feeling exhausted, spending days in bed because I am so exhausted.

With period underwear it helps even a little bit to make a difference. It makes a big difference for me in the way of feeling a bit more confident when on my period.

I must stress, other brands are available. But Modibodi is the one for me.

And before you ask, no I am not being endorsed to write about Modibodi.

Thank you for reading.

Philippa B.

Cane Tip

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Hello all,

A while ago I decided to try new cane tip. It was the Path Finder 360 rolling ball tip.

I had seen it on social media and thought I’d try it. It looked interesting in that I would be able to move my cane in any direction I wanted. Rather than the normal side to side sweeping motion a lot of visually Impaired Cane Users use.

I was used to using the high mileage tip from Ambutech and I loved it. But a change was needed as it looked so good.

I got the tip and after a few days of using it I had to say it was not for me. I’m sorry, I know a lot of other people have used it and said it was great but it was not for me.

I realise one of the reasons was that if I am stepping off a train I put my cane down and then tap the floor to make sure it’s all good, then I step down. The problem the 360 cane was giving me was that I found it would just move in any direction when I touch it down. Making me feel uneasy, especially if I was by myself.

This same feeling applies to steps. When walking down stairs I want to just move my cane left to right. But with the 360 cane it would roll forwards. With my other cane tip I would need to angle it so that it would move forwards.

The other issue was that it was a hollow tip. I was unsure how long it would last as I’d only used it for a few days. So I can’t really pass comment on this one.

If anyone has tried this 360 tip please let me know.

If you wish to see the cane I’m referring to it is through RNIB.

Thank you for reading,

Philippa B.