Hello. I have a severely autistic, non-verbal son and was his sole, full-time carer from 2-13 years old, when he went to residential school. I have a current DBS certificate and have been babysitting regularly, (and minding during the day, if available) two brothers, aged 5 and 6, since they were babies. I also babysit an autistic girl, aged 12, (since she was nine) and a severely autistic boy, 19. Both of them have challenging behaviour. I volunteered at a local nursery for two years, working with children aged from 3-5 years. Having a child with severe autism has made me an extremely patient person. I am able to remain calm and cheerufl under pressure! Before I had my son, I was a journalist for 15 years working on newspapers and magazine.
Myra Ford has shown herself to be competant and reliable and an invalueable asset to me in looking after my two gransons. now aged 5 and 6 and a half years. I have relied on her to babysit during the afternoon when I have been unable to look after the boys. She encouraged them in their interests, such as Lego and board games, painting and sticking, along with outside activities, especially playing on the trampoline and make believe, acting out stories. Myra is a very kind person, who listens to the boys and makes them feel secure. She is very reliable and trustworthy and has a great imaginationn. I would feel very happy in leaving the boys in her care.Susan H
I have seen Myra with my own children - aged 4 and three - encouraging and helping them with arts and crafts, playing make-believe games, and making up stories for them - often involving their puppets and toys. They have both made lovely collages that are proudly displayed in the kitchen! Myra really stretches their imagination and they never miss watching TV when she is with them. Myra is responsible, kind, calm and caring, yet firm when needed. Her acting background means she is very creative with my children and is not afraid to be silly and over-the-top when playing with them. Myra is reliable and dependable and is happy to stay on if I get held up. I know that my children are in safe hands when I leave them. She is also a good cook and makes healthy, nutritious meals and sugar-free snacks that my children love to eat.Holly A