Gateway Evidence Week 4

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​For a long time, I tried to fit into spaces that weren't built for me. My Personal Challenge for the Bronze Award is in part a commitment to stop masking and start seeking.

​By attending Dad & Me, I am seeking the community help I need to be a regulated parent (it is the February break in Midlothian and Solomon was a bit poorly so we did skip a week). By searching for an ASN-friendly church, I am seeking the spiritual help I need to practice my faith without burnout. This week we went local. These aren't separate tasks; they are two sides of the same journey toward Autism Acceptance.

​1. Volunteering: Walk for Autism
​Activity: Planning routes and tracking fundraising.
​Evidence: 

​2. Fitness: Nature Walk
​Activity: Daily walks for sensory regulation.
​Evidence: Snow, Cake-Topped Trees, and a Little Help from My Friends 

​3. Hobby: The Digital Parish
​Activity: Daily prayer using the Northumbria Office and blog reflections.
​Update: Shifting focus to local parish options (Gorebridge/Midlothian) over city-center locations to prioritize sustainability. Joined the Anglican Pacifist Fellowship.
​Evidence Blog: Finding "Home": Why We’re Choosing Local Over "Perfect"

​4. Personal Challenges
​Social: Dad & Me at Sure Start, taking a short break. 
​Spiritual: Connecting with Autism Consecrated and exploring "local over perfect" for a spiritual home.
Evidence: 

​5. Lifestyle: Sensory & Advocacy
​Regulation: Using Finch app, Squiggle Society supplies, and sensory snacks.
​Advocacy Win: Successfully secured a Blue Badge for my daughter; now exploring Motability options.


​Appendix: Professional Context
​Workplace: Vogrie Early Years.
​Activity: Completing Food Hygiene and LearnPro modules (Exam: March 5th).
​Note: Recording hours for SSSC PRTL; managing workload using sensory tools.
A Highland Theological College graduate and non-conformist follower of Jesus living at the crossroads of neurodiversity and faith. Writing through the lens of the proverbial Forest Parish on the wild grace of the Gospel.

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