Today's my birthday and Father's Day.

A difficult day for Sam. Too much excitement, not something he copes well with, and although we had prepared him and told him what was going to happen today, it was almost too much. We nearly didn't get out of the house - we had planned to go to Stratford and the Butterfly Farm - because he wanted to go and buy something he'd seen whilst out shopping yesterday. He was so upset he began to throw my presents and told us we could go but he was staying in the house. In the end we promised he could earn the money throughout the week doing chores. Its so hard for him when he obsesses about things; he can't help himself, and I can't imagine what it must be like needing something so badly, like an addict needing their next fix.

We had a lovely day, the kid's enjoyed the Butterfly Farm. Sam took dozens of photographs of the butterflies, which he is loves. Its the detail which he notices when others don't. He was thrilled when one landed on his head, and he loved feeding the Carp that were swimming in the pond. Of course, we had to navigate the obligatory shop, but we'd laid the ground rules beforehand and we coped. He bought a pen with a sand timer in, which he immediately wanted to dismantle. I managed to dissuade him with promises that he could take the timer out next week. His bedroom is littered with dismantled toys. Is it a phase or the AS? Whatever, its expensive!

We ate dinner by the river bank despite the drizzle. We couldn't face the restaurant we'd chosen. L's ipod had died and we knew he wouldn't be in the mood to be distracted otherwise, so we bought fish and chips and sat watching the ducks.

Finally, we took them to the play area near the river bank, which they loved. Lots of sand and water play. Perfect tactile stimulation, very calming. For one moment things felt normal. Even when someone stepped on his foot and knocked his plastic water bottle out of his hand he didn't overreact. That was the best part of the day. That, and the cake the kids and L made me. A good day. Not easy, but good.