18/11/2025
Today we took Cub into London for the very first time — something he’s dreamed about for years.
And I wanted to share what a “simple day out” actually looks like when you have a child with complex needs, including autism and hypermobility. It’s the side of things most people don’t see — the planning, the emotional load, and the constant teamwork that goes into making days like this possible.
Our main reason for going was Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park, but honestly, the bigger milestone was simply doing London. The only reason we’ve never done it before is because he just wasn’t ready.
Most people see Cub in his happy, safe spaces — theme parks, attractions, places he knows and loves. But outside of that comfort zone, the world looks completely different for him. Cities, especially, are his absolute nemesis. He wants to do them… but the stress, discomfort and overwhelm he feels is heartbreaking. Days like this are huge emotional and physical tasks for him — and for us — which is why it’s taken so long to try.
What most people don’t see is the preparation behind a day like this. We can’t just “hop on a train and go”.
It takes months.
Countless YouTube videos: Winter Wonderland walkthroughs, London walking tours, tutorials on navigating the Tube — all so he can familiarise himself and reduce the unknowns. We write out a full, step-by-step plan for the day, then go over it on Google Earth the night before so he can see every street, every turn, every place we’ll be. It really is military-level planning.
Then there’s making sure we have everything he needs to stay safe and grounded: ear defenders, his wrist strap (which keeps him close and helps him feel secure), and both of us scanning constantly for triggers. One of us is always behind him when he’s flapping because he becomes completely unaware of his surroundings. It’s nonstop mental work — staying 10 steps ahead all day — and even then, sometimes we miss something and the overwhelm hits hard. Places like London really do require two adults and about six extra arms!
Yesterday was almost a full success. Cub struggled with his hypermobility and knee pain, so we had to cut some of his plans short and head home earlier than hoped as he was in a lot of pain and struggling to walk 😔
He can’t walk or stand for long without pain, so we build in lots of rest stops — which, as a fibro sufferer, I definitely appreciate too.
But in spite of all of that… he did amazingly.
He especially loved zipping around the Tube, and it helped so much that every single time, some kind soul offered him a seat. Those small acts of kindness kept him comfortable and kept the emotions in check.
All in all, it was a huge day, a brave day, and a successful one. And the best part?
He can’t wait to go back and explore more 💙
