Why did you start working for Little Miracles?

I have a 7-year-old son with Autism and development delay; he is non-verbal and attends a special needs school. In the past, I have been reluctant to take him to busy places on my own in fear of comments from other people - I had someone at a soft play centre tell me my son 'is not a baby so to get him out of the baby area'. I also heard a parent tell their child that my son was lazy because he was in his SEN stroller. I consider myself thick skinned, but when it's your child they're talking about it pulls on the heart strings.  
My son's Education Health Care Plan states that he is ‘at risk of social isolation’, and with me getting increasingly anxious about taking him places on my own, this risk increased. I attended some local sessions of a community group to mix with like-minded families; this later became the Nottinghamshire branch of Little Miracles. I was asked if I wanted to volunteer as I have 14 years experience of being a teaching assistant. I also have a background in admin work, so was able to help behind the scenes as well.
I ended up having to give up work as my son's needs became more challenging; the volunteering work helped me to feel like I was still able to put my skills to use but gave me the flexibility to care for my son when needed.
It is thanks to volunteering for Little Miracles Charity that has helped all of my family come some way to reducing our risk of isolation.