*Sorry for the long and disjointed post*

As many of you are aware my eldest daughter, who is now five, has autism. She is a bright ray of sunshine to our family who is capable and willing of many things.

However, there are inevitably things at which she struggles and for these Ben and I seek outside services. One such service as part of the Riding for the Disabled Association offers horse vaulting lessons with the aim of improving Teah's balance, coordination and concentration skills. She really loves this gymnastics on horseback and as a result was invited to take part in a competition.

The competition was pitched as an event whereby disabled and abled vaulters would compete in a fun, friendly and non threatening environment. Teah adjusted well to the environment and came first in her class winning a big red rosette

But here is the rub, Teah is five, bright and learning to read, we view her autism as a fact which is neither positive or negative and will speak of her autism matter of factly in her presence in the same way we would speak of Emmy's eczema. We plan to answer all of Teah's questions as honestly as possible and at a level we hope she can understand.

BUT our plans have been turned upside down by this big red rosette with the word DISABILITY emblazoned across the front. I now feel that I will no longer be answering her curiosity but rather be forced to prematurely because someone thought it was appropriate to introduce this word to her at five.

I am honestly upset and livid, yes Teah does have a disability but it is not the whole of her.

To be honest I not even sure why I am posting this, please just treat this as a 'dear diary' there is really no need to comment.

Love Jules

(Photos of Teah training)