As I’ve mentioned before, the main reason I knit is not to have lots of rabbits sitting around the place, nor even to make a bit of dosh (although that is a welcome side-effect). The main reason I knit is therapeutic.Living with small children is challenging enough (as many of you know) but throw a hefty dollop of severe autism into the mix and the world turns over leaving you hanging on by your fingernails. I’m not sure that it is anything that you ever fully come to terms with as it’s ever-present and ever-changing. Just when you think you’re doing ok with it, it shifts like smoke on the wind and you have to adapt all over again. But knitting has really helped me avoid the depression pit! It gives me something of mine that can be fitted into my small spare moments (unlike a yoga class) and creating anything is an energising and fulfilling process – even when the recipients aren’t as appreciative as you’d hoped for…
Anyway, a few months ago I wrote a little bit about how knitting has helped me to deal with Toby’s autism and submitted it to the UK hand knitting page on knitting as therapy. Through this a wonderful lady named Betsan Corkhill contacted me. She’s on a mission to collate evidence about the therapeutic benefits of knitting and stitching with the aim of having it recognised as a valid form of therapy
"Just imagine Doctors prescribing a dose of stitching twice a day! "Impossible"
we can hear you say, but I think, through our research, knitting and
stitching could form the basis of significant therapies in the not too
distant future."
She already has many interesting personal accounts of how knitting has
helped to overcome illness, depression and many other similar challenges. Her website is called Stitchlinks and she’s asked me to ask you to get in touch if you, or anyone you know can contribute, so please drop by and add your story.
PS: as you can see Toby has thoroughly tested the chewiness of little cotton rabbits products – they passed with flying colours!
little cotton rabbits 
Julie, you write so beautifully about autism and I think your words must have helped many people. Knitting as therapy is a brilliant idea, it is just the right combination of mindless activity/creative joy. As you may know I have been inspired to have a go and I’ve just mastered the flicking the wool over the finger thing . . .still a long way to go! Hee, hee.
Toby is a gorgeous wee chap!
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Oh how I aspire to get to the stage where I find knitting a therapy! I am currently struggling with a two tone jumper that somebody else got bored of. It is not the knitting that is a particular problem, more the comprehension of the pattern. It is drving me nuts! Still, I do love having something to show for all the work at the end and it is so much more satisfying than buying something in the shops. Just as soon as I get the hang of it, I’ll be relaxing like the rest of you.
P.S. Really hope life is not too much of a grind. I know about the toughness of children but not autism so my heart is with you.
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Dear Julie
What a lovely post today and I’ve just read your beautifully written piece about kntting as therapy and read it out to Kevin. I’m full of admiration for you and the way you are coping with Toby’s autism. I agree that knitting is therapeutic and the repetitive nature of some stitches and patterns just lets your mind wander and go into deep thought and in contrast the lace and Aran patterns (that I for one need to concentrate on) give a sense of achievement and fulfillment. I love to knit and listen to a good drama on Radio 4 and also knit and watch telly and just knit. I have knitted in a group but find it difficult to knit and talk. I think I prefer to knit alone or with family. I learnt to knit as a child and have knitted ever since. I was a big fan of Patricia Roberts in the late 70s and got my late Mum to knit me the cherry and grapes mohair cardi which I adored and still have the pattern book. I think the choice of patterns and yarns we have today is fantastic and am so pleased that knitting has definitely made a comeback.
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As you know I’m not a knitter, but I did attempt a scarf last year abd found it very relaxing. I would like to learn how to do more but haven’t found the time yet. But, I think I will grow into a knitting Grandma!
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Julie, I found your blog through Loopy Ewe. It’s certainly apropos that the first time I check your blog you’re discussing knitting to help you cope with your son’s autism. My knitting (and spinning and weaving) has certainly helped me while dealing with my youngest son’s bipolar disorder.
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You are so right. I find embroidery very theraputic as my mind switches off giving it time to heal and refresh. there is an organisation call Fine Cell Work who work with people in prison for the benefit stitching brings.
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How fabulous!!! It is just what the world needs! It is extremely theraputic in many ways and is also as addictive as some medications =)
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How fabulous!!! It is just what the world needs! It is extremely theraputic in many ways and is also as addictive as some medications =)
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How fabulous!!! It is just what the world needs! It is extremely theraputic in many ways and is also as addictive as some medications =)
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How fabulous!!! It is just what the world needs! It is extremely theraputic in many ways and is also as addictive as some medications =)
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How fabulous!!! It is just what the world needs! It is extremely theraputic in many ways and is also as addictive as some medications =)
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How fabulous!!! It is just what the world needs! It is extremely theraputic in many ways and is also as addictive as some medications =)
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How fabulous!!! It is just what the world needs! It is extremely theraputic in many ways and is also as addictive as some medications =)
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How fabulous!!! It is just what the world needs! It is extremely theraputic in many ways and is also as addictive as some medications =)
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How fabulous!!! It is just what the world needs! It is extremely theraputic in many ways and is also as addictive as some medications =)
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Your work is unbelievably adorable,. It’s so neat that it works as therapy for you, and then also for the lucky recipient of your gorgeous work. Everybody wins!
Now wouldn’t the world be a happier place is we could just teach everyone to knit? I say so!
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I’m sure I just sat in the corner rocking back and forward when Bailey was diagnosed, oh no that was Nicholas’s terrible two’s …. hmmmm I think I should have tried knitting! It would have been far more productive than stressing out all the time.
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Julie, I think that the piece you wrote about knitting as therapy is wonderful and I agree with you that it is a great form of relaxation. I am happy to complete the StitchLink survey and can highly recommend both knitting and cross-stitch to anyone who needs to relieve their stress.
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