Susie, the wife of former Olympian Greg Rutherford, has openly discussed their unique approach to family life after one of their children was diagnosed with autism. In a series of Instagram posts, Susie shared insights on their parenting style, including allowing their neurodivergent child to take occasional breaks from school to prevent distress and choosing their battles wisely.
The couple, aged 35 and 37, are proud parents to three kids: Milo, 11, Rex, 8, and Daphne, 4. Following their son’s autism diagnosis in 2023, Susie has been transparent about their family dynamics, detailing hospital visits, flexible school attendance, and how certain activities can be overwhelming for their child with sensory sensitivities.
In her Instagram captions accompanied by photos, Susie highlighted their family’s unique practices influenced by neurodiversity. She mentioned their relaxed approach to screen time as a coping mechanism, accommodating clothing preferences for comfort, and the balance between hospital visits for physical activities and recognizing emergencies. Fun outings, she noted, could be challenging for their child but emphasized their focus on nurturing individual interests and avoiding labeling them as obsessions.
Susie also shared that they frequently have one-on-one days with their children to cater to their diverse interests. Prioritizing their children’s happiness and comfort over academic achievements, she acknowledged the importance of recognizing and adapting to their children’s needs.
Acknowledging the challenges and joys of their daily life, Susie concluded her post by emphasizing the importance of understanding and accommodating their children’s unique behaviors and preferences. The post received supportive comments from followers who resonated with their experiences, expressing gratitude for the couple’s empathetic and adaptive parenting approach.