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Advent calendars are a much bigger phenomenon than they used to be. They can be a fantastic tool to help your child count down to Christmas - it is probably one of the only occasions when parents of autistic children can purchase a standard product as a visual cue! That said, they can still be a trigger for overwhelm. At 19, my son still gets as excited by the prospect of an advent calendar as he does by a Christmas present. Whilst it can be tempting to get an exciting advent

According to the song, “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year,” but for me, Christmas has always been a mix of excitement and challenge. From October onwards, I love preparing for the season—choosing and making meaningful gifts, poring over festive recipes, and planning a show-stopping dessert for the big day. But when it comes to the actual days of Christmas, I’ve always found them difficult.  For me, Christmas feels unpredictable, overwhelming, and full of "enforced fun.

As Christmas approaches, we will be re sharing some posts from the last few years on how to prepare and support your child through the holiday festive season. We are kicking things off with this one! It's getting to the time of year where there are festive decorations and lights covering the streets. I have to admit I crave the visual stimulation of certain Christmas lights and last year enjoyed three outings to various nearby Christmas light trails. I can still visualise som

Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) was once considered the "gold standard" “treatment” for autism, but many autistic adults and advocates argue it causes significant psychological harm. This is especially true given how autism cannot and does not need to be treated at all. ABA's main goal is to make autistic children appear "normal" by stopping natural autistic behaviours like stimming, and teaching them to behave like neurotypicals. This teaches autistic children that their na

When most people think of ADHD, they picture high energy, impulsivity, or visible restlessness in the classroom. But for many students, especially those with inattentive or combined-type ADHD, the struggle looks very different. These students may appear quiet, hardworking, or even “model” pupils. They often go unnoticed because they spend so much energy trying to meet expectations, follow the rules, and avoid making mistakes. But behind the scenes, they’re masking enormous in

When your child is deep in hyperfocus, whether it's playing a favourite game, researching a subject of interest or watching a TV programme, encouraging them to change focus can feel impossible. Hyperfocus isn't just "being really into something." For ADHD brains, it's an intense state where their attention locks on, and shifting gears requires genuine neurological effort. Abruptly interrupting can trigger meltdowns, tears, or anger. This is not because they're being defiant,

If your child with ADHD seems more anxious, fidgety, or emotional when they're bored rather than busy, you're not imagining it. Under stimulation can trigger real anxiety in children (and adults) with ADHD. Think of the ADHD brain like a car engine that needs to run at a certain speed to work smoothly. When there's not enough happening—during repetitive homework, waiting in line, or sitting through easy lessons—the engine starts sputtering. This creates an uncomfortable, rest

Have you ever noticed your child cover their ears during loud noises, refuse to wear certain clothes, or become distressed in busy places...

Mealtimes can be one of the most challenging parts of the day for many families with autistic children. What’s often misunderstood is...

When a child struggles in the classroom, their reactions can sometimes be misunderstood. A child covering their ears, refusing to join...

Sometimes, what looks like inattention or even “bad behaviour” in class is something else entirely. Many autistic and ADHD children...

You’re not imagining it, and they’re not being dramatic. For many autistic and ADHD kids, the anxiety starts weeks before the first bell...

As September approaches, it’s tempting to focus on the practical side of getting ready for school, with new pens, fresh notebooks, and...

Recently, I have been looking back over some reports written about my son. I came across one that angered me as much today as it did 16...

Learn why autistic/ADHD pupils struggle in secondary school.

Why Is My Autistic or ADHD Teen So Sensitive Sometimes? Many parents notice that their autistic and/or ADHD teen seems extra sensitive to...

You’ve finally booked that summer holiday. The one with the clear swimming pool and the promise of some much-needed family rest. But...

Summer holidays often mean trips to visit family. While these visits can be filled with fun and connection, they also come with...

Many parents of autistic children notice something that can feel quite puzzling. Their child seems to get along well with certain...

Study leave can be a nice break from noisy classrooms and busy social situations. But learning at home brings new challenges. Some...

The half term break often comes as a much-needed breather for many families, especially those supporting an autistic child navigating the...