Some books teach you something new. Others make you question what you thought you already understood. For me, Untypical managed to do both. I’ve recently finished reading Untypical: How the World Isn’t Built for Autistic People and What We Should All Do About It by Pete Wharmby, and I can genuinely say it was one
Working hours, flexible working, neurodivergence and the difference between having time and having capacity. I’ve been thinking recently about what actually counts as a working day, which sounds like a fairly straightforward question, doesn’t it? You start work, you do your work, you finish work. That’s your working day. Except, increasingly, I’ve realised that my
What Actually Counts as a Working Day Anyway?! Read More »
This last week, during a conversation about emotional processing, I had one of those moments where several things I already understood suddenly connected in a way I hadn’t consciously considered before. We were talking about interoception: the sensory information we receive from inside our bodies. Hunger, thirst, temperature, pain, heart rate and all of those
It’s not every day you get to meet the author of the book you’re reading — let alone have them sign your copy over a delicious breakfast! Although, in this case, Rachel Winder isn’t just an author I’ve met – she’s also a friend. Although there’s something slightly nerve-wracking about reading a book written
We recently spent a weekend in North Yorkshire as a family. We had a lovely time! We explored York and Whitby, went to the beach, ate out, discovered places we hadn’t planned to visit and came home with some brilliant memories. Being the reflective soul I am, amongst all of that, I noticed something. A
I’m going to admit something about the realities of delivering autism training as an autistic trainer. Every time I stand in front of a room or online meeting and talk about autistic meltdowns, a small part of me feels uncomfortable. Not because I don’t understand them professionally, but because I’m talking about myself. It’s one
The Discomfort of Being Vulnerable – and Why I do it Anyway Read More »
A client asked me a question recently that, on reflection, is something I hear surprisingly often: “How do I prepare for something when I don’t even know what’s going to happen?” At first, I smiled because it felt like such an honest question, but it quickly made me realise how many different versions of it
When Something Unexpected Happens: From “What If?” to “What Next?” Read More »
When people talk about creating a sense of belonging or building community, the conversation almost always focuses on traditional socialising. We assume that connection is a verbal endeavour—built on making small talk, mingling in busy rooms, and sustaining continuous conversations. For many autistic people, ADHDers, or anyone navigating a high cognitive load, that traditional
Beyond Small Talk: How Choir Maps to the PERMA Model of Community Wellbeing Read More »
Sitting on a swing during a retreat this weekend, I found myself reflecting on the concept of connection, and specifically, how music and songs can foster a deep connection to a person, a place, or a memory. I also thought about how music can highlight disconnection or help us bridge a gap when words fail
When Music Gives Us Words We Don’t Have Read More »
This week, my children and I have been navigating a transition. For them, it was returning to school after half term and for me, it was returning to work after a week of annual leave. These are of course different situations, but a surprisingly similar challenge! As autistic and ADHD people, we often talk about
Transitions Are Work Too: Why Going Back Can Feel So Hard Read More »
I teach regulation strategies as part of my role — and I still forget to use them. Today I was delivering a training session around regulation, mindset, and rejection sensitive dysphoria (RSD). As part of the session, we talked about strategies that can help in the moment when emotions feel overwhelming. One of the participants
How do you remember to use coping strategies when you need them?! Read More »
Ironically, I am posting this on 1st May, however this is a blog about April. April always feels like a reflective month for me. It’s my birthday month, it’s Autism Acceptance Month – and this year, it also marks three years of Wellbeing Whizz. When I first started, I don’t think I fully realised where
