When I received my autism diagnosis, I learned about masking for the first time — and realised I had been doing it my entire life without even knowing. Many autistic adults engage in masking — suppressing their autistic traits to fit into social situations. While this may help in the short term, it often […]
The Hidden Cost of Masking: Why Autistic Adults Feel the Need to Hide Their True Selves Read More »
Life’s big projects and tasks often get the spotlight when we talk about motivation, but what about the little things? For many of us—especially when we’re tired, low, or teetering on the edge of burnout—it’s the small, everyday tasks that can feel the most overwhelming. I think it’s important as well for me to share
Help! I Need my Motivation Back! What to do when you’re not doing your “to-do”s. Read More »
Over the past decade, there has been an extraordinary rise in the demand for autism and ADHD diagnoses and services across the UK. The Nuffield Trust recently reported that the NHS is struggling to meet this growing need, leading to significant delays in assessment and treatment (Nuffield Trust, 2024). While this surge may seem
The Rising Demand for Autism and ADHD Services: Is the System Keeping Up? Read More »
Exciting News on Mental Health Reforms for Autistic People and Those with Learning Disabilities! Today, the UK government has announced significant reforms to the Mental Health Act aimed at improving care for autistic people and those with learning disabilities. This change is a really positive step toward ensuring that individuals in these communities receive the
Exciting News on Mental Health Reforms for Autistic People! Read More »
As we enter what I call “firework season” here in the UK, sensory processing issues are at the forefront of my mind, particularly as they impact autistic people. Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) is common among autistic individuals, and it goes beyond simply disliking loud noises; it’s about how our bodies and minds process sensory information
Why I Don’t Like Fireworks Read More »
I shared recently on social media that I was attending—and have since passed—a course run by NHS England and the National Autistic Society to become an Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training lead trainer. Quite a mouthful, right?? Some people might be familiar with this training, but for others, it might be something completely new. I hadn’t
Becoming an Oliver McGowan Lead Trainer: My Journey Read More »
Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria (RSD) is a term that describes an extreme emotional reaction to perceived rejection, criticism, or failure. It’s a topic I’ve been working on with some clients recently, particularly those with ADHD, as RSD can be a significant barrier to their emotional and social well-being. While not an official diagnosis, RSD is recognised
Understanding Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria (RSD): What It Is and How to Manage It Read More »
This might seem like rather an odd pairing of topics, but bare with me! This last week I delivered two training sessions for the parents and carers of children who are supported by Neurohubs; a wonderful service that works with families of autistic children. One session was about parent/carer wellbeing and the other
Supporting Parent and Carer Wellbeing and Understanding Executive Function Difficulties Read More »
In my work as a coach, I’ve had the privilege of collaborating with a variety of clients, each with their own unique challenges and strengths. This past week, accountability has been a central theme, particularly with two of my clients who have ADHD. Their experiences have highlighted the importance of personalised approaches in coaching, especially
The Importance of Personalised Accountability in Coaching Clients with ADHD Read More »
I remember the first time I went to a spa. I had no idea what a spa really was; I thought you just relaxed in a dressing gown and maybe had a massage if you had the budget, enjoying some peace and tranquillity that doesn’t come easily with working, parenting, and life in general.
Neurospicy Communication: Literally Read More »
I had the pleasure of working with a YouTuber this weekend (who wishes to remain anonymous) who wanted some guidance regarding personal boundaries when it came to interactions from their fans. Together we talked about their hopes and expectations and where they were concerned they might have blurred lines, and created a privacy policy that
Client Inspiration: Setting Personal Contact Boundaries Read More »
In the complex world of healthcare, autistic adults face a myriad of challenges that go beyond initially obtaining a diagnosis. These barriers not only complicate their access to necessary services but also have significant long-term effects on their health and well-being. Here’s a deeper dive into these issues and why they demand our attention.
Navigating Healthcare: The Overlooked Barriers Faced by Autistic Adults 🚧🏥 Read More »
