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 »
Diagnosis Is Not an Endpoint. It Is a Starting Point. Understanding Identity After Autism Diagnosis In my experience – both personally and professionally – when autistic adults receive a diagnosis, people often assume clarity arrives overnight. In reality, it rarely feels that simple. Nothing about your personality has changed. Your history is the same. Your
Diagnosis Is Not an Endpoint – It Is a Starting Point. Read More »
Recently, while walking through a nearby park I visit often, I stopped to look at a tree I’ve passed dozens of times. A few weeks ago, its leaves were a vivid, fiery orange; full, expressive, and impossible not to miss. I took a picture at the time because it felt too striking not to capture.
Rooted and Restless: A Neurodivergent Perspective Through Nature Read More »
“Why can’t you just do it?” “You’ve had all day.” “You’re just making excuses.” I’ve heard those words more times than I can count — at school, at home, even in past workplaces. And every time, I felt a familiar mix of frustration, guilt, and self-doubt. Because I wanted to start the thing. I
🧠 It’s Not That I Won’t — It’s That I Can’t (Yet): Executive Function and Autism Read More »
There’s a popular idea that habits are all about willpower—but I’ve found it’s more about scaffolding than sheer strength. Similarly, there’s often a lot of focus on getting rid of bad habits. But what about building good ones? As a Neurodivergent adult juggling family, work, and my own wellbeing, I’ve noticed that following habits and
Why Not Now? Building Habits with Kindness, Curiosity, and Music in My Ears Read More »
As an autistic adult, a wellbeing specialist, and the parent of neurodivergent children, public transport has always felt like a bit of a paradox. On paper, it promises independence and freedom. In practice, it often feels chaotic, overwhelming, and, frankly, inaccessible. I’ve had moments where getting from A to B meant battling not just
Public Transport Isn’t Working for Everyone — Here’s How We Can Change That Read More »
You know the feeling: it’s late, you’re tired, and you know you should go to sleep. But instead, you find yourself doing anything but that—scrolling, watching something “just one more episode” long, or deep diving into a hyperfocus hobby at 2am. This phenomenon is called revenge bedtime procrastination, and while it might sound dramatic,
Why Neurodivergent Brains Struggle With Bedtime – And What Might Help Read More »
Neurodiversity Celebration Week is an important opportunity to challenge misconceptions about neurological differences and appreciate the unique strengths that neurodivergent individuals bring to the world. But beyond the wider movement, I believe it’s also a moment for personal reflection and self-celebration—because as neurodivergent people, it can be all too easy to focus on what we
Neurodiversity Celebration Week 2025: Recognising Our Strengths Read More »
Mindfulness has gained attention as a valuable tool for managing stress, improving focus, and fostering emotional well-being. While often associated with meditation, mindfulness extends far beyond that—it’s a way of thinking and paying attention to the present moment. For autistic individuals and those with ADHD, mindfulness can provide unique benefits, helping with emotional regulation, sensory
Mindfulness for Neurodivergent Minds: How Autistic and ADHD Individuals Can Benefit Read More »
When I first heard about AI tools like ChatGPT, I was immediately put off by the idea. It felt like using AI was “cheating,” especially considering how hard I had worked to refine my writing skills since my undergraduate years—before I even knew I was neurodivergent. The thought that someone could just ask AI to
AuDHD and AI: A Game-Changer for Productivity and Communication Read More »
