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 »
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
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 »
When I first started thinking seriously about pricing my work, imposter syndrome showed up almost immediately. At the beginning, I felt like an “unknown”. Even though I knew my skills, experience, and depth, there was a persistent question in the background: why would someone choose to pay for my services if they don’t know me
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 »
