My Latest Blogs

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

The Power of One Adjustment When people talk about stress or overwhelm, the conversation often centres on workload. Too much to do, too little time, competing demands etc. For many autistic adults, overwhelm is not just about tasks,  but also about sensory load. Sensory load is cumulative, meaning it can build and build into a […]

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 […]

Ah, task and time management. If you’re neurodivergent, you’ve probably done everything “right.” You’ve bought the planners (shout out to my fellow planner addicts who just can’t resist!). Downloaded the apps. Learned the systems. You’ve tried the Pomodoro technique, time-blocking, and every “anchor” habit in the book. And yet, you still feel like you’re failing. […]

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 […]

It might seem a little strange to be writing and sharing a blog about habits just before Christmas and the New Year. This is usually the time we’re told to pause, indulge, or wait and hold off until 1st January, when we can start fresh, do it “properly,” and commit with a clean slate. But […]

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. […]

October is ADHD Awareness Month, which makes it a great time to talk openly about what ADHD really means. ADHD is one of those conditions that people often think they understand – usually because of stereotypes or throwaway comments like “I’m a bit ADHD today.” But the truth is far more complex, and far more […]

  Summer holidays – for some, they conjure images of beach days, family outings, and a slower pace of life. But for many of us who are neurodivergent, running a business, and parenting neurodivergent children, summer can feel more like a logistical obstacle course than a relaxing season. This summer is especially poignant to us […]

  “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 […]

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 […]

  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 […]

  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, […]

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 […]

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 […]

 Every year on February 17th, we celebrate Random Acts of Kindness Day. This special day encourages us to step out of our routine and inject a little love and compassion into the world—and into our lives. But what is Random Acts of Kindness Day, and why do we celebrate it? More importantly, how does participating […]

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 […]

The term AuDHD refers to the co-occurrence of autism and ADHD. While autism and ADHD are distinct conditions, they share several overlapping traits, making the dual diagnosis challenging yet common.  When I received my autism diagnosis in 2019, I began piecing together why certain things had always felt harder for me. But it was not […]

  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 […]

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 […]

  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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

    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 […]

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 […]

  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. […]

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 […]

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.   […]

I find it very apt that my business turns a year old during  Autism Acceptance month. I’m also incredibly proud of what I’ve achieved so far with Wellbeing Whizz and would like to take the opportunity to reflect on the last year and share my journey via this blog. I’m a bit late in posting […]

In a world that feels like it’s built on conformity, the concept of neurodiversity introduces a refreshing perspective on brain differences, celebrating them not as deficits but as natural—and valuable—variations of the human genome. This perspective is not just theoretical; it’s a day-to-day reality for many, including myself. As someone who is neurodivergent and part […]

  Navigating the world of business networking can be a formidable challenge for many, but for those of us who are neurodivergent, it often feels like a maze designed without us in mind. My journey through the business landscape, particularly as the proud owner of Wellbeing Whizz, has been a path of learning, adapting, and […]

    In our quest for efficiency, whether in personal or professional endeavours, the challenge isn’t always in listing tasks but in the actual execution: starting can be daunting, and knowing when to pause is equally perplexing. This is where the Pomodoro Technique shines as a beacon of productivity, especially for those of us who […]

I want to talk to you about SLEEP.   We all know we need it, and I posted a little while back about the importance of sleep, and how scientists know more about what the different functions are of the different stages of sleep (if you want to know more, “Why We Sleep” by Matthew […]

What is Executive Function? Executive function refers to an important set of cognitive abilities that originate in the human prefrontal cortex. These skills are fundamental to managing various aspects of our daily lives. They encompass time management, planning, task initiation and completion, and emotional regulation — essentially orchestrating our day-to-day activities. Executive function plays a […]

Last week, I had the incredible opportunity to meet Becky, the award-winning food expert behind SimpliciB. I was really excited to meet her as our values align when it comes to wellbeing and how our behaviour – particularly when it comes to personal fuel – align and I wanted to know more! Becky’s expertise isn’t […]

    It’s one thing having the knowledge and skills to help others on their wellbeing journey, but what about my own? I think for transparency it’s only fair I share my own journey and experiences as I go along. So this is about how I have started Yoga. Now yoga is something I’ve always […]

  Often when we think of habits we automatically think of “bad ones”. Smoking. Drinking alcohol. Eating junk food. There are just a few that come to mind – and don’t feel bad if this was your first thought too because as humans, we have a negativity bias meaning we’re likely to ALWAYS zone in […]

  Happy New Year! January 1st is often a time when people choose to make better choices regarding their health and wellbeing, and this year happens to be a Monday as well (another common “start my journey” day!) Personally, I believe there’s no time like the present if you want to make a difference but […]

  As the seasons change and winter approaches, many of us experience shifts in mood and energy levels. For some, this natural phenomenon can evolve into Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a type of depression that occurs at a specific time of year, typically during the darker months. In this article, let’s shed light on SAD […]

  Effective communication is not just about articulating your thoughts; it’s equally about being an attentive and empathetic listener. In a world that often values speaking over listening, the skill of active listening stands out as a powerful tool for building strong connections and fostering understanding. The Art of Active Listening: Active listening goes beyond […]

  Let’s face it – the phrase “work-life balance” has become a cliché, thrown around in corporate circles and management seminars with the frequency of office jargon. But the truth is, achieving a harmonious equilibrium between work and personal life is easier said than done. It’s not a perfect 50/50 split, and the relationship between […]

    Mental health is a critical aspect of overall well-being, and it affects individuals from all walks of life. However, when it comes to mental health awareness, there is a particular need for men to step out from the shadows and speak up. In the United Kingdom, as in many other parts of the […]

In the hustle and bustle of the modern work world, where deadlines and responsibilities often take precedence, it’s easy to neglect our mental health. As someone who has experienced both traditional employment and self-employment, I’ve learned that prioritizing mental health is crucial, regardless of your work status. In this blog post, I’ll share my personal […]

Yesterday was stress awareness day, and one way of managing stress is through your Stress Bucket. In this short video I explain what that is, and how you can manage the levels in your bucket to keep it from overflowing!

Well isn’t this typical, putting out a blog about ADHD awareness when the month is almost over?! That can be typical of ADHD though, especially as it presents in women. I’m going to share some of my experiences with you, to give an insight into the strength and beauty of a (suspected) ADHD brain. I […]

Sleep is SUCH a fascinating subject, and to be honest, I’ll be one of the first to admit that I didn’t really appreciate the benefits of a good night’s sleep, or the incredible role sleep plays in our lives. I used to scoff whenever I read what I thought were “so-called health tips” where celebrities […]

  Alright, I’m going to be honest.   I wanted to build up my own fitness habit as much as promote the benefits of keeping the body fit and healthy. In 10 days, I’ve managed to actually do something active for 8 of them and it’s mainly been walking – this is because my level […]

Yesterday, 20th September, was national fitness day! On the one hand, I could write a post about the benefits of fitness, and how we can improve ours even just by a little bit. But that’s only for one day, so why not do something a bit more meaningful, personal and hopefully inspiring to others? So […]

  ….So why can’t we just feed everyone? There’s enough food in the world, right?  Tuesday September 5th is the United Nations’ International Day of Charity.   Why have a day of charity? Surely it should be something that people think about and aim to contribute to daily – and in fact, a lot of us do! But […]

This is the final video in my “5 Ways to Wellbeing” series, and it’s about Taking Notice and being in the moment 🙂 So if you’re not sure what this means or how it can benefit you, give it a watch. If you like what I say, feel free to subscribe and make suggestions for […]

A lot of the time we live our lives on autopilot. We get used to the same routines and behaviours, and sometimes this can cause us to miss slight changes or really appreciate the good things we have in our lives, including people! As an example, when it comes to children how many times have […]

This morning I have been at local charity Padley who support adults in Derby who are at risk of homelessness and/or poverty. I have been busy making toiletry parcels for their beneficiaries who don’t have access to basic self cleansing products like toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap and deodorant. I try to give a couple of hours […]

Well, this is the last entry in the Weekly Words of Whizzdom Series! It started off 12 weeks ago, each wednesday taking a card or quote from a wellbeing inspirational quotation package and analysing what it means to me, or how it relates to some of the ways I’ve supported groups or individuals.   This […]

  Beauty is something nowadays that seems to be determined by society. So even if you find something beautiful personally, there might be a million different messages telling you why it’s not and why you should like this thing or that thing or must look a certain way in order to meet the criteria of […]

5 Ways to Wellbeing: Learn New Skills In our exploration of the 5 ways to wellbeing, we have already delved into the importance of social connections and physical activity. Now, let’s shift our focus to the significant benefits of learning new skills. Engaging in the process of acquiring new knowledge and abilities not only expands […]

Getting physically active is something a lot of people want to do, but don’t know where to start or what the “right” way is to go about it. It’s something that I can help with – setting those goals and taking the steps towards achieving them and maintaining the behaviour! In this video presentation, I’m […]

Hello and welcome to another weekly words of Whizzdom! I realise I’ve only got two left after this, I don’t know where the time has gone but here we are. Most people like to have goals but forming them can be difficult, as well as building and maintaining the habits needed to reach them. If […]

  The 5 Ways to Wellbeing: Be Physically Active!       So far, I’ve introduced you to the 5 Ways to Wellbeing and last week looked in more detail at the benefits of being connected to other people. Now the next area we’re going to focus on is being physically active. As a wellbeing […]

Do you find low self confidence, difficulty managing uncertainty or finding it hard it cope when expectations don’t match reality barriers to YOU saying yes? Do you then feel like you’ve missed out, or harbour a sense of disappointment? If this is something you can relate to, believe me it doesn’t always have to feel […]

Continuing with our “5 Ways to Wellbeing” Theme, I’ve written this short piece further exploring the concept of connecting with others. As human beings, our social nature means that positive relationships with others are vital for our overall well-being. Sharing moments with other people has a profound impact on our happiness and feelings of positivity. […]

    Welcome to another edition of “Weekly words of Whizzdom” where I go through a pack of motivational quote cards and look a bit deeper into the messages printed upon them. This is week 8 out of 12, goodness! Anyway, the passing of time aside, this week’s belter is “Be your BEST self”. What […]

Introducing the 5 ways to Wellbeing   Wellbeing is an important topic for me and as you can probably tell it’s at the heart of everything I do, which is why I am so passionate about helping others improve theirs! The benefits of making time for this are immeasurable; but for starters, an increase in […]

It’s Wednesday, time for another “Weekly Words of Whizzdom”! This week’s quote is: This sounds very syrupy, right? Like something meaningless you see on a…. well…. Motivational wellbeing card pack or poster But rather than taking it as a sweeping statement and giving it no further thought, I’d like to introduce you to one of […]

Journalling is something often talked about when it comes to wellbeing, but what does it really entail? In this little video I talk about the benefits of journalling, as well as a few different styles and formats to get you going.  

A lot of the time we might say to ourselves, “When this happens, I’ll be happy”, implying it’s something that we’re expecting, wanting or anticipating happening *to* us. And there’s nothing unusual or strange about this, a lot of the time we do tend to invest our happiness in future events rather than what’s happening […]

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Positive quotes are very popular these days, and usually resonate with many people on many different levels. So over the next few weeks I’m going to share some, but also talk a little bit about it. Don’t let yesterday take up too much of today.   Very sound advice, as what has happened before has […]