This category explores autism through a neurodiversity-affirming lens, with practical support strategies for teachers, TAs, and families. From sensory needs and communication styles to behaviour, inclusion, and emotional regulation, these resources are designed to help autistic learners thrive in school and beyond.
Whether you’re looking for visual supports, autism-friendly classroom adaptations, or insights into co-regulation and low-demand approaches, you’ll find content grounded in respect, experience, and evidence-informed practice.
Decoding Your Child’s World: Using Personal Construct Theory to Improve Communication with Autistic Children Have you ever felt like you were talking to your child in a foreign language, even when you were both speaking English? You tell your teenager, “Clean your room, it’s a disaster!” fully intending to motivate them, but are met with … Read more
Your Neurodivergent Child: A Parent’s Guide to the Double Empathy Problem This guide expands on the concept of the double empathy problem specifically for parents of autistic children. Understanding this concept can transform your relationship with your child and empower you to better support their needs. Understanding Neurodiversity The first step is shifting your perspective … Read more
Autism & Anxiety: 3 Strategies to Support Intolerance of Uncertainty in the Classroom Intolerance of Uncertainty (IU) is a significant aspect of autistic cognition that can present challenges for students in academic settings. Characterized by heightened anxiety and distress when faced with unknown or unpredictable situations, IU can impact a student’s learning, engagement, and overall … Read more
Understanding Anxiety in Autistic Children: A Guide for Parents Anxiety is a common experience for many children, but for autistic children, it can be particularly challenging. This article aims to provide parents with a deeper understanding of how specific cognitive differences often associated with autism can contribute to feelings of anxiety in their children. Recognizing … Read more
The Connection Between Attention and Academic Success in autistic students This article explores the intricate relationship between attention and academic performance in autistic students. It covers the various types of attention, their impact on learning, and the specific challenges faced by autistic students. The article looks into the neuroscience behind attention difficulties, discusses the role … Read more
Visual Processing in the Classroom Classrooms are often visually stimulating environments, intended to engage students and create a positive learning atmosphere. However, for some autistic students, these environments can be overwhelming and pose challenges to their learning. This blog post focuses on the visual processing differences experienced by autistic many students and offers strategies for … Read more
Bruxism in Autism Bruxism, the involuntary grinding or clenching of teeth, is a complex phenomenon observed across various populations. This article looks into the relationship between bruxism and autism. It explores current research, potential mechanisms, and implications for care and management. I wrote it because I work with many non-verbal autistic children and often we … Read more
Engaging Morning Routine Ideas for Special Needs Classrooms Morning routines are crucial in special needs classrooms, providing structure, predictability, and a positive start to the day. This comprehensive guide offers creative, practical, and inclusive ideas to make these routines more engaging. This will ensure they are meaningful for students with diverse needs. I remember my … Read more
Understanding Neurodiversity: The Risks and Benefits of Social Media for ADHD and Autistic Youth In today’s digital age, social media has become an integral part of young people’s lives, serving as a platform for connection, learning, and sharing experiences. Platforms like TikTok have gained significant popularity among teenagers, including those seeking community and insights into … Read more
Navigating Puberty with Your Autistic Child Puberty is a challenging time for any young person, but for autistic children and their families, it can present unique obstacles and opportunities. This book aims to provide parents and carers with the knowledge, strategies, and understanding needed to support their autistic child through this crucial developmental stage. We’ll … Read more
Doorways as Barriers: Understanding and Overcoming Transition Challenges in Autistic Children We often encounter unique challenges in education and child development that require innovative solutions. One such challenge, particularly prevalent among autistic children, is the difficulty in navigating physical transitions, specifically moving through doorways. This article delves into the complex issue of doorways acting as … Read more
Entering Their World: A Parent’s Guide to Communicating with Your Non-verbal Autistic Child Over the years I’ve learned that connection doesn’t always look the way we expect it to. Our journey of bonding with our children often takes us down unexpected paths, challenging our preconceptions and opening our eyes to new ways of communicating and … Read more
Elopement Behavior in Autistic Students When a child elopes, it’s often a window into their inner world—a world that can sometimes feel overwhelming, confusing, or simply too intense. Elopement isn’t just about leaving a physical space; it’s a complex behaviour that speaks volumes about a child’s emotional state and needs. Imagine being in a place … Read more
A Collection of Powerful Autism Quotes Autism is a complex neurological condition that affects millions of people worldwide. To better understand and appreciate neurodiversity, we’ve compiled an extensive list of quotes from autistic individuals, their loved ones, and advocates. These quotes are categorized to offer different perspectives on various aspects of autism. Inspirational Autism Quotes … Read more
Living with Autism: Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex and multifaceted condition that affects individuals in unique and diverse ways. As awareness and understanding of autism continue to grow, it is essential to embrace a neurodiversity-affirming perspective. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of autism, addressing common … Read more
When a child is diagnosed with autism, it opens up a world of understanding and opportunities to better support their unique needs and strengths. One common behaviour among autistic individuals is infodumping. This article aims to explain what infodumping is, why it is important, and how to support your child in a neurodiversity-affirming way. What … Read more
Understanding Gestalt Language Development in Autistic Children Language development is a complex and multifaceted process that varies significantly among individuals. Among autistic children, gestalt language development is one notable and often misunderstood form of language acquisition. This approach, where children learn language in whole chunks or phrases, contrasts sharply with the analytic language development seen … Read more
Virtual Autism: Understanding the Impact of Screen Time on Child Development As parents, we struggle with screen time for our 5 children from 4-14. It is an issue on many levels and firm boundaries and balance is required. When I saw the Phrase “Virtual Autism” I had to look into it in more detail. In … Read more
As part of a neurodiverse family and working in the field of SEN (Special Educational Needs) this article – Why the Neurodiversity Movement Has Become Harmful by Moheb Costandi, a molecular and developmental neurobiologist, the author of Body Am I (2024) didn’t chime with what we believe or are trying to achieve at school. The article presents … Read more
Developing Essential Cognitive Abilities: Nurturing Executive Function in the Classroom What are Executive Functioning Skills? Executive function skills are a set of mental abilities that act like the brain’s air traffic controller. They help us organize our thoughts, prioritize tasks, manage our time, control our impulses, and adapt when things don’t go as planned. Essentially, … Read more
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