Developing Adaptive Skills for Success All children need to learn adaptive behaviours to become independent adults. Adaptive behaviours include real-life skills like communication, self-care, home and school living skills, social skills, self-direction, functional academics, and leisure skills. In some of the research, these are seen as a negative, particularly for autistic children. When a child … Read more
Autism and Parenting: Navigating the Morning Routine with Ease Mornings can feel like a whirlwind for any family, but when you’re parenting an autistic child, they often come with additional layers of complexity. From sensory sensitivities to transitions that don’t always go smoothly, mornings can quickly become a source of stress. But they don’t have … Read more
Supporting Sensory Seekers: Understanding and Managing Mouthing Behaviours Imagine this: it’s mid-afternoon, and your child has found a shiny, smooth pebble on the playground. Before you can intervene, it’s already in their mouth. To them, this isn’t just a rock—it’s a treasure trove of sensory information. The coolness of the stone, its smooth edges, and … Read more
The Two Sides of Sensory Experience in Autism Many autistic people experience hypersensitivity to sensory input, such as sights, sounds, smells, and textures. This is because their brains have difficulty filtering out this information. As Dr. Luke Bearden, a senior lecturer and Autism researcher at Sheffield Hallam University, explains, while a non-autistic person’s brain filters … Read more
Understanding Autism Overstimulation: A Neurodiversity-Affirming Approach Overstimulation is a term that resonates within the autistic community. It describes a state where sensory input becomes overwhelming, often leading to distress, discomfort, or shutdowns. This article explores overstimulation, offering insights into its causes, impacts, and supportive strategies. Overstimulation is not just an issue for autistic individuals but … Read more
Overview of accessibility at Nickelodeon Adventures at Lakeside Today, we’re diving into the vibrant world of Nickelodeon Adventure Lakeside, focusing on how this indoor amusement park can be a joyful experience for our autistic children. We visited on one of the hottest days of the year and that meant it was really quiet even though … Read more
We have now visited Peppa Pig World twice, once with the boy and then again 3 years later with our two youngest. I am convinced despite an international pandemic in the meantime nothing had changed – literally everything was the same even the toys in the gift shop. One of the first things we did … Read more
Joy of Outings with Your Autistic Child I am a firm believer in getting the kids out of the house, off screens and experiencing something new. This is not always easy. Please don’t think I mean big expensive days out, a trip to feed the ducks at the park or just round the corner to … Read more
First Outing to a New Place? How to Conduct a Sensory-Friendly Recce Every new destination offers the promise of excitement, learning, and adventure. But for parents of autistic children, the uncertainty of an unfamiliar place can feel daunting. What if it’s too loud? What if there are no safe spaces to retreat? What if the … Read more
What is Asynchronous Development? Parenting a neurodivergent child is a journey that defies traditional milestones and expectations. It’s filled with moments of wonder, unexpected challenges, and insights that few outside the community fully understand. One of the most fascinating and often overlooked aspects of neurodivergence is asynchronous development, where a child’s emotional, motor, social, and … Read more
How Technology Transforms Lives of Autistic Children For many autistic children, technology isn’t just a tool; it’s a lifeline. It can open doors to communication, provide comfort in overwhelming moments, and offer a safe space to explore their interests. Parents often see the transformative power of devices like tablets or apps in helping their children … Read more
iPads and Self-Regulation: The Pros and Cons for Autistic Children Devices like iPads have become integral to daily life, especially for neurodivergent children. For many autistic children, an iPad isn’t just a source of entertainment—it’s a tool for communication, sensory regulation, and learning. As with any tool, especially technology, the way it’s used can bring … Read more
How Technology Impacts Autistic Children: What the Research Says For many autistic children, technology can be a powerful tool that enhances communication, learning, and social connection. Devices like tablets and apps often provide unique solutions tailored to their needs, creating opportunities for growth and development that would otherwise be hard to access. Like any tool, … Read more
The Ultimate Packing List for Days Out with Autistic Children A day out is more than just a fun escape—it’s an opportunity for connection, discovery, and growth. But for parents of autistic children, a successful outing requires more than just excitement and enthusiasm. It demands thoughtful preparation, a carefully packed bag, and the right tools … Read more
Dealing with Sensory Overload: Calming Strategies on Days Out Life with an autistic child often means navigating a world brimming with sensory input. Bright lights, unexpected noises, unfamiliar smells—everyday environments can easily become overwhelming. Recognising the signs of sensory overload and having practical strategies at hand can transform days out from stressful failures to moments … Read more
Lapland UK Accessibility Guide for Autism-Friendly Visits Welcome to the world of Christmas, where today we’re telling you about the enchanting experience of Lapland UK, but with a focus on making it a magical trip for our autistic children. In this article, we’ve sought to bring you the top tips to ensure a visit to … Read more
Autism Is No Puzzle: Why Is The Puzzle Piece Offensive> The puzzle piece has long been associated with autism, but for many autistic individuals and their allies, this symbol is outdated and offensive. While it may have started as a well-meaning emblem for awareness, its history and associations have turned it into a reminder of … Read more
Autism Blame Shifting: Why Parents Are Tired of Being the Scapegoat When Sarah noticed her daughter’s unique behaviours, she expected challenges in finding support, but she wasn’t prepared for something even harder: being blamed for her child’s struggles. Instead of empathy and assistance, she faced accusations of poor parenting. Sadly, Sarah’s story is far from … Read more
Navigating the world of non-verbal communication can be a fascinating and rewarding journey. When working with non-verbal children, particularly those on the autism spectrum, it’s essential to cast aside conventional notions of interaction and embrace a more nuanced, intuitive approach. This shift in perspective opens up a whole new realm of connection, where the subtlest … Read more
Dismantling the Culture of Parental Blame: A Call for Change in Supporting Autistic Children and Their Families Parents of autistic children often face an uphill battle when seeking support and understanding for their children’s needs. Instead of receiving the empathy and collaboration they deserve, they are frequently met with judgement, disbelief, and blame from the … Read more
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