Tag: asd
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Neurodivergent Burnout: How Misdiagnosis and Dismissal Left Me Broken for Decades
For most of my adult life, I believed there was something wrong with me. I chased answers for my constant exhaustion, pain, and inability to function like everyone else. Doctor after doctor dismissed me as “hysterical,” “lazy,” or “just stressed.” What I didn’t know was that the problem wasn’t my body failing me—it was neurodivergent…
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Surviving Disregulation – A Christmas Outing With The Kids.
Today we went to Brighton on the train. We made the brave decision to take both of our autistic kids out for the afternoon without the car…. no way to escape if it all went wrong. Thankfully it didn’t. We don’t go out much as family, and when we do, it’s to do something without…
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I’m Not Being Difficult — I’m Autistic: Learning to Honour My Needs Without Guilt
Struggling to set boundaries as an autistic adult? Learn how recognising your sensory and emotional needs isn’t selfish — and why self-advocacy leads to healthier relationships.
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Birthday Party Panic: Why Social Events Can Overwhelm Autistic Kids
A conversation over the weekend made me realise just how much misunderstanding still surrounds autistic kids and social events. As an autistic adult raising two neurodivergent boys, I often forget that what feels completely natural to us can be baffling to others. So, let me paint a picture. My 6-year-old, H, was thrilled to be…
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Autism and Direct Communication: Why Saying What You Mean Upsets People
For most of my life, I thought communication was one of my strengths. I can talk—endlessly—especially about things I’m passionate about. That’s good communication, right? Turns out, not exactly. It wasn’t until my 30s that I realised my communication style was… different. People often described me as blunt or abrupt, which confused me because, internally,…
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Think You Don’t Have Autistic Meltdowns? Here’s Why You Might Be Wrong
You don’t have to scream, cry, or collapse to be having an autistic meltdown. For years, I thought meltdowns were something that happened to other people—until I realised my daily irritability, supermarket rage, and sudden shutdowns were my reaction to overwhelm. Here’s what it really looks like, and how I finally connected the dots.
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When Your Kid Refuses to Settle into Preschool: Could It Be Autism?
When my son E couldn’t settle into preschool, I thought it was separation anxiety. But the real issue was sensory overload — and it led to an autism referral. Here’s what I wish I’d known sooner.
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When Transitions Get in the Way of Life: The Autistic Petrol Station Drama
If you’re anything like me, you’ll know this scene all too well. You’re driving home, and the fuel light has been flashing for the past two days. You’ve passed several petrol stations, mentally prepping yourself each time to pull in and fill up. But as the station looms closer, you just… drive past. Again. By…
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Understanding Autistic Overwhelm: A Personal Journey
For the last few years, I’ve been on a mission to figure out how my brain works. I like answers—clear, concrete, and definitive answers to any challenge I face. Unfortunately, this journey doesn’t come with many of those. Since my teenage years, I’ve been a tightly wound ball of anxiety and stress. It’s as though…
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Trusting My Gut: How I Knew My Quiet Child Was Autistic Before Anyone Else Did
Suspect your child might be autistic but getting no feedback from professionals? Here’s how I trusted my gut, found an ally in my child’s reception teacher, and pushed for early support.
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