Have you noticed people wearing a green lanyard covered in bright yellow sunflowers? You may have seen them at the airport, in shopping centres, on public transport or even at school — and wondered what they mean. Sunflower Lanyards are a simple but powerful way for people to quietly signal that they have a hidden disability and […]
READ MOREUnderstanding Autistic Teens and Mental Health: What Parents Should Know
The teenage years can be a rollercoaster for any young person — more independence, changing friendships, new expectations at school, and hormones thrown into the mix. For autistic teens, these transitions can feel even more intense. Mental health can sometimes take a hit during this stage, not because of autism itself, but because of the […]
READ MOREThe Importance of Routine and Predictability for Autistic Kids and How to Flexibly Support It
For many autistic children, routines and predictability provide an important sense of safety and calmness. The world can often feel overwhelming or unpredictable, and having consistent daily routines can help reduce anxiety, support emotional regulation, and make it easier to participate in everyday activities. Importantly, routines don’t have to be rigid or restrictive. Instead, they […]
READ MORETeen Dating for Autistic Individuals: How can OT’s support?
Navigating the world of teen dating can be both exciting and challenging for all teens, regardless of neurodiversity. Recent studies have shed light on the genuine desire from Autistic teens in forming friendships, romantic and meaningful connections (Koegel et al., 2024). As OT’s we recognise the importance of supporting teenagers in their dating endeavours by […]
READ MOREUnderstanding Masking in Autistic Children
Disclaimer: In this blogpost we have utilised identify-first language in line with current preferences in the Autistic community. However, we acknowledge that everyone is on their own journey, and they have the right to choose if they prefer person-first language. Masking is when individuals, especially those on the autism spectrum, consciously or unconsciously hide their […]
READ MORENavigating a Diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder
Disclaimer: In this blogpost we have utilised identify-first language in line with current preferences in the Autistic community. However, we acknowledge that everyone is on their own journey, and they have the right to choose if they prefer person-first language. Receiving a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) can bring on a whole wave of […]
READ MOREWhat is Neurodiversity?
Neurodiversity refers to the recognition and acceptance of neurological differences among children. These differences may include conditions such as autism, ADHD, dyslexia, Tourette’s syndrome, and other conditions that affect the way a child thinks, learns, and processes information. The concept of neurodiversity emphasizes the idea that neurological differences are a natural part of human diversity, […]
READ MOREPathological Demand Avoidance
Supporting Children with Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) in School and Social Settings: Occupational Therapy Strategies and Interventions. Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) is a condition that falls under the Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) umbrella, characterized by extreme resistance to demands and requests, often leading to highly avoidant behaviour. Many may wonder about the differences between Oppositional […]
READ MOREThe Role of an Occupational Therapist in Autism Spectrum Disorder
Disclaimer: In this blogpost we have utilised identify-first language in line with current preferences in the Autistic community. However, we acknowledge that everyone is on their own journey, and they have the right to choose if they prefer person-first language. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a developmental condition that affects how someone thinks, feels and […]
READ MOREGirls with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a developmental condition that influences the way the brain processes information and engages with the world. While it is estimated that 1 in 44 children have ASD, these rates suggest that on average boys are 4 times more likely to have autism than girls. However, the diagnostic criteria for Autism […]
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