Category: Children and Families

Interoception and autism: understanding the hidden sense that shapes everyday life
Interoception is often described as the body's "hidden sense" because it helps us recognise and interpret signals coming from within our bodies. It is the…
Learn more
Alexithymia and autism: understanding the link between emotions, self-awareness and communication
Many autistic people describe knowing that something feels wrong but struggling to identify exactly what they are feeling. They may recognise a sense of discomfort,…
Learn more
What should parents do following their child’s autism diagnosis? A practical guide
Receiving an autism diagnosis for your child can be an emotional experience. Some parents feel relief that they finally have answers. Others experience uncertainty, worry,…
Learn more
Special interests and autism: why they matter and how to support them
Many autistic children develop intense interests in particular topics, activities or objects. These interests are often called special interests, although some autistic people prefer terms…
Learn more
Repetitive play in autistic children: understanding what it means and how to respond
Many parents notice that their autistic child enjoys doing the same things repeatedly. This might involve lining up toys, sorting objects into categories, repeatedly acting…
Learn more
Emotional dysregulation in autistic children and teenagers: understanding the signs and how to respond
Emotional dysregulation is one of the most common yet misunderstood experiences for autistic children and young people. Although it is not part of the formal…
Learn more
Difficulties with change in autistic children: understanding why they happen and how to help
For many autistic children, change can be one of the most challenging aspects of daily life. A cancelled trip to the park, a different route…
Learn more
Mental health and autism across the lifespan: an evidence-based guide for children, teenagers and adults
Mental health difficulties are common within the autistic community. Although autism itself is not a mental health condition, autistic children, teenagers and adults experience significantly…
Learn more
Signs of autism: a complete guide for children, teenagers and adults
Autism is a lifelong neurodevelopmental difference that affects how a person communicates, interacts with others, processes information and experiences the world around them. Although autism…
Learn more