A little reading

A sudden noise makes your whole body jump. A busy supermarket leaves you exhausted. An unexpected change causes a physical feeling of panic before you have even had time to think about what has happened. A social interaction ends, but your body still feels tense an hour later. Or perhaps you are sitting somewhere perfectly safe, yet your heart is racing, your muscles are tight, and your body simply does not seem able to relax. For some autistic people, the world can feel phys

Feeling exhausted but unable to switch off. Taking hours to fall asleep. Waking repeatedly throughout the night. Finding that the smallest noise, light or sensation suddenly becomes impossible to ignore. For many autistic people, sleep can be complicated. Research increasingly suggests that sleep difficulties are particularly common among autistic children and adults. These difficulties can range from struggling to fall asleep and waking frequently during the night to irregul

When we think about autism, we often think about differences in communication, social interaction, sensory processing and routines. However, autism can also intersect with physical health in ways that are less widely recognised. One area receiving increasing research attention is chronic pain. Research suggests that autistic people may experience chronic pain and certain pain-related conditions at higher rates than previously recognised. These can include headaches and migrai

For many parents, seeking an autism assessment for their child can bring a mixture of emotions. You may have wondered for some time why your child experiences certain situations differently from other children. Perhaps school has become increasingly difficult, friendships are challenging, or your child becomes overwhelmed by things that seem manageable to their peers. An autism diagnosis does not change who your child is. They are still the same child they were before their a

For many young people, the path after school can feel almost predetermined. Finish secondary school. Go to college. Apply to university. Get a degree. Find a job. For decades, this route has often been presented as the “normal” or most successful way to enter adult life. But it is not the only route. And for autistic people in particular, it is worth asking a much more important question: What environment will actually allow this person to thrive? University can be an excelle

The start of a new school year can bring a mixture of excitement and anxiety. New classrooms, new teachers, different routines – and, perhaps most importantly, new social situations. For autistic children and young people, returning to school or college can bring additional challenges. Questions such as “Who will I sit with?”, “Will I make friends?”, “What if I don't fit in?” or “What if everyone already has their friendship groups?” can become a significant source of worry.

"Why does that noise bother you so much?" "I didn't even notice that smell." "How did you spot that tiny detail?" These are questions that many autistic people hear throughout their lives. While no two autistic people experience the world in exactly the same way, research increasingly suggests that autistic brains often process information differently from non-autistic brains. Rather than simply seeing, hearing or feeling "more", many autistic people describe experiencing the

Most people have experienced feeling overwhelmed at some point. Perhaps during a particularly busy week at work, while juggling family commitments, or after a stressful life event. For many autistic people, however, overwhelm is not something that only happens occasionally. It can be part of everyday life. Activities that many people complete without a second thought such as going to the supermarket, catching a busy train or attending a social gathering can require enormous a

When people think about autism, they often think about differences in communication, social interaction, sensory processing or routines. What is perhaps less well known is that many autistic people also experience anxiety. In fact, anxiety is one of the most common co-occurring conditions associated with autism. Research consistently shows that autistic children and adults are significantly more likely to experience anxiety disorders than the general population. For many peop

When people think about autism, they often imagine it as a condition that exists on its own. In reality, many autistic people experience one or more additional conditions alongside their autism. These are known as co-occurring conditions (sometimes called "comorbidities"). Recognising these additional conditions is important because they can significantly influence a person's daily life, well-being, and the support they need. In many cases, it is these co-occurring conditions

When people think about autism and food, they often think about picky eating, sensory sensitivities, or strong food preferences. While these experiences are common among autistic individuals, it is important to recognise that not all food-related difficulties are eating disorders. However, research over the past decade has revealed a significant and important relationship between autism and certain eating disorders, particularly anorexia nervosa. As our understanding of autis

Every year on 16th June, people around the world come together to celebrate Neurodiversity Pride Day. It is a day dedicated to recognising, valuing, and celebrating the many different ways that human brains work. At Aspect Autism, we are proud to support Neurodiversity Pride Day and the wider neurodiversity movement. As professionals working alongside autistic individuals and families every day, we see first-hand the creativity, insight, passion, honesty, determination, and u

Many people think of rest as something optional - a luxury after a busy day or a way to “recharge” once in a while. For many autistic individuals, however, recovery time is not simply helpful. It is essential. Daily life can require an enormous amount of mental, emotional, social, and sensory energy. Things that may appear manageable from the outside - going to school, attending work, socialising, shopping, travelling, or even sitting in a noisy environment, can leave an auti

When people think about autism and sensory difficulties, they often picture the more obvious examples - covering ears at loud noises, disliking bright lights, or becoming overwhelmed in busy places. While these experiences are certainly real, the sensory side of autism is often far more subtle, constant, and exhausting than many people realise. For many autistic individuals, everyday life can feel like trying to concentrate while dozens of tabs are open in the brain all at on

For many people, birthdays are seen as exciting, joyful occasions full of parties, surprises, noise, socialising, and attention. But for many autistic people, birthdays can feel overwhelming, exhausting, confusing, or even upsetting. This can sometimes leave autistic children, teenagers, and adults wondering: “Why don’t I enjoy birthdays like everyone else seems to?” “Why do parties make me anxious?” “Why do I feel guilty for not wanting a big celebration?” It can also leave

Change is a normal part of life. Children grow up, schools change, routines shift, relationships evolve, jobs begin and end, and unexpected situations arise for all of us. However, for many autistic people, change and transition can feel far more than simply “stressful” or “uncomfortable.” It can feel deeply unsettling, emotionally overwhelming, and sometimes even physically exhausting. This is something autistic individuals experience across all ages - from a young child tra

For many teenagers, exam season can feel intense, exhausting, and emotionally draining. Revision schedules, school timetables, countdowns, and routines often dominate daily life for weeks or months. Then suddenly… it stops. No alarms for school. No revision timetable. No structured days. No clear expectations. While this freedom can feel exciting at first, many neurodivergent teenagers — including autistic young people and those with ADHD — can find the transition into summer

At our clinic, we meet many autistic children, teenagers and adults who are not only managing the challenges associated with autism itself, but are also struggling with something far less recognised: a profound lack of self-assurance. Many autistic people tell us: “I don’t know how to explain what I need.” “I just go along with things.” “I feel guilty saying no.” “I worry people will think I’m rude.” “I don’t trust my own decisions.” “I freeze when someone challenges me.” The

For many people, the arrival of summer feels like a welcome shift—longer days, warmer weather, brighter mornings. It’s often associated with relaxation, freedom, and more time outdoors. But for autistic individuals, this seasonal transition can feel far more complex. What might seem like small, natural changes can have a noticeable impact on the body and mind. Light lasts longer, temperatures rise, routines shift, clothing changes, and environments become busier. When these c

When people think about autism, they often picture a single, clearly defined condition. In reality, autism rarely exists in isolation. Many autistic individuals experience co-occurring conditions (also called comorbidities) —additional physical or mental health differences that can shape how autism presents in everyday life. Understanding these can be incredibly helpful—not just for professionals, but for families, educators, and autistic people themselves. It helps explain w