A little reading

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

If you’ve found yourself repeatedly checking the news, scrolling through social media, or going deeper and deeper into distressing topics, you’re not alone. For many autistic individuals, staying informed can quietly turn into something much more consuming: doomscrolling —the urge to keep seeking information, even when it’s making you feel worse. In our previous post, “When the World Feels Unsafe,” we explored why global events can feel particularly overwhelming. Doomscrolli

Imagine hearing music and seeing colours at the same time—or tasting a flavour when you hear a word. For people with synesthesia, this isn’t imagination or metaphor. It’s a real, automatic experience. Synesthesia (pronounced sin-ess-thee-zee-ah ) simply means that the brain links senses together in a different way. What does synesthesia feel like? Everyone’s experience is a bit different, but some common examples include: Letters or numbers having specific colours (e.g. “A is

For many adults—especially women—autism isn’t always recognised in childhood. Instead, it can show up in subtle, everyday ways that are often misunderstood or explained away as personality traits, anxiety, or “just how you are.” If you’ve ever felt like you experience the world a little differently, this list might resonate. Not as a label—but as a way of understanding yourself more clearly. 1. Replaying Conversations in Your Head (Over and Over) Do you find yourself analysin

In recent years, many of us have become increasingly aware of what is happening in the world—economic uncertainty, political tension, conflict, and global crises are now part of our daily news cycle. While this can feel overwhelming for anyone, autistic individuals may experience this impact more intensely, and in ways that are often misunderstood. If you or someone you support feels deeply affected by “the state of the world,” it’s important to know this: this response is no

Parenting an autistic child can be deeply rewarding, joyful, and meaningful. But it can also involve challenges that are often misunderstood by the outside world. Many parents of autistic children find themselves constantly explaining, advocating, and clarifying things that others may not immediately understand. Sometimes this happens with strangers, sometimes with extended family, and sometimes even with professionals who may not fully grasp what daily life looks like. Over

Small talk is often described as a simple social skill — something most people are expected to pick up naturally. It appears everywhere in daily life: chatting with colleagues before a meeting, exchanging pleasantries with a cashier, or making conversation at social events. Yet for many autistic people, small talk can feel confusing, exhausting, or even pointless. This is not because autistic individuals lack interest in people or relationships. In fact, many autistic people

In recent years, increasing numbers of adults have begun exploring the possibility that they may be autistic. For many, this discovery does not come in childhood, but much later—sometimes in their 30s, 40s, 50s or beyond. This can raise many questions: Why wasn’t this noticed earlier? Why now? And what does it mean going forward? The reality is that many autistic adults grew up in a time when autism was far less understood than it is today. Diagnostic criteria were narrower,