Child Autism

How much sleep does an autistic child need?

Wed, 19 Nov 2025 09:56:13 +0000

Working out how much sleep an autistic child really needs can feel impossible at times. One night they’re still wide awake when you’re desperate for bed, the next they’re sleeping in much later than they usually do - and you’re left feeling anxious, wondering what’s normal, what’s not, and whether you should seek...

How to help an autistic child sleep through the night

Fri, 17 Oct 2025 09:31:08 +0100

Helping an autistic child to sleep through the night peacefully can be a real challenge. Many autistic children struggle with falling asleep, staying asleep, or getting enough rest for the day ahead - so you and your child are not alone. Sleep difficulties can stem from a range of factors - just as they can in any child - such as melatonin producti...

Why gender stereotypes affect autism diagnosis in women and girls

Wed, 10 Sep 2025 09:26:44 +0100

Statistically, more males than females are diagnosed as autistic. Unfortunately, societal expectations of gender roles can heavily influence how behaviours are perceived and whether they are recognized as potentially autistic. Girls and women are more likely to internalize challenges they encounter and mask their differences in order to fit in, oft...

Do we know what causes autism?

Fri, 05 Sep 2025 10:01:21 +0100

There isn't a single known cause of autism. However, research suggests that a combination of genetic and environmental factors may contribute to its development. Autism is a neurodevelopmental condition. ASD affects how people communicate, interact, and experience the world. While autism is often present from birth with noticeable characteristics d...

Autism and managing routines during the holidays

Wed, 13 Aug 2025 09:36:45 +0100

Many autistic people rely on routine for a sense of safety and consistency and for some, public holidays can be a source of anxiety rather than relaxation. Whether the change in your usual routine is down to school closures, summer holidays, travel, or any other kind of public holiday, changes to your usual routine might need some additional consid...

What happens after an autism diagnosis in the UK?

Fri, 08 Aug 2025 09:26:19 +0100

After receiving an autism diagnosis, you should be kind to yourself. It's important to take time to understand your feelings, and how autism may affect you. Receiving an autism diagnosis does not change who you are. However, it may allow you to access the support you may need and further understand your unique challenges and strengths. In this arti...

Birds of a feather: What we know about the friendships between neurodivergent people

Wed, 23 Jul 2025 09:49:18 +0100

If you or someone you love has a neurodevelopmental condition such as autism or ADHD, you’re likely to be aware of some of the common barriers to close and long-lasting relationships that people experience. This perception of neurodivergence may feel discouraging but, as we are seeing more in shared experiences online through social media, me...

Why are more people being diagnosed with autism? The UK’s increase in autism diagnosis rates

Fri, 20 Jun 2025 09:20:29 +0100

There has been a rise in autism diagnoses in recent years with speculation as to the reason being discussed widely, especially thanks to views being presented in world politics. Many are unsure if the increased rates are due to an increase in intervention and diagnosis, or more children being autistic in the population. In this resource, we look at...

What are the signs of autism?

Fri, 06 Jun 2025 10:15:04 +0100

Autism is defined by differences in communication, social interaction, and behaviour. Identifying these characteristics early is key to ensuring timely diagnosis and effective support. This guide highlights common signs of autism in both children and adults, helping you recognise traits and access the right support if needed. Table of contents Soci...

What are the signs of autism in toddlers?

Fri, 11 Apr 2025 09:29:48 +0100

Learning the early signs of autism can be helpful for parents and caregivers to ensure children get the earliest intervention possible if a professional evaluation is needed. Each child is unique, and not all may show every sign of autism. However, many autistic children may show some of the traits discussed and spotting the signs early can ensure ...

Autistic traits in girls: Signs you might not think to look for in girls

Fri, 07 Mar 2025 06:05:16 +0000

For a long time, people thought that autism was an exclusively male condition. Although studies have varied, experts believe the ratio of autistic males to autistic females is 3:1. This doesn’t necessarily mean that autism is less common in girls. In fact, it is much more likely that fewer girls are being diagnosed because their autistic trai...

Podcasts for parents and guardians of autistic children

Fri, 27 Jan 2023 11:34:41 +0000

Our podcast series provides parents valuable information and resources to help support their autistic children. Raising an autistic child can be both rewarding and challenging, so we created this podcast series as a safe space for parents to turn to for support, guidance and inspiration. Our team of experts, including psychologists, therapists, and...

How we help psychiatrists deliver outstanding outcomes

Fri, 03 Dec 2021 11:42:04 +0000

Since day one, we've worked with some of the UK’s most respected psychiatrists. As we continue to grow nationwide, we want to expand our team to help us remain at the forefront of evidence-based clinical practice. One of our goals is to make high-quality mental health care accessible to as many people as possible. Having initially developed o...

Helping autistic children thrive at Christmas

Thu, 02 Dec 2021 16:59:37 +0000

Is your home festooned with shiny tinsel and dripping with flashing fairy lights? If you have an autistic child in the house, the unusual sights, sounds and smells of Christmas can be an intense and unsettling affair. While most neurotypical children revel in the sense of the unexpected each December 25, for autistic kids it can be one of the most ...

12 things to tell your autistic child’s teacher

Fri, 23 Jul 2021 12:11:04 +0100

For many parents, the first few days of school are about shiny new shoes, clean faces and a social media post about how they’ve grown. However, if you’re a parent of an autistic child, those first few days are often filled with anxiety as your child makes their way into a new classroom with a new teacher who may know very little about t...

Self-care tips for parents with autistic children

Thu, 15 Jul 2021 15:54:19 +0100

There are a seemingly endless supply of books, magazines and apps dedicated to the practice of mindfulness and relaxation. They often come packaged in serene covers featuring flowers, sunsets or people looking wistfully out to sea. For parents of autistic children, this sort of imagery can make such self-care feel out of reach; the idea of devoting...

What to do when your autistic child has a meltdown in public

Thu, 15 Jul 2021 15:12:10 +0100

All children become frustrated and have temper tantrums, but as a parent of an autistic child, you’ll know that meltdowns are something quite different. While a meltdown might look a bit like a tantrum, it’s not about your child trying to get what they want. Instead it’s a reaction to being overwhelmed - a reaction they have littl...

How to think like a therapist as a parent of an autistic child

Mon, 07 Jun 2021 17:11:15 +0100

Any parent will be used to a small amount of frustration, improvisation - and a significant dose of getting things wrong! But for parents of autistic children, the increased sense of responsibility can feel overwhelming at times. The good news is that by adjusting our thinking we can begin to view our children’s behaviour - and our own respon...

Managing meltdowns, tantrums and emotions - expert advice for parents of autistic children

Fri, 28 May 2021 10:43:17 +0100

On the surface, a meltdown might look like a tantrum in younger children while for older children, a meltdown might be confused with what's considered to be "normal” adolescent behaviour. But behind the scenes, something very different is happening. To help us untangle this tricky topic, our expert Lucy Sanctuary hosted a panel discussion wit...

Back to school advice for parents of autistic children

Tue, 20 Apr 2021 15:20:48 +0100

Having spent an extended period in a familiar environment away from the hustle and bustle of everyday school life, the sudden upcoming change in circumstances can spark many questions, anxieties and fears for children with autism. They might be unsure about what to expect at school, who they're going to sit next to in class, or awhat the new versio...