Psychology, mental health and resources to help you understand what you are experiencing

Between the ages of 5 and 12, some autistic characteristics become easier to notice as social, academic and independence demands increase. This guide explains patterns worth observing, other possible explanations and what families can record before seeking an assessment.

A child can have an excellent vocabulary and still find it difficult to join a group conversation, understand implied meanings, adapt what they say to the situation or notice when someone wants to change topic. This guide explains social communication in autism with practical examples, supportive strategies and exercises.

Explaining an autism diagnosis to a child does not need to be a secretive or highly technical conversation. This guide helps families talk about autism clearly and respectfully, using everyday examples while making room for questions and emotions.

Autism and ADHD can look similar in attention, executive functioning, friendships and emotional regulation, and they can also co-occur. This guide explains what may help distinguish them, what cannot diagnose either condition, and how families can observe useful patterns without turning a child into a list of symptoms.

Autism can present in very different ways throughout childhood and adolescence. This guide helps families understand what to notice, what may overlap with autism, how to support a child or teenager, and when a professional assessment may be helpful.

School can demand far more from an autistic pupil than it appears to. This guide explains what to look for, which supports may help in class, during break times and transitions, and how families and schools can work together.

The teenage years bring greater social, academic and independence demands. This guide explains why autistic differences may become more noticeable, what families can observe without turning everyday life into a diagnostic checklist, and what can help at home, at school and in an assessment.

Anxiety can co-occur with autism and may not always look like spoken worry. This guide explains patterns to notice, how to support without forcing, and when to seek professional help.

Friendship changes during adolescence. For some autistic teenagers, groups, unspoken rules, misunderstandings or the effort of fitting in can add a substantial load. This guide explores what may be happening and how to support a young person without forcing a particular way of socialising.