Behaviour & sensory

Meltdowns — what they are and how to help

A practical, neurodiversity-affirming guide from the UK National Autistic Society distinguishing meltdowns from tantrums and offering ways to help a child through one.

National Autistic Society (UK)

Stimming — a guide for parents and carers

The UK National Autistic Society's explainer on stimming written for families — what it is, why autistic people stim, and how to respond. Written with input from autistic adults.

National Autistic Society (UK)

Autistic burnout and masking — what they are and how to recover

Autistic burnout is a distinct, recognisable state different from depression — sustained exhaustion, loss of skills, and increased sensory sensitivity, often driven by years of masking. This piece covers what the research now describes and what recovery looks like.

Sensory overload — what it is and what helps

Sensory overload is the upstream condition for many meltdowns, shutdowns, and "difficult behaviour" in autistic children. This piece covers what overload actually feels like, common triggers, and what helps in the moment and over time.

Sleep difficulties in autistic children — what helps

Sleep is harder for many autistic children — and that is biology, sensory wiring, and routine all stacking up. The good news is that most contributors are addressable; the right combination of small changes usually moves the needle.

Picky eating, ARFID, and autism — what helps

A high proportion of autistic children eat a narrow range of foods. What looks like fussiness is usually sensory, and sometimes ARFID. This piece walks through what is going on, what helps, and when to bring in a professional.

Eye contact in autistic children — what it means and what to do

For decades, "look me in the eyes" was the first thing many interventions taught — and the first thing autistic adults wish they had not been taught. This piece explains what autistic eye contact really means, why forcing it backfires, and what to look for instead.