Autism

We don’t need to erase the concept of support needs. We just need to stop “keeping score”. Stop assuming visible behaviour tells the whole story.

We can create environments where girls don’t have to work so hard to appear “okay”. We can help them build a sense of self that isn’t shaped entirely by what others expect.

Anna Kennedy has built more than a charity, she has built a movement. A place where autistic people and their families feel seen, supported, and celebrated in ways mainstream society still too often overlooks.

The Autism Friendly Award is a step toward a transport system that recognises neurodivergent needs and responds with empathy, structure, and practical support. It shows what’s possible when organisations listen to autistic voices and design with inclusion in mind.

Many neurodivergent people grow up feeling out of sync with traditional schooling or social expectations. But that difference, that sense of seeing the world from a slightly different angle, is exactly what fuels innovation.

Content Warning: This blog discusses suicide, suicidal thoughts, self‑harm, and the mental health challenges faced by autistic children, young people, and adults. It includes references to research on suicide risk within the autistic community, as well as descriptions of emotional overwhelm, alexithymia, and distress responses. Please take care while reading.

Tomorrow, something powerful opens in London. Something every family, educator, and ally in the SEND community should experience.

When violent outbursts happen at home, it can leave families feeling frightened, isolated, and unsure where to turn. But none of this means you’re failing. It means you’re carrying an extraordinary load, often without enough help.

Mattel collaborated closely with autistic advocates, clinicians, and people with lived experience to ensure the autistic Barbie reflects real autistic identities rather than stereotypes.

School culture around autism and neurodiversity is evolving, but it’s not finished. Young people are noticing the improvements, but they’re also feeling the gaps. Their voices remind us that inclusion isn’t a policy, it’s a lived experience.

Being outdoors lowers cortisol. It reduces heart rate and muscle tension. It gives the brain a break from the sensory overload of classrooms, corridors, and crowds. For neurodivergent learners, who often live with heightened sensory sensitivity, this shift can feel like stepping out of a storm.

James Hunt has become a powerful voice for autism awareness, sharing his family’s experiences with honesty, warmth, and a commitment to real understanding.