The Four-Tier System: When Support Comes Too Late
The four-tier system is being discussed as a form of early intervention in SEND support. But many children don’t struggle early. Some cope through primary school and only begin to struggle later, often in secondary school when demands increase sharply. A system that requires children to move slowly through tiers risks delaying help until real damage has already been done. This blog explores why waiting for repeated failure is not early intervention — and why parents need to understand what may be coming.
When Motivation Is Missing: Understanding Low Motivation in Children and Adults with ADHD or Autism
“Low motivation isn’t laziness — it’s brain wiring.”
When dopamine doesn’t fire in the usual way, starting tasks can feel impossible for ADHD and autistic people. This blog explains why — and what genuinely helps.
Stop Moving the Goalposts: Why PDA Isn’t an Excuse for Poor Behaviour
Pathological Demand Avoidance is increasingly used to explain any challenging behaviour. But when PDA becomes a catch-all label, it stops helping those who genuinely experience it. This blog explains what PDA really is, why language matters, and why understanding behaviour means looking at the ‘why’, not excusing the ‘what’.
Autism Is Not a Brand: The Hidden Dangers of Turning Difference into a Product
Autism is increasingly being packaged and sold under the banner of representation. This blog explores the dangers of profiting from autism, particularly when narrow portrayals of autistic girls risk shaping identity, increasing masking, and causing real harm to children.
ADHD and Vulnerability: Grooming, County Lines, and the Role of the Brain
Some children with ADHD are more vulnerable to grooming, exploitation, and substance harm — not because of bad parenting or poor choices, but because of how their brains process reward, connection, and emotional regulation. This blog explains why, and what parents need to know to protect their children.
For Nearly 3 Years, SENCOs Can Hold Their Role Without Training – No Wonder ADHD Kids Are Failed
SENCos can hold their role for nearly three years without mandatory training. This article examines how that gap contributes to ADHD children being misunderstood, mislabelled, excluded, and ultimately failed by an education system that hasn’t evolved to meet neurodivergent needs.
Understanding Social Communication and Its Challenges for Those Who Are Autistic
Social communication is about far more than spoken words. For autistic people, navigating non-verbal cues, conversation rules, and social expectations can be exhausting — and often misunderstood. This article explores why social interaction can be so challenging and how we can offer better support.
Criminalised, Not Criminal: Reflections on Autism and the Justice System
A reflection on autism and the criminal justice system, exploring how autistic behaviour is often misunderstood as intent, and the consequences when reasonable adjustments are not made.
Understanding Misdiagnosis: From Borderline Personality Disorder to Autism
Many autistic adults — especially women — are misdiagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder before autism is ever considered. This post explores why that happens, the harm it causes, and how lived experience is often misunderstood by professionals.
The Intricate Link Between Low Dopamine, ADHD, and Depression
Low dopamine plays a major role in ADHD and mood. This post explains how dopamine affects focus, motivation and emotional wellbeing.
Understanding Autism in Girls: Recognising Distinct Signs and Supporting Neurodivergent Youth
Autism in girls is misunderstood and frequently overlooked. This blog explains the unique signs and offers clear support strategies for families.
Understanding Working Memory and Its Role in Daily Success
Working memory is the brain’s ability to hold and use information. This blog explains why it matters and how to strengthen it.
Executive Functioning: The Missing Piece in Both Autism and ADHD
This blog explores why executive functioning differences are central to daily struggles, behaviour, and learning in autism and ADHD.