Autism fatigue is the deep, cumulative exhaustion that comes from living in a world not designed for autistic nervous systems. It is not simply being tired after a busy day. It is a whole-body, whole-mind depletion that builds over time when sensory overload, social demands, and constant self-regulation pile up without enough recovery. For many
Autism is often described as a spectrum, yet this word is one of the most misunderstood aspects of the condition. Autism is a neurodevelopmental difference that can influence how a person experiences communication, social interaction, sensory input, routines, and change. In the UK, at least one in every hundred people is autistic and many believe this
In 1983, a documentary titled The Children of Darkness aired, casting an unflinching spotlight on the challenges faced by children with autism and the underexposed world of psychiatric institutions in America. At the time of its release, the documentary stunned audiences with its raw portrayal of autistic children and the conditions they lived under in the 1970s
Self-injurious behaviour (SIB), such as hitting the head or body, is one of the most distressing things a caregiver can witness. It’s frightening, confusing, and often misunderstood. The uncomfortable truth: this behaviour is not random, attention-seeking, or “bad behaviour.”It is communication, usually of distress, in a child whose nervous system is overloaded and whose ability
In recent years, the term AUDHD has gained traction within both neurodivergent communities and clinical discussions. Short for Autism + ADHD, AUDHD refers to individuals who are diagnosed with, or strongly identify with both Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC) and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Because these conditions frequently overlap, many people find that “AUDHD” captures their lived
When my son, Jacob, was younger, he used to call every uncomfortable feeling “angry.” It didn’t matter if he was anxious, embarrassed, or just tired — to him, it was all anger. And excitement? He’d either miss the feeling entirely or confuse it for something else. I remember one day after school, he came home looking
I used to think meltdowns were just “big tantrums.” I didn’t understand them — not really. Then I became a parent to Ethan. The first time I saw him in the middle of a meltdown, I didn’t even recognise my own child. His little face was red, his breath coming in short bursts, tears pouring
This post is written by Sarah Bennett, mum to seven-year-old Oliver and four-year-old Mia, both on the autism spectrum. You can read more about our journey with autism, therapies, and family life here on the My Virtual Carer Blog. When Oliver was first diagnosed, our home became a revolving door of therapists. We had speech therapists, occupational
If you’re raising or working with an autistic child, you’ll know there’s no single “rulebook” that fits every situation. Each child is unique — with their own joys, challenges, and ways of experiencing the world. But one truth is universal: the wrong approach can unintentionally cause harm, even when it’s well-meaning. Many of us have
Caring for an elderly parent is one of the most rewarding yet challenging responsibilities you can take on. It’s a journey filled with love, patience, and often, sacrifice. From managing medications to ensuring regular check-ups, keeping track of appointments, and staying on top of daily needs, the responsibilities can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re juggling
