If your child uses Minecraft to create intricate worlds, becomes absorbed in arranging objects or repeating symbolic routines, or seems more at ease in imaginative play than in structured tasks, they may not be avoiding learning—they may be doing it, just not in ways that conventional settings are equipped to recognise. The psychoanalyst and paediatrician Donald Winnicott proposed a […]
William James and the Plural Self – Understanding Learning in Autistic and ADHD Young People
As a parent of an autistic or ADHD young person, you may have noticed how difficult it is for the systems around your child—particularly in education—to reflect the full complexity of who they are. Schools often ask them to be consistent, linear, and externally regulated. But your child might not be consistent. They might be […]
Henri Bergson and the Rhythm of Learning: A New Lens for Understanding Autistic and ADHD Time
If you’ve ever noticed that your child takes longer to transition between tasks, becomes completely absorbed in an activity to the point of losing track of the world around them, or seems to struggle with keeping pace in the classroom—it might not be because they’re unmotivated or inattentive. It might be because they’re experiencing a […]
Sensory Triggers, the Spice of Life
Ah, sensory triggers, the spice of life for those of us blessed with a neurological profile that’s a bit more… shall we say, bespoke?Gather ’round, dear fellows, as we embark on a whimsical journey through the minefield that is the sensory world. You’re in for a treat, and possibly a meltdown or two – but […]
Behold, the meltdown
Our old friend and occasional nemesis. For those of us blessed (or cursed, depending on the day) with autism and/or ADHD, these episodes are less of an inconvenience and more of a built-in feature. It’s as if our brains came with a factory-installed “Chaos Mode” that activates at the most inopportune moments. What about our […]
Sensory-Friendly Learning – How to Create an Environment That Works for Your Brain
Learning isn’t just about absorbing information—it’s about creating an environment where your brain can actually process and retain it. If you’re autistic, ADHD, or both, the way your surroundings feel can make or break your ability to focus, stay engaged, and actually enjoy the process. Sensory input plays a huge role in learning, but most […]
Up Close and Personal – The World Is Too Much
I step into a bustling train station, and a wall of sound hits me. Fluorescent lights buzz at a frequency only I can hear, and each loudspeaker announcement is jarring. My senses amplify everything—clothing feels like sandpaper against my skin, smells intermingle into an overwhelming cloud and the cacophony of chatter and footsteps pounds in […]
Minecraft as a Safe Haven: How Neurodivergent Gamers Use It for Sensory and Emotional Regulation
For many neurodivergent individuals, video games are more than just entertainment—they serve as essential tools for self-regulation, emotional processing, and sensory engagement. Among these, Minecraft stands out as a uniquely adaptable and immersive experience that caters to a wide range of sensory and emotional needs. Its open-world design, customisable gameplay, and predictable yet interactive environment makes it particularly well-suited for […]
The Link Between Sensory Sensitivities and Emotion Regulation
Sensory processing and emotional regulation are deeply interconnected, shaping how individuals navigate their environments, process stimuli, and respond to everyday challenges. For individuals with sensory sensitivities, particularly those who are hypersensitive (over-responsive) or hyposensitive (under-responsive) to sensory input, emotional regulation can be significantly impacted. When sensory input is overwhelming, the ability to self-soothe, manage frustration, and adapt to unexpected changes becomes more […]
Can Sensory Sensitivities Impact Family Dynamics?
Families function as dynamic systems where each member’s needs, behaviours, and preferences shape daily life. When one or more family members experience sensory sensitivities, these interactions become even more complex. Sensory sensitivities—whether hypersensitivity (over-responsiveness) or hyposensitivity (under-responsiveness)—can influence everything from social interactions to household routines and emotional well-being. Unlike physical disabilities that are often visible, sensory sensitivities are internal experiences that […]
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