Spectrum Guides, Brisbane (2026)

01/02/2026

💛 Gen X: The Lost Neurodivergent Generation

Let’s take a moment to talk about something many of us in Gen X are only now beginning to understand:

We grew up in a world that didn’t have language for neurodiversity.
The 70s and 80s were slower, quieter, and far less demanding in ways that hid our struggles — or forced us to mask them so deeply they became invisible, even to ourselves.

There were no sensory-friendly options.
No “spoons” or “executive functioning.”
No understanding that refusing a meal or a fabric wasn’t defiance — it was pain.
We were expected to cope, comply, and stay quiet.

Our autistic role models didn’t look like us.
Autistic girls and women weren’t even part of the conversation.
And the only mainstream representation of autism was a Hollywood portrayal that bore no resemblance to our everyday lives.

Many of us built routines, habits and coping systems without realising they were accommodations.
We thought this was just who we were — not signs of a brain working differently in a world that rarely met us where we were.

Now, as parents, many of us see ourselves reflected in our neurodivergent children.
Traits we once buried or dismissed suddenly make sense.
And with that recognition comes both clarity and grief — for the support we didn’t have, for the child we once were, and for the years spent not knowing.

💛🧡 Adult diagnosis can be hard, expensive and full of barriers, especially when our masking has been perfected over decades.
And that’s why self-diagnosis is valid, and deeply respected within our community.

If you’re parenting neurodivergent children, there’s a real chance you’re neurodivergent too — not broken, not late, just finally seen.

31/01/2026

💛🧡💚 Perimenopause & Late-Identified AFAB Neurodivergent Women

For many AFAB women, perimenopause arrives without warning — and for those who are autistic or ADHD, it can be the moment everything quietly unravels. When everything hits the proverbial fan.

It’s not something many of us were ever taught to expect.
Women’s health was spoken about in whispers, behind closed doors. Some of us don't have our crones around to share wisdom, and advice around what is happening.
So when shifting hormones begin to disrupt cognition, regulation, energy and executive functioning, it can feel frightening — even identity-shaking.

For high-masking women, this stage of life can be especially confronting.
When estrogen and dopamine shift, the systems we’ve relied on for decades — the coping, the pushing through, the functioning at all costs — stop working the way they always have.

And suddenly we’re left asking:
Why can’t I do what I used to?
What’s wrong with me?

At the same time, many of us are holding careers, caring for children, supporting aging parents — while our own internal operating system feels like it’s crashing.
The expectations don’t slow… but our capacity changes.

For many women, this becomes a time of unmasking.
A time of recognising our own neurodivergence.
A time when the past finally makes sense — and the present asks us to do things differently.

This is not failure.
This is biology meeting burnout meeting decades of invisible labour.

💛🧡 It’s also a time when we need community more than ever.
When the carers need care.
When the ones who’ve always held it together need support holding themselves.

Learning your neurology later in life, making peace with what was missed, and rebuilding with compassion is no small thing.
You don’t have to do it alone. Especially when you are faced with blockages when you ask for help, as medical specialists barely know how to address your fluctuating hormones.

If this resonates — you are seen, you are valid, and you belong here.

30/01/2026

💛🧡💚 Autism in Girls: The Stories We’re Still Learning to See

Diagnosing autism in girls, teens, and AFAB people is still far more complex than it should be.
Not because they are “less autistic,” but because the world has only ever been taught to recognise autism through the lens of boys.

Girls learn early how to observe, copy and blend in.
They mask. They study social rules. They try desperately to stay unnoticed.
And because of that, their struggles too often go unseen.

Imagine being told your daughter “can’t be autistic” because she makes eye contact… or because she has friends… or because she works hard to behave perfectly at school.
These outdated assumptions continue to delay diagnosis for so many girls.

Teachers often describe them as:
✨ quiet
✨ diligent
✨ never asking for help
✨ never causing trouble
✨ always trying to meet expectations

But what they don’t see is the cost.
The emotional release at the end of the day.
The exhaustion.
The tears.
The complete unraveling once they’re finally somewhere safe.

Autistic girls often hold themselves together until they collapse — and that collapse is not misbehaviour.
It’s overwhelm.
It’s masking fatigue.
It’s burnout in tiny bodies.

Our hope is that diagnosticians, educators and families understand that autism doesn’t always look like the picture they were taught.
That criteria designed for boys should not be used as the only lens through which we see our girls.
That subtleties matter.
That lived experience matters.

💛 For the girls who don’t fit the mould — we see you.
💚 Your identity is valid.
🧡 Your neurology is real.
💚 You deserve to be recognised, supported and celebrated in your own light.

And for our community:
Let’s elevate Autistic women and girls as role models.
Let’s teach our girls that they don’t need to disappear to be accepted.
Let’s build a world where they no longer have to mask to survive.

29/01/2026

💛💚💚 Let's talk about the Autism Tax. We hear a lot about ADHD tax and how we need to buy things to replace the precious items we need to replace (I'm learning to just buy two in an effort to compensate!!). The Autism Tax is different.
It's what happens when our sensory needs override all of our preparations.
It's what happens when we spend our lives buying the SAFE foods, the known brands, the familiar meals our families need to satisfy their hunger and provide nourishment., Until it doesnt. And then we are left with cans and boxes of food that we always had in bulk to ensure supplies were to hand. And we don't know what to fill their gaps with....and we offer alternatives, and we are helpless to the fluctuations of weight, mood, and important nutrients.
It's the inability to just add the healthy crunchy snacks after school to protect the enamel on our teeth. Because such foods are never ever on our plates, never an option for a person needing consistent, beige dietary options for comfort. It's the constant advocacy that we can't just complete a project on healthy foods for school when we don't label ANY food when fed is best to keep the kilos on.
It's the socks. Oh the damn socks. I could write chapters on how socks ruin our days. Chapters. How 6 days out of 7 will be stressful because of socks. How parents search for the perfect, seamless, soft option. And even then, a thread. A thread. the tears. even our own at times, as we end up late, unable to attend, unable to do the things. because of socks. DAMN YOU SOCKS.
The toothpastes. The options we search for to ensure dental care is maintained and constantly searching for the toothpaste that is NOT SPICY. The toothbrushes. The constant and expensive brushes we try over and over. Fillings are a part of our lives even with all of this.
The events we leave, the ones we never make, the important things that mark milestones that are often too hard, impossible for us to leave, and we are left trapped, helpless to sensory needs that dictate our presence and require us to stop, and give in.
Have you experienced the Autism tax?

28/01/2026

💛🧡💚 “You have autistic traits… but you won’t meet criteria.”

So many in our community have heard this — and it can feel invalidating, confusing, or dismissive.

Today, we want to shine a light on self-diagnosis and the experiences of Autistic people who don’t fit the outdated, stereotyped picture of autism.

Autism doesn’t always look like what others expect.
Many adults have built entire lives around quiet routines, predictable habits, sensory preferences and coping strategies that help them move through the world — often without anyone noticing.

Fidgets, sensory accommodations are becoming more common also, and so you may not notice immediately the person doodling on the notepad while you speak, who may be direct in conversation, and seemingly impatient at times with their behaviour.

Alternatively it could be the person who has the same lunch, same breakfast, only will dine at one place, it could be home. Whose shelves only hold the same brand of items to eat...whose life on the surface is calm and contained, but behind the scenes careful planning is needed to ensure their needs are met

Being told you “don’t meet criteria” doesn’t erase your lived experience.
It highlights something else:
✨ that autism is diverse,
✨ that masking is powerful,
✨ and that clinical frameworks don’t always see what we’ve spent a lifetime adapting around.

Self-diagnosis can offer language, clarity and compassion for your needs — and it is valid within the Autistic community.

If recognising yourself in autism helps you navigate the world with understanding and care, your insight matters.

27/01/2026

💡💜💚💜 🤔 Confused about the new NDIS changes affecting autistic families? We’re here to help!

Need clarity on NDIS funding for autistic children?

We’ve created an easy-to-understand guide with examples that actually make sense — no jargon, no confusion. 🌈

🌻 Learn which supports can be funded
🌻 Understand the reasoning behind the budgets
🌻Empower yourself with information that works in real life.

Let us help!

The ABCs of the NDIS for Autism - our downloadable resource we've created for FREE that takes you right through access to what typical plans look like.

📘 Download it now at Spectrum Guides.

26/01/2026

💛🧡💚 💫 Did you know sensory overwhelm can impact daily life? Let's break the stigma! 🙌 Join us for an open discussion about coping strategies and check out our favorite resources! 💖
🌈 As Autistics, we experience the world in a unique way! Our sensory receptors are constantly taking in information, making everything feel TOO LOUD, TOO BRIGHT, and TOO INTENSE. Imagine all colors turned up HIGH! 🎨 As Autistics our sensory receptors are taking in additional information ALL of the time.
🎧💡 For many kids on the spectrum, the world can be overwhelming. Every sound is amplified, every light too harsh. 🌟 It's crucial to understand and share ways to provide comfort and safe spaces for our neurodiverse friends.For a very young brain, not practiced at understanding how to seek escape, it can be overwhelming and a place of distress.
🚫💻 Sometimes, it feels like our minds are saying "computer says no"! When we’re overloaded, it’s essential to recognize those signals and take a step back. Let’s prioritize our well-being! 🌈 It is a point of pain and clear distress that everything is too much.
💖 Vulnerability is a part of being human. If you’re with someone who needs to decompress, help them by softening the environment. 🕊️ Dim lights, quiet sounds, and understanding gestures can uplift spirits and foster healing. Let’s prioritize emotional safety! 🌼
💕 Understanding goes a long way! Many people don’t realize that our environments can impact our emotional well-being. 🌈 Next time you’re with someone who seems overwhelmed, try lowering the noise and light. Let them know it’s okay to take a moment for themselves. 🌿 . Do a quick stocktake of the environmental factors and turn it all down - , bring down as much as you can and reduce conversation to a minimum, and wait. The person is often at their most vulnerable, and needs time to recover. They also need understanding from those around them, and it is important to learn about our sensory needs, and what we can do to manage our responses in our day to day life so we aren't overloaded and overwhelmed.
💡📘 Let’s break down barriers! Discussing sensory needs through enlightening books strengthens our understanding. This approach eliminates shoulds and guilt while promoting acceptance. Together, we can create safe and accessible environments for all. 🤗
🌍✨ Let's prioritize creating safe spaces for those who may be feeling overwhelmed. When someone is at their most vulnerable, a little dimming of the lights and softening of sounds can work wonders. 💖 Remember, it’s okay to embrace silence and give them the time they need to recover. 🌙
🌟🔊 Living as an Autistic individual means our sensory receptors are always on high alert! Everything can feel like it's turned up to MAX. How have you learned to cope with too much sensory input? Join in the conversation, and let's help each other find peace! 🌼🕊️

25/01/2026

💛🧡💚 This one is hard to write.

We feel this right now. We know many of you do also.

Find what helps you. Find someone to share, vent, hold. Person or covered in fur whatever helps.

We see you. We are you.

25/01/2026

📖Looking for ideas of what to ask for school to support your Autistic child and needing some guidance?

We have created a guide with 25 pages of ideas to help!

🏫Meeting with your school to request support and accommodations for your Autistic student can be incredibly important in ensuring your young person’s needs are supported.

It helps to have some structure to communicate what your student’s strengths are, and how they might struggle in particular environments – building a team of supports at school will be beneficial for your family life, and your student’s success both socially and academically.

We have loads of suggestions in our guide that highlight areas Neurodivergent students may struggle – recognising that Autistic students are commonly also diagnosed with ADHD, and potentially a Learning difference such as Dyslexia, Dysgraphia, or Dyscalculia.

Our guide helps you prepare for school meetings by clearly outlining your Autistic student’s strengths, challenges and support needs.

Download it today as part of your school preparation for 2026!

24/01/2026

💛 For the Parents Feeling Overwhelmed Right Now

As we wake each day in a space that can feel negative at times in the media, many parents of Autistic children aren’t feeling the new year excitement others seem to be posting about.

Instead, there’s a quiet overwhelm sitting just under the surface.

Because while some families are planning ahead and talk about goals to achieve…
many of us are wondering:

✨ How long will our supports stay in place?
✨ Why does every conversation about our child use ableist language that misses who they truly are?
✨ Why does no one understand how hard all of this really is for us?
✨ How are we meant to plan anything when the system around us keeps shifting?

Appointments pile up.
Plans feel impossible.
The holidays feel less like a break, and more like another layer of change our children (and we) have to survive.

If you’re feeling fear, uncertainty, exhaustion, or that “rug about to be ripped out from under us” feeling — please know this:

💛 You are not alone.
💛 Your worries are valid.
💛 The system is confusing and inconsistent — you are not imagining it.
💛 You are doing the best you can in circumstances that ask far too much.

As each day begins, may you find small pockets of gentleness.
A moment to breathe.
A reminder that you and your child are worthy of support — not because you fight for it, but because you deserve it.

If you need community, grounding or guidance, Spectrum Guides is here.
Always.

23/01/2026

💛🧡💚 Talking With Your Child About Their Diagnosis

We’re often asked by parents how — or when — to talk with their child about an autism diagnosis.

Some parents worry their child isn’t ready, or fear that naming it might feel heavy or confusing.

At Spectrum Guides, we see diagnosis differently.

Talking about Autism can be as natural as talking about the things that make us us — our preferences, our strengths, and the ways our brains work.

A diagnosis isn’t a label to carry; it’s a language that helps explain why the world can feel different, and why certain supports help.

When children understand their neurology, they gain:
✨ words for their experiences
✨ permission to ask for support
✨ confidence to advocate for their needs

It also opens the door to community — to learning from neurokin, sharing strategies, and knowing they’re not alone.

For Autistic teens especially, this connection is vital. As hormones shift and self-esteem can take a hit from feeling “different” to peers, developing a positive autistic identity isn’t just helpful — it’s protective. It supports belonging, resilience, and emotional survival during some of the most vulnerable years.

These conversations don’t have to happen all at once.
They can grow and evolve with your child’s age, understanding, and curiosity.
What matters most is that the message is clear and affirming:
💜 There is nothing wrong with you.
💚 Your brain works differently — and that’s okay.

How have you approached conversations about diagnosis in your family?

22/01/2026

💜✨ Feeling Unsure About Autism or ADHD Diagnosis? You’re Not Alone.

For so many in our Neurodivergent community, the journey toward diagnosis — whether for your child, your teen, or even yourself — can feel confusing, overwhelming, or unexpectedly emotional.

Maybe someone gently raised a concern.
Maybe you saw something that resonated in someone else’s report.
Maybe you’ve always felt different, but never had words for it until now.

We hear this every day from thousands of families and adults we’ve supported:
that moment of “How did I not see this?”
or the quiet fear that you somehow missed something important about your child.
Or the deep exhaustion of an adult who reaches awakening on the edge of Autistic burnout.

You are not failing.
You are not late.
You are simply discovering truth — and that takes courage.

💛 Our Diagnosis Pathways Guide was created to bring clarity, calm and compassion to this process.

Inside we cover:
🔹 Diagnosis options for children, teens and adults
🔹 What each pathway involves
🔹 Costs and referral suggestions
🔹 Supports available before and after diagnosis
🔹 Why diagnosis can help — and when it might not be necessary

If the search for answers has felt overwhelming, confusing or contradictory…
Take a breath.
We’ve got you.
And you don’t have to navigate this alone.

📘 Download the guide now via Spectrum Guides.

Spectrum Guides

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