Oxford Paediatric Autism Assessments

14/11/2025

We are loving our time at APAC 2025! The keynote speakers have been exceptional. We are feeling inspired by the knowledge and passion being shared! The future is bright 💫

07/11/2025

The Talking Split crew are joined this week with Matt & Bo from Aspect - Autism Spectrum Australia to discuss the impact that coaches can have when coaching people who have Autism.

They unpack what Autism is, share some real-life examples for coaches to relate to, and practical steps and advice that coaches can use in their own coaching to make sport, and the experience more inclusive for everyone!

Listen to this week's episode via the link or subscribe to the podcast on your favourite podcast app: https://www.basketballvictoria.com.au/news/talking-split-e181-understanding-autism-in-coaching-with-aspect-autism-spectrum-australia

07/11/2025

Why do we tell children about their diagnosis?

Because it’s not just a diagnosis ;it’s their neurotype.

It’s language for how they move, feel, and process the world around them. It helps them understand…

• why the noise feels too loud,
• why their thoughts run fast,
• why something feels so big for them when no one else seems to feel it.

Back in the 90s, when I was working it out, I thought I was an alien; an observer trying to understand these Earthlings and their strange social rituals. I resonated so deeply with Mr Bean being dropped to Earth and working his way round.

That was the only language I had.

Now I know: it wasn’t alien. It was autism. It was ADHD.

So many adults say, “I wish someone had told me sooner.”

Because when you don’t have that language, you grow up believing you’re bad at being human (or like me, a really good secret spy alien) when really, you were just neurodivergent in a world that didn’t explain or meet your difference kindly and easily.

When we tell children about their brains early, we give them something therapy can’t: self-trust.

It's a map to understand themselves that puts them in the driver's seat and gives them choices that fit their nervous system. It does wonders somatically for the nervous system when individuals are in charge.

That’s why I write books that help adults have these conversations with care and compassion.... so kids don’t have to wonder if they’re alien too.

Welcome to the Not-Alien, Autistic/ADHDer club. 🧠💫

05/11/2025

When life turns up the pressure, food becomes complicated.
With bodies trying to cope.
It’s not about control; it’s about comfort and safety.
It’s about feeling safe.
Sometimes the same meal, same brand, same texture is what keeps the world from spinning too fast.
Sometimes you need someone who gets it.
Who knows which food feels safe.
Who doesn’t push, question, or judge who instead just makes sure you’re fed, seen and okay.
Consistency in food isn’t control, it’s comfort.
In a world that changes by the minute perhaps the plate can stay the same.

Join Dr Naomi Fisher and myself next week for our brand new The Art of Low Demand Parenting on Food.
Monday 10th November at midday.
Recorded ticket option for those who can't make it on the day.

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-art-of-low-demand-parenting-food-tickets-1736300695119?aff=ebdsoporgprofile

27/10/2025

OPAA are moving! It is with mixed feelings that we leave our spacious, light filled office in Leederville. Yet we are excited to start fresh in leafy West Perth! Our new address is Suite 1, 29 Ord Street. Our first assessment in West Perth will take place on Monday 3rd November. Please be patient while we update our website with new photographs of our space.

15/10/2025

07/10/2025

You asked. We listened.💛
Sign up to be the first to know about our new program, Local Connect Plus created for autistic and neurodivergent women and gender-diverse adults, 18+, right across Australia.
Local Connect Plus helps you find and connect with other adult ladybugs online or in person in a safe and simple way. It could be catching up for coke zero, going for a walk, or just knowing there’s someone close by who’s part of your neurokin. Local Connect Plus will launch later this year. Register your Expression of Interest now to be the first to know when it goes live.

Or link in bio
https://mailchi.mp/yellowladybugs/local-connect-plus

04/10/2025

Rejection sensitivity dysphoria explained

23/09/2025

Just saying…

Image credit: Neurodivergent_Lou

23/09/2025

https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/more-or-less-behind-the-stats/id267300884?i=1000710563552

Podcast Episode · More or Less: Behind the Stats · 31/05/2025 · 9m

22/09/2025

🫶🏻🫶🏻🫶🏻

We’re taking a short break from social media while our team are on leave. At the same time, we know there will be conversations globally around autism, that may share harmful and inaccurate ideas about the “cause” of autism. These kinds of narratives can feel heavy and damaging for our community.

We want to leave you with these protective reminders:
💛 Autism is not caused by vaccines, parenting, or diet. Autistic people have always been part of humanity.
💛 Harmful claims do not change the truth of our lived experience, or the strength and beauty in our community.
💛 You don’t need to engage with every harmful comment or headline. Protect your energy.
💛 Surround your feed with autistic voices, affirming psychologists, trusted researchers, and good allies. Look to the people who reflect your values and share accurate information.
💛 Choose if, when, and how you wish to advocate in response. You don’t need to enter every discussion you are invited to. But if you do want to respond, know you have a community behind you.
💛 Focus on the communities and organisations that affirm who you are, not those that drain you.

Take gentle care of yourselves. We stand with you in love and solidarity, and we’ll be back online soon after the school holidays. 💛🐞

15/09/2025

🌱 Telling a child that they are Autistic is a gift of understanding.

When a child knows they are Autistic, they:
✨ Gain language to describe their experiences
✨ Feel validated, rather than confused or “different”
✨ Build confidence in their identity
✨ Learn that their brain works in unique and valuable ways
✨ Can connect with others in the Autistic community

Honesty fosters self-acceptance. By sharing their Autistic neurology, we give children the chance to grow up knowing that who they are is not something to hide - it’s something to embrace. 💜



[ID: Against a magenta background, with the Reframing Autism logo at the top left and the colourful knotwork in the lower right corner, white text reads, 'Identity is the key to self-knowledge, self-determination, self-esteem and resilience. By telling your child about their Autistic neurology, you gift them their identity'. Below the text is an image of a mother holding her young child’s hands as they smile warmly at one another.]