Andrea Moncur Mental Health Occupational Therapist

10/12/2025

10/12/2025

Great tips especially leading up to exams!!

09/12/2025

"What child doesn’t like unwrapping a present? The excitement of what is in the beautifully wrapped gift. The feeling of anticipation as you peel back the paper or maybe you simply rip the paper off because you can’t wait to find out? Then once you discover that the gift is that perfect gift you have wanted for so long, you want to share it with those present.

They want to thank the person who gave it to them and give them a massive hug. They will then show everyone how this amazing toy works and hope they will play with them too. This feeling of excitement will be familiar to many of you reading this.

However, I can’t relate to that experience. When I was a child there was nothing worse than being given a gift in public. I still feel this today and will avoid opening any gifts in front of anyone.

If the present is wrapped in paper, I find it is hard to remove. It hurts my hands as I try to undo it. Once I got a paper cut on paper and I can still remember how painful that was.

I wish I knew what was inside it - I hate surprises even nice ones.

There are so many people watching who are expecting a particular reaction from me but I don’t know what that reaction should be.

What if the person that gave it to me wants to hug me when I say thank you? Their jumper looks itchy and their perfume is so strong it gives me a headache.

They will then expect me to show them how it works and might even want to play with my new toy. It will take me time to work out how it works and the feel of it. I need time on my own to process what has happened and get used to the new toy.

I can feel a meltdown coming on because there are so many emotions zooming around my head and I have lost control. Now I have ruined Christmas for everyone and that feeling of guilt will last for ages."

Written by Charlotte.

This is not an unusual feeling for an autistic child (or adult) and we have both seen it with our own sons. It isn’t because they are ungrateful, it is the overwhelming nature of all of the different emotions and feelings that they are experiencing whilst having an audience.

Excitement can so quickly tip over into sensory overload and meltdown. Containing that excitement is so hard and often impossible when you can't regulate your emotions or thoughts.

If your child would rather open presents on their own then let them. They will share their joy and excitement when the time is right for them. Small adjustments like this can make the world of difference to your child and to everyone else in the household.

09/12/2025

06/12/2025

We have a new resource available on our website! 🩵

We have received lots of feedback that it can be confusing to know what ARFID services are available in different areas, so we have created a map to help you find help near you.

ARFID is still being understood, and services are few, but as new support becomes available, we will be sure to update this resource as soon as possible.

Use our new service locator by following this link: https://www.arfidawarenessuk.org/service-locator

06/12/2025

Why December Feels Big for Many Children
December brings a shift in rhythm. Normal routines change, school days look different, and the build-up to the holidays can feel like a lot to hold. Even small changes in schedule can unsettle a young person who relies on predictability to feel safe.

Mounting Sensory Triggers
Lights, music, decorations, crowds, smells — December is a sensory rollercoaster. For some children, this creates excitement. For others, especially those who are already carrying a full emotional load, it can tip them into overwhelm. Their behaviour may change long before adults can see the reason.

Excitement and Anxiety Can Look the Same
A child who seems “over-excited” may actually be anxious or unsure. Big events, visitors, end-of-term assemblies, and social expectations all place extra demands on their nervous system. What looks like silliness, clinginess or irritability is often dysregulation in disguise.

When Emotional Capacity Shrinks
Sleep can be disrupted, their usual coping tools may falter, and transitions become harder. December often reduces a child’s capacity to tolerate frustration, leading to more meltdowns, refusals, or emotional shutdowns. Their behaviour isn’t defiance — it’s communication.

What Helps Adults Support Them
Slowing down where you can, offering extra co-regulation, and keeping expectations gentle can make a meaningful difference. Predictable pockets of calm, visual schedules, sensory breaks, and early empathy help a child feel anchored when everything around them feels more intense.

You’re Not Imagining It — December Is a Lot
If your child seems more emotional, reactive, or sensitive right now, you’re not alone. December triggers are real, common, and human. Understanding them is the first step to responding with connection rather than frustration.

05/12/2025

29/11/2025

Please share with any autistic adults in the Scottish Borders who might be interested in joining us!

Click here to go to our membership form https://share-eu1.hsforms.com/1Tlxv9oqnS_Cfc4TJXbLwHQ2em0wm

27/11/2025

A PDA infographic completed by one of our MSc students, Elinor Baker, while on recent placement with us.

We are hosting a facilitated peer support session tomorrow night Weds 26th Nov 7-8pm on the topic of demand avoidance. To join us and to access our in-depth resources, webinars and support services sign up to our parent platform: https://epicthinklearn.com/parents-join-epic/