Aspect Autism Consultancy

23/12/2025

That's a wrap! Every one of you have been amazing and we've enjoyed meeting so many children, young people and adults all on their unique journey. From all of us to you, have a restful time. Do Christmas your way!

19/12/2025

Helpful Phrases Autistic People Can Use to Advocate for Their Needs Over Christmas.

The festive season often brings shared spaces, busy environments, social expectations, and changes to routine. For autistic people, this can mean increased sensory input, social fatigue, and pressure to “push through” discomfort for the sake of politeness or tradition.

You should not have to give long explanations, disclose personal information, or justify your needs in order to be respected. Sometimes, having a few prepared phrases can make it easier to communicate clearly and confidently—especially when energy is already low.

Below are simple, respectful phrases autistic people can use over Christmas to advocate for their needs, while keeping explanations to a minimum.

Phrases for Needing Time Away or Space
“I’m going to take a short break and come back later.”

“I need some quiet time for a bit—I’ll rejoin when I can.”

“I’m stepping outside to reset for a few minutes.”

“I’m feeling a bit overwhelmed, so I’m going to take some space.”

These phrases communicate a clear need without inviting debate or concern.

Phrases for Needing a Lie Down or Rest
“I need to lie down for a while to recharge.”

“I’m taking some rest time so I can manage the rest of the day.”

“I’ll be more comfortable if I take a break to rest.”

Rest is not rudeness—it’s regulation.

Phrases Around Food and Eating Preferences
“I’m sticking with foods I know feel safe for me today.”

“I’m not eating that, but thank you for offering.”

“I’ve already planned what works for me food-wise.”

“I eat differently, and this works best for me.”

No further explanation is required.

Phrases for Sensory Needs
“I’m going to put my headphones on for a bit.”

“The noise/lights are a bit much for me right now.”

“I need a quieter space to feel okay.”

Sensory needs are valid needs.

Phrases for Social Boundaries
“I’m going to head off now—thank you for understanding.”

“I’m not up for conversation right now, but I appreciate you checking in.”

Leaving early or opting out is a form of self-care.

A Reminder
You are not being difficult, rude, ungrateful, or antisocial by honouring your needs.

Clear, calm communication is a strength—not something to apologise for. The right people will respect your boundaries, and it’s okay if not everyone fully understands.

Your comfort matters.
Your needs are real.
And you are allowed to advocate for yourself—especially at Christmas.

16/12/2025

Christmas Doesn’t Have to Look a Certain Way

For many autistic and ADHD adults, Christmas can feel full of pressure, expectations, and traditions that don’t actually feel enjoyable.

You are allowed to do Christmas on your own terms.

That might mean:

✨ Creating personalised traditions that feel comforting and predictable
✨ Letting go of things you do out of obligation rather than choice
✨ Centring your Christmas around special interests, rest, and regulation
✨ Keeping celebrations quiet, low-demand, or non-traditional
✨ Saying no to events that drain you—and yes to what genuinely brings you joy
A meaningful Christmas doesn’t have to be loud, busy, or social. It can be calm, repetitive, personal, or even completely un-festive.

An authentic Christmas is a valid Christmas.

You can read the full blog on our website here: https://www.aspectautism.com/post/how-neurodivergent-adults-can-make-christmas-enjoyable-on-their-own-terms

09/12/2025

Introducing the Clinicians Behind Aspect Autism. We’re a bespoke autism consultancy made up of highly experienced clinicians—most with over 30 years working in mental health and neurodevelopmental services.

Our team includes specialists in:
✔ Autism assessment & diagnosis
✔ Mental health nursing, Psychology
✔ Occupational therapy
✔ Speech and language therapy
✔ Support for both children and adults

Many of us also have personal experience supporting neurodivergent family members, bringing an added layer of understanding and empathy to the work we do.

We’re proud of the expertise, warmth, and neuro-affirming support our team offers every day.

Read our full team introduction on our blog: https://www.aspectautism.com/post/meet-the-team-behind-aspect-autism

30/11/2025

Support Outside the NHS: The Role of Organisations Like Aspect Autism. Alongside NHS provision, some families seek additional guidance and clarity from independent services. Since 2017, Aspect Autism Consultancy has been supporting children, young people, and adults who are looking for advice, answers, and help navigating the assessment process. They provide guidance, diagnostic services where appropriate, and ongoing support, and are known for offering high-quality, regulated reports. For many families, organisations like Aspect Autism Consultancy offer reassurance and continuity at a time when public services are under significant strain. Read our blog at aspectautism.com on why our NHS Neurodevelopemental service crisis is happening.

Offering private autism assessment for chldren as well as adults. A mental health service with clinicians with at least 25 years experience in their field.

21/11/2025

We are pleased to announce that Aspect Autism Consultancy are now offering ADHD assessments for both children and adults.

After recognising the growing need for high-quality ADHD pathways, we have formally partnered with AuDHD Psychiatry to ensure our clients can receive safe, regulated psychiatric input where medication is required.

Our ADHD assessment pathway includes:

• Initial Appointment: Background information, current concerns, and assessment goals
• Diagnostic Interview (DIVA) & QBCheck: A comprehensive clinical interview supported by objective testing of attention, activity, and impulsivity

While Aspect carries out the full diagnostic assessment, medication management is provided exclusively by Audhd Psychiatry ensuring a seamless and clinically robust process.

ADHD is a complex neurodevelopmental condition, and an accurate assessment is essential for accessing appropriate support. We are proud to expand our services to meet this need within our community.

If you would like more information please get in touch.

19/11/2025

Did you know… many parents only realise they might be autistic after their child receives an autism diagnosis.

It’s surprisingly common — when someone brings their child for assessment, they begin to recognise similar traits in themselves: sensory sensitivity, social exhaustion, special interests, or intense focus. That awakening often leads them to explore and eventually seek their own diagnosis.

Why this matters:
• Getting diagnosed as an adult can bring clarity, self-understanding, and access to support.
• It also helps change how people think about autism: it’s not just a “childhood condition” — it’s lifelong.

📊 UK Statistics & Context:

A major recent review found that 89–97% of autistic adults aged 40 or above in the UK are undiagnosed.

Research suggests that many adult diagnostic tools and support systems are still skewed toward children.

According to NHS / government data, about 1.46% of the population in England currently have a recorded autism diagnosis, but experts believe this underestimates the true number of autistic adults.

✨ Why sharing this helps:

It validates the experiences of parents who suddenly recognise themselves in their child’s diagnosis.

It raises awareness that autism in adults is under-diagnosed in the UK, especially in mid-life and older age.

It encourages more inclusive services: better adult-diagnostic pathways, more understanding from professionals, and community support.

11/11/2025

Unplug to Recharge

For many autistic people, screens can be both a comfort and a source of overload. Between bright lights, constant notifications, and endless scrolling, our brains rarely get a true break.

And as the days get shorter, and the weather colder, we tend to spend more time at home - it can be easy to just reach for our devices to pass the time!

Taking time to disconnect from electronics isn’t about restriction — it’s about reconnection.
✨ Reconnect with your body.
✨ Reconnect with calm.
✨ Reconnect with what feels grounding.

Maybe that’s a quiet walk, a weighted blanket, time with a special interest (off-screen!), or just sitting in silence. Whatever helps you decompress — it matters.

Give yourself permission to unplug. Your nervous system will thank you.

07/11/2025

School and Trauma in Neurodivergent Children
For many neurodivergent children, the school environment isn’t just a place of learning — it’s a landscape of constant sensory, social, and executive demands. The noise, unpredictability, and expectations to “fit in” can be overwhelming for a brain wired to process the world more deeply or creatively.

When needs go unmet, children often learn to mask — to hide their discomfort, suppress their natural responses, and mimic what’s expected of them. Over time, that masking comes at a heavy emotional cost, often leading to exhaustion, anxiety, or meltdowns that are misunderstood as “behavioural issues.”

What looks like resilience is often survival.
What looks like withdrawal may be self-protection.

Creating trauma-informed, neuroaffirming educational spaces isn’t about lowering expectations — it’s about meeting children where they are, honouring how their brains work, and allowing them to feel safe enough to learn authentically.

Every child deserves an environment that nurtures, not overwhelms, their way of being.

07/11/2025

Renfrewshire Carers Centre – Adult ASD Carers Group 🌟
‎
Renfrewshire Carers Centre is considering setting up an Autism Support Group for Carers looking after Autistic adults.
‎
We would like to provide a supportive, friendly group for those caring for Autistic adults 17+.

💬 Our support groups connect Carers with others who share similar experiences and find strength in a network of compassionate people who truly understand.
📚 We also provide a wealth of valuable resources and support services for Carers.
‎
Please join us at:
📅 Date: 10th November 2025
🕐 Time: 1.00pm – 3.00pm
📍 Location: Renfrewshire Carers Centre
‎
If you cannot make this date but would like more information, please call us on 0141 887 3643 or email jean@renfrewshirecarers.org.uk.

05/11/2025

Remember, remember that not all joy looks the same.

Bonfire Night is often filled with excitement — the crackle of the fire, the sparkle of fireworks, the buzz of a crowd.

But for many autistic people, that same night can feel overwhelming — too loud, too bright, too unpredictable.

Joy doesn’t always look like fireworks and cheers. Sometimes it’s the quiet comfort of watching from indoors, enjoying the glow of a sparkler in the garden, or creating your own cosy celebration at home.

This 5th of November, let’s remember that joy comes in many forms — loud or quiet, shared or solitary, bright or gentle — and every version is valid.

Here are a few simple ways to make Bonfire Night more autism-friendly:
✨ Offer choice — let people decide how (or whether) they want to celebrate.
🔉 Think about sound — ear defenders or headphones can help.
🕯️ Bring the celebration indoors — a movie, craft, or candle can be just as meaningful.

Let’s celebrate in ways that feel safe, joyful, and inclusive for everyone. Read on blog at Aspectautism.com

01/11/2025

Free initial assessment for all. Book at Aspectautism.com