Sasha Hvidsten Ltd

28/01/2025

Our online evening seminar is here!

Hosted by Dr Sasha Hvidsten - ADHD and autism - what are the differences. Diagnosis, symptoms and treatment explored.

Please follow the link below for further details and to book your place on the event.

https://www.sashahvidsten.com/services/evening-seminars/

Tickets are limited, book your place to avoid disappointment!
We hope to see you there.

09/01/2025

Autism and ADHD: Key Differences and How to Get Help

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are two distinct neurodevelopmental conditions that often overlap, but they have unique characteristics. Understanding these differences is essential for accurate diagnosis, effective support, and appropriate treatment. This post will outline the core distinctions between autism and ADHD, explore areas of overlap, and provide guidance on seeking help.

Core Differences Between Autism and ADHD Social Interaction -

Autism: Individuals with autism often experience difficulties with social communication and interaction. They may struggle to understand social cues, maintain eye contact, or engage in reciprocal conversations. Some may prefer solitude or have intense interests that they focus on in social situations.

ADHD: People with ADHD typically do not have intrinsic difficulties understanding social norms but may inadvertently disrupt social interactions due to impulsivity, hyperactivity, or inattentiveness. For example, interrupting conversations or failing to listen fully may be seen as socially inappropriate.

Communication Patterns -

Autism: Communication challenges in autism can include delayed speech, difficulty understanding metaphors or idioms, and a tendency to use formal or literal language.

ADHD: While individuals with ADHD may struggle with listening or following instructions due to inattention, they generally do not have inherent communication deficits related to language understanding or use.

Behavioural Traits -

Autism: Restricted and repetitive behaviours, such as insistence on sameness, specific routines, or intense focus on particular interests, are hallmark traits of autism. These behaviours often serve as a source of comfort and predictability.

ADHD: Impulsivity, hyperactivity, and difficulty focusing or sustaining attention are central features of ADHD. Unlike autism, these behaviours are less about routine and more about challenges with self-regulation

Sensory Processing -

Autism: Many individuals with autism experience heightened or reduced sensitivity to sensory input, such as lights, sounds, textures, or smells. This can significantly impact daily life.

ADHD: Sensory issues are less prominent in ADHD, but individuals may exhibit hyperactivity or restlessness in environments with excessive stimuli.

Overlap Between Autism and ADHD -

Despite these distinctions, autism and ADHD often co-occur, and some behaviours may appear similar. For example, both conditions can involve difficulty with focus, impulsivity, and challenges in social settings. This overlap can complicate diagnosis, requiring a thorough evaluation by experienced clinicians to tease apart the nuances of each condition.

How to Get Help -

Seek a Professional Evaluation
Diagnosis typically begins with a visit to a healthcare provider, such as a paediatrician, psychiatrist, or psychologist, who specializes in neurodevelopmental conditions. A comprehensive assessment may include interviews, standardised tests, and observations across different settings.

Access Support Services
Once diagnosed, tailored interventions can be implemented. These might include behavioural therapy, speech therapy, or social skills training for autism, or behaviour management strategies and medication for ADHD.

Build a Support Network
Connecting with local or online support groups can provide valuable resources and emotional support for individuals and families managing these conditions.

Collaborate With Schools or Workplaces
For children, individualised education plans (IEPs) can help provide accommodations in school. Adults may benefit from workplace accommodations, such as structured tasks or flexible work environments.

Final Thoughts -

Both autism and ADHD present unique strengths and challenges. Understanding the differences between these conditions is a crucial first step toward effective support. By seeking professional guidance and utilising available resources, individuals and their families can navigate the complexities of these conditions and foster growth, inclusion, and well-being.

09/01/2025

THINGS THAT CAN BE HARD FOR AUTISTIC/SENSORY PEOPLE AT SCHOOL

◾ Crowded corridors
◾ Loud noises, fire alarm, school bell
◾ Lunchtimes that feel chaotic
◾ Change in teachers and seating plans
◾ Busy bright display boards
◾ Sports changing room smells

Image credit:

12/12/2024

🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄

Autism and Christmas: Navigating the Festive Season

The holiday season, filled with festive cheer, family gatherings, and sensory delights, is a time of joy for many. However, for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), Christmas can present unique challenges. The disruptions to routine, sensory overload, and social demands can make this time overwhelming. Understanding these difficulties and employing thoughtful strategies can ensure a more enjoyable holiday for individuals with autism and their families.

Challenges faced by individuals with Autism during Christmas:

Sensory overload
Christmas is a sensory-rich season, with bright lights, loud music, and bustling environments. For individuals with autism, heightened sensitivity to sensory stimuli can make these experiences overwhelming, leading to distress or meltdowns.

Disruption of routine
The regular structure of daily life is often altered during the holidays, with changes in schedules, meals, and activities. Many individuals with autism rely on predictable routines to feel secure, and these disruptions can cause anxiety.

Social demands
Family gatherings, parties, and social traditions can be challenging. Social communication difficulties may make it hard for individuals to navigate conversations, interpret social cues, or engage in group activities.

Gift-giving and receiving
The exchange of gifts, though intended to be joyful, can be stressful. Unwrapping presents or reacting to unexpected gifts in socially "appropriate" ways may feel like an added pressure.

Food-related challenges
Traditional holiday meals often include unfamiliar foods, textures, or smells that might not align with the sensory preferences or dietary needs of individuals with autism.

Coping strategies for a successful holiday season

Prepare and plan
Preparation can significantly reduce anxiety. Share the holiday schedule in advance, using visual supports such as calendars or social stories. Discuss what to expect at gatherings, including who will be there and what activities might occur.

Create a safe space
Designate a quiet, calming area where the individual can retreat if overwhelmed. Ensure this space is accessible during gatherings or outings and equipped with comforting items, such as noise-cancelling headphones, sensory tools, or favourite objects.

Maintain routines where possible
While some disruption is inevitable, try to maintain core routines such as bedtime, meals, and relaxation time. Consistency in these areas can provide a sense of stability.

Modify the environment
Simplify decorations to minimise sensory overload. Use dimmer lights and softer music. If attending events, consider arriving early when crowds are smaller or opting for quieter, autism-friendly gatherings.

Set realistic expectations
Understand that participation may look different for someone with autism. Allow flexibility in social situations, and avoid pressuring them to conform to traditional norms if it causes discomfort.

Involve them in planning
Empower the individual by involving them in holiday preparations. This might include choosing decorations, selecting a preferred activity, or helping to plan the menu with foods they enjoy.

Communicate with family and friends
Educate those involved about the individual's needs and preferences. Share strategies that work well and encourage acceptance of their unique ways of engaging in festivities.

Fostering inclusion and joy
The holiday season offers an opportunity to celebrate diversity and inclusion. By understanding and accommodating the unique needs of individuals with autism, families and communities can create an environment where everyone can partake in the joy of Christmas. With thoughtful planning, flexibility, and compassion, the season can become a source of connection, rather than stress, for all.

🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄

03/12/2024

Feckenham festivities 🎄

25/11/2024

A reminder that autistic people may struggle with the Christmas season-

📆 plans changing
🎄 expectations from traditions
💡sensory input from lights
🥗 social eating
🎁 gift exchanges

Advice ⬇️

📆 Stay away from definitives that may change. For example instead of saying ‘grandma will be here at 1 and lunch is at 2’, say ‘grandma will hopefully join us just before lunch’. Locking in a plan is worse if it may change (and let’s face it, it often does!).

🎄 Be aware of any expectations coming from traditions (for example where they sit, how things are organised) and allow an open conversation around this. Ask them if there’s anything they’d like to add to the celebrations that’s been missed off. Allow them to raise ‘little’ differences that may be difficult for them.

💡Have lights set to dim modes and not flashing. Keep music to background level and show them how to turn any music/noise off should they need to.

🥗 Include them in the planning stage. What food works for them, where do they want to sit, how can it be as easy as possible for them. My mum once offered me to eat my Christmas lunch on the sofa, it meant the world to me and I still remember it today ❤️ it was her putting aside her own expectations and aiming for my happiness and involvement.

🎁 Allow them to engage however they want to. Perhaps they would like to open gifts when people have left. Perhaps they would like you to hand over their gifts to people.

Preparation is key. Have a conversation with your autistic loved one about how THEY want their Christmas to go.

Christmas is everyone’s day. Allow us to join in, our way 😊

21/11/2024

20/11/2024

The two week countdown is on to our evening seminar hosted by Dr Sasha Hvidsten - held in our clinic (Feckenham, Redditch). Click on the event information below for further details and to book your place! Comment below if you have any questions 🙂

ADHD and autism -what are the differences? Diagnosis, symptoms and treatment.

19/11/2024

18/11/2024

A glimmer is a satisfying sensory delight that fills someone with fervent ecstasy. It is the opposite of a trigger (a stimulus perceived as threatening and unsafe). Autistic people often experience the sensory world with hyper-attunement, creative alliance and whimsy. These glimmers have been collected from a sample of autistic people and do not represent the experience of ALL autistic people.

[image description:

In center in yellow text reads:

“AUTISTIC GLIMMERS”

Around the text are a bunch of examples with small coordinating drawings. Examples include:

Collecting shells

Crushing lavender

Sound of rain

Lava lamp

Cat purrs

Steaming tea

Bumblebees

Candle light

New leaves

Knitted socks

Damp springy moss

Shiny bubbles

Shimmering feathers

Crunching leaves

Freshly baked bread

Dopamine dressing

Saving snails”

At the bottom center is a drawing of a rainbow infinity sign and the artist / page creators page name The ND OT}

13/11/2024

Curious about the differences between ADHD and Autism?
Dr Sasha Hvidsten is holding a seminar evening at our Feckenham clinic. For further details, please follow the link below to our Eventbrite page.

We hope to see you there!

ADHD and autism -what are the differences? Diagnosis, symptoms and treatment.

12/11/2024

Dr Sasha Hvidsten is holding a seminar evening at our clinic in Feckenham, to discuss the differences of ADHD and autism.

If you are interested to learn more about the event please follow the link below to be redirected to our event page. This is a ticketed event.

If you have any questions please send a message or comment below.

We hope to see you there!

ADHD and autism -what are the differences? Diagnosis, symptoms and treatment.