GUEST POST: I Don't Care if My Daughter Does Her Homework
Dr. Olivia Kessel, a former physician and mother, recounts how her daughter's struggles with homework were rooted in undiagnosed ADHD and delayed executive function. She explains that ADHD can postpone executive skill development by roughly 30%, making typical homework expectations unrealistic. By shifting from discipline‑focused tactics to supportive strategies—task chunking, visual timers, and medication—their home environment improved dramatically. Kessel urges schools to rethink homework policies for neurodiverse students, highlighting the broader impact on self‑esteem and family dynamics.
Demand Avoidance: It's Not Just a Drive for Autonomy
The post argues that demand avoidance in teens is driven by anxiety, not merely a desire for autonomy. Parents often mistake avoidance for independence, granting unchecked freedom that reinforces avoidance behaviors. This cycle leads to stagnation, as children say no...
Too Good To Be True
The Substack post highlights the controversy surrounding "Upward Bound," a book attributed to non‑speaking autistic author Woody Brown, whose words are produced via facilitated communication with his mother. While the book has garnered mainstream media attention, scientific research consistently shows...
How Can We Help Early Social Development?
The latest Neurosense podcast features child psychiatrist Jonathan Green discussing his research on early social development in autistic children. Green’s approach centers on parent‑mediated interventions rather than direct work with the child, teaching caregivers strategies to foster social skills. The...
Why Trauma Isn't Always What It Seems
The post explains that post‑traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) hinges on how individuals interpret adverse events, not just the events themselves. It highlights that autistic children often perceive routine situations as incomprehensible threats, leading to PTSD symptoms from seemingly minor incidents....
They Never Listen to Me
The post argues that children usually hear their parents but often disagree, so “not listening” is a mischaracterization. It challenges the assumption that listening equals compliance and suggests reframing the problem as a difference of opinion. By shifting from power‑over...
What's Changed in Autism and ADHD?
The UK government’s interim report finds autistic traits remain steady in the population while diagnosis rates climb, a pattern echoed for ADHD. The rise reflects heightened awareness and broader diagnostic criteria rather than a true increase in prevalence. Clinicians now...
Half Price Sale Just Until Sunday
Naomi Fisher, a specialist in school refusal, is offering her online courses at a 50% discount until Sunday. The programs adopt a child‑centred, non‑pathologising framework and deliver practical strategies for families dealing with school burnout. Testimonials from parents highlight measurable...