How to build relationships with your autistic students (and why it’s enormously important)When I was a teacher in a school for autistic students, it was well-noted that my biggest strength was my...
Top ten acts of cruelty that would cause outrage if they happened to non-autistic childrenIn order to provide for people with disabilities, learning difficulties or neurological conditions, sometimes we need to treat them differently....
When should I tell my child they’re autistic, and how do I tell them?The two questions above are among the most commonly asked by parents of newly-diagnosed autistic children. And wouldn’t it be...
The Stop Rule: teaching children consent through playContent Warning: this article discusses the dangers of making children vulnerable to abuse and manipulation, but does not discuss specific...
An autistic person’s guide to an autism-friendly ChristmasI don’t like Christmastime. And I should be allowed to say that without being criticised for it. Don’t get me...
Fifty pieces of advice from an autistic adult, written for autistic childrenThe internet is full of advice articles for parents. So just for once, this one’s for children themselves! I can’t...
“Hating autism” and the damage it doesIf this article challenges you, it may be a good thing. I’d encourage people to read this with an open...
Bridging the Gap Between Autistic Adults and Autism ParentsSometimes, the internet is toxic. That’s no secret. And that extends everywhere, even in the autism world. You’d think the...
A survival guide for Year Sixes preparing for their SATs (from an autistic teacher)There are so many advice articles out there for parents. This one’s for children. In particular, this is for...
Anger and growing up: ten tips to beat itSome years ago, I smashed up our family’s shower head because it wasn’t doing what I wanted. Looking back, I probably...
What to do when your family doesn’t accept autism“My parents don’t accept that I am (or my child is) autistic. What should I do?” This question ranks pretty...
How do I stop my child using autism as an excuse?I didn’t expect to be asked this question as often as I have been. It’s a tricky one to even...
We asked children across the autism spectrum: “What do you love most about life?” Here are their answers.Note- this article has now been adapted, improved tenfold, and turned into a book! Information about it can be found...
Five ways to damage autistic children without even knowingYep, uncomfortable title. But sadly, these are subjects that I feel we have a responsibility to talk about. Today, I’m...
If you could teach people one thing about autism, what would it be?Last month I ran an autism survey, inviting anyone associated with autism to fill out: whether they were autistic, cared...
Working abroad with Asperger’s: 10 life lessons I learned from KindercampPeople often ask each other where their ‘second home’ is. When I tell them that mine is the Jugendgruppenzeltplatz on...
When should I tell my child they’re autistic, and how do I tell them?2020 edit- this is now an expired article. I’ve written an updated version here, which is based on insights I’ve...
