Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS): A Complete Guide for Health and Social Care
In the UK, the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) exist to protect adults who lack mental capacity from being unlawfully restricted as part of their care. They ensure that any limits on a person’s freedom in a care home or hospital are legally authorised, necessary for safety, the least restrictive option available, and in the […]
Physical Restraints and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder PTSD
In places meant to heal, trauma should not be part of the treatment. Although restraints are often introduced to manage risk, they can unintentionally cause serious psychological harm. In environments that are meant to feel safe, this harm is often described as “sanctuary trauma.” Research increasingly shows that restraint can be a direct contributor to […]
What Does an Occupational Therapist Do
“What we do each day shapes who we are, how we connect, and how we experience life.” An occupational therapist (OT) supports people to build, regain, or sustain the skills needed for everyday life and work, helping them live with greater independence while navigating physical, mental, developmental, or emotional challenges. OTs carry out detailed assessments, […]
Autism Friendly Holidays – Meaningful Christmas Season for Your Loved Ones
It’s THAT time of the year – lights everywhere, festive decorations, people rushing around, and traffic that only seems to grow. It can feel overwhelming for anyone. Yet it’s still the most wonderful time of the year, and somehow, it’s all worth the ‘struggle’. Autism brings its own way of experiencing the world, and the […]
Oliver McGowan Training – Insights and Overview
Committed to saving lives by supporting the health and social care workers to develop the skills and insight needed to deliver safe, compassionate and informed care to autistic people and people with a learning disability. People with a learning disability and autism often experience a lower quality of life, including reduced mental and physical wellbeing. […]
How to Manage Screen Time for Autistic Children
Every child is different, and there is no one-size-fits-all model to follow. Parents should adjust their approach based on their child’s unique strengths, needs, and aspirations. Excessive screen exposure has raised growing concerns about its impact on children’s brain development. While many professionals suggest avoiding or limiting screen time exposure for autistic children, it’s important […]
Is OCD Neurodivergent?:The Link Between OCD and Neurodiversity
We all have different perspectives on how we see and experience the world around us. For many people, a change in routine or a daily task feels perfectly normal. For others, it can bring distress, anxiety, and disruption to daily life. When we have our brains wired differently, and that neurological difference affects the way […]
Social Stories for Transitions: Making Changes Easier
A simple change in routine or plan can be challenging for both children and adults. Transitioning from one location to another, leaving the playground, or switching a school subject can all trigger unexpected emotional outbursts. For autistic children, or children with ADHD and learning disabilities, unexpected events can lead to emotional storms that may have […]
How to Write a Social Story
Social stories have shown impressive results in supporting communication for autistic children and adults. Whether you are a family member, a carer, or an education assistant, social stories can be an invaluable support in everyday activities. From brushing teeth to enjoying a favourite hobby or making friends, social stories are reliable tools to guide and […]
ADHD and Anxiety: Overlap and Key Differences
Everything we do is guided by the brain – shaping how we learn, how we stay organised, and how we connect with others. With ADHD, these everyday things can feel overwhelming: keeping track of schoolwork, arriving on time, or maintaining friendships can become a struggle. We can look at a huge potential which is somehow […]
