Autism counselling with Rachel Nelmes;Towards Change ltd

20/03/2026

As Neurodiversity Celebration Week comes to an end, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on some of the posts I have shared this week. 🧠

We’ve talked about what neurodiversity means, how it’s an umbrella term for different ways brains work, and how neurodivergent people can experience the world in unique ways. We’ve also touched on some of the challenges that can come with living in a world that isn’t always designed with those differences in mind.

But one of the most important messages of the week is this: different doesn’t mean wrong.

Human brains have always varied. Those differences influence how people think, learn, communicate, create, and solve problems.

Recognising neurodiversity is about moving towards a world where those differences are understood, respected, and supported.

Awareness weeks are a great starting point, but understanding and inclusion shouldn’t stop here.

The conversation about neurodiversity needs to continue every day in our workplaces, schools, communities, and relationships.

Thank you for reading, engaging, and being part of this week. 🌱

19/03/2026

Fancy helping out a local north west charity?
This is BAAS, who I had the pleasure of working for years ago.
They are looking to raise funds for themselves by doing a 5k walk next Thursday!
BAAS run a befriending scheme for autistic adults alongside groups such as craft groups, life skills groups and all sorts of other things!
If you feel you would like to join them or donate to them please click the link and read what its all about 😊

We are raising funds to help us support even more Autistic Adults and Unpaid Carers across Bolton and Bury.

19/03/2026

Mental health and neurodivergence 🧠💬

Research consistently shows that neurodivergent people often report higher levels of depression and anxiety, and lower quality of life scores compared to the general population.

But this doesn’t mean that being neurodivergent automatically causes poor mental health.

Many neurodivergent people grow up in environments that weren’t designed with their needs in mind.

On top of this, accessing appropriate mental health care can be difficult. Services are often designed with neurotypical experiences in mind, which can make it harder for neurodivergent people to be understood, to receive the right type of support, or even to access services in the first place.

Over time, these barriers can take a real toll on wellbeing.

When people are understood, supported, and accepted, outcomes can look very different.

Improving mental health for neurodivergent people isn’t about changing who they are. It’s about creating environments and services that recognise and support different ways of thinking, communicating, and experiencing the world.

18/03/2026

Neurodiversity is an umbrella term ☂️🧠

You may have heard the word neurodiversity more often recently, but what does it actually mean?

Neurodiversity is an umbrella term used to describe the natural differences in how human brains work.

Under this umbrella are a range of neurodivergent profiles, including (but not limited to) autism, ADHD, dyslexia, dyspraxia, dyscalculia, and Tourette’s syndrome.

Each of these experiences is different, and no two people will experience them in exactly the same way. Neurodiversity isn’t about putting people into boxes. It’s about recognising that there isn’t just one “right” way for a brain to function.

17/03/2026

16/03/2026

It’s Neurodiversity Celebration Week 🧠🌈 16th- 20th March

This week is about recognising that there is no single “normal” way for a brain to work. Human brains are naturally different, and those differences shape how we think, learn, communicate, focus, and experience the world.

Across the week I’ll be sharing a series of posts to help raise awareness of neurodiversity.

Whether you’re neurodivergent yourself, supporting someone who is, or simply curious to learn more, I hope these posts help start conversations and build a little more understanding.

When we recognise that brains work differently, we move away from asking people to “fit the mould” and instead create spaces where different ways of thinking can thrive.

07/03/2026

Did you know?

Autistic people are significantly more likely to experience anxiety, depression, and burnout. Not because of autism itself, but often because of chronic misunderstanding, masking, and living, working and learning in environments that don’t meet their needs.

When support is neurodiversity-affirming and individuals feel accepted for who they are, mental health outcomes improve dramatically.
Understanding and acceptance aren’t just “nice to have”. They’re protective factors.

03/03/2026

We absolutely need to move beyond “How do we fix autistic people?”
And start asking, “How do we support autistic wellbeing?”

That means:
✔️ Sensory-friendly environments
✔️ Respect for communication differences
✔️ Acceptance of stimming
✔️ Mental health care that understands neurodiversity
✔️ Listening to autistic voices

Autistic joy, creativity, deep focus, honesty, and passion are strengths. Mental health improves when acceptance replaces pressure.

Let’s build spaces where autistic people don’t have to mask to survive, but can thrive as they are.