Grow and Thrive

10/04/2026

I hundred percent agree with this.

Acceptance is a beginning — not an end.

This Autism Acceptance Month, Thriving Autistic is calling for something deeper. You cannot support Autistic people without challenging racism, transphobia, and ableism. Our lives don't exist in silos — and neither should our support.

Every Autistic person deserves justice and genuine belonging.
We'd love to support you, your loved ones, or your professional practice.

Find out more: www.thrivingautistic.org

10/04/2026

10/04/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1CFCkeoscU/

For many Autistic people, regulation happens in connection with others. It might look like sitting quietly together, offering a steady presence, reducing demands, or simply being alongside someone without judgement.

It’s not about fixing, changing, or “calming down” - it’s about feeling safe enough to be.

Co-regulation can look like:
✨ Making space for silence
🌼 Matching a person’s pace
💛 Supporting autonomy through choice

When we co-regulate, we’re saying: you don’t have to do this alone.



[ID: Against a burgundy background, with the Reframing Autism logo at the top and the colourful knotwork in the lower left corner, white text reads, 'Co-regulation is an act of care'. Beneath the text, is an image of two fluffy cats sitting beside eachother, staring off into the distance.]

24/03/2026

A great visual of the double empathy problem :). Communication is a two way street.

24/03/2026

Autistic people are often told they need to learn social skills - as though connection only counts if it follows neurotypical rules.

But many Autistic people already have strong social skills. They may communicate honestly, value fairness, form deep and meaningful relationships, and connect in ways that prioritise clarity and authenticity. These skills just don’t always show up as small talk, eye contact, or unspoken social scripts - the things society has decided are “normal”.

When we only recognise one narrow style of social interaction, we miss the richness of others.

Different doesn’t mean deficient. It means different - and equally valid.💫



[ID: On a blue background, the Reframing Autism logo appears at the top, followed by the heading “Autistic social skills.” Below are six text boxes highlighting key strengths: 1. Clear, honest communication - saying what’s meant, without hidden rules; 2. Valuing people over status - connection without hierarchy or stereotypes, 3. Motivated to act when something isn't fair, 4. Deep, authentic relationships - built on shared interests, not small talk, 5. Respect for different body language - all forms of expression are valid, 6. Flexible communication - using words, visuals, writing, or AAC to connect.]

20/03/2026

Looks like an excellent opportunity. Jude

Do you want to better understand the autistic people in your life or stay up to date with the latest autism research?

Join our Autism Central team for a free webinar with AuDHD researcher Dr Holly Sutherland on “Understanding autistic social communication from autistic people’s perspectives”.

Learn more about how autistic people experience social communication:

💜 what their expectations are
💜 what they find difficult
💜 how they wish non-autistic people would react.

Book your place: https://orlo.uk/USfhm

Dr Sutherland is an AuDHD academic and autism researcher. She’s currently a postdoctoral research associate at the University of Cambridge.

NHS England Workforce, Training and Education

17/03/2026

💡 When we stop asking “Why are they behaving like that?”
and start asking “What’s happening around them?” - everything changes.

So much behaviour is a reaction to environment, not a deliberate choice or a personal failing. Sensory overload, pressure to perform, lack of safety, unmet needs - they shape our nervous systems long before conscious choice comes into play.

👐 Reframing behaviour in this way builds understanding - and understanding creates space for compassion, support, and real change.

When we change the environment, behaviour often follows.



[ID: Against a blue background, with the Reframing Autism logo at the top and the colourful knotwork in the lower right corner, white text reads, 'Understanding our behaviour as a reaction to our environment, rather than a choice that we consciously make, helps us to reframe our perception of that behaviour'. Beneath the text is an image of a young boy in a classroom who appears distressed, holding his pencil case aloft as the contents fall out in front of his teacher.]

17/03/2026

11/12/2025

07/12/2025

I've just discovered this page by Dr Wolkin and this is a very pertinent post.