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Can what we eat influence ADHD symptoms? It's a question many parents and adults ask, particularly when they notice changes in attention, energy levels or emotional regulation throughout the day. We often hear that sugar makes children hyperactive, that protein improves concentration, or that certain foods should be avoided altogether. But how much of this is supported by research, and what does it actually mean for people with ADHD? Let's explore the relationship between foo

A child or young person can spend an hour avoiding a worksheet that might take ten minutes. An adult can sit beside a laundry basket, an email, or an unopened bill and feel completely unable to begin. From the outside, this can look like refusal, laziness, or lack of care. For many people with ADHD, it is something very different. Motivation is not just about wanting something enough. It is closely linked to attention, planning, emotional regulation, energy, interest, reward,

Mornings and bedtimes can be some of the busiest and most demanding parts of family life. There are lots of things to remember, several transitions to manage and often a time pressure too. For autistic children and children with ADHD, these parts of the day can sometimes be particularly challenging. Difficulties with executive functioning, attention, time awareness, sensory processing, transitions or managing uncertainty can all play a part. A child may know perfectly well th

If you have been wondering about your own experiences or those of someone close to you, understanding AuDHD in adults can be a vital step towards clarity and support. AuDHD refers to the co-occurrence of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), two neurodevelopmental conditions that often overlap but can present unique challenges when combined. This blog post aims to provide you with clear, compassionate, and clinically informed insi

What does the research really say about ADHD and gut health? Explore the gut-brain connection, diet, probiotics and current evidence.

You might notice your child or even yourself behaving very differently at home compared to school or work. At home, there may be signs of restlessness, difficulty focusing, or social challenges that seem less obvious or even absent in the school environment. This difference can be confusing and frustrating. You may wonder why teachers or professionals don’t see the same behaviours you do. Understanding why autism or ADHD can look different at home and school is key to getting

When you or your child show signs of autism or ADHD or both, seeking a professional assessment can be a crucial step towards understanding and support. However, navigating the costs and processes of private assessments in the UK can feel overwhelming. This guide aims to provide clear, compassionate, and practical information about private AUDHD assessment costs in the UK, helping you make informed decisions with confidence. What Does a Private AUDHD Assessment Involve? A priv

When you or someone you care about is navigating the complexities of neurodivergence, understanding the nuances of conditions like AUDHD can be a vital step towards clarity and support. AUDHD refers to the co-occurrence of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Both conditions share overlapping traits but also have distinct characteristics that can affect daily life in unique ways. This blog post aims to provide you with a clear, c

"I Can't Get Started... Then I Can't Stop": Understanding Why Everyday Transitions Can Feel So Difficult for Autistic and ADHD People. By the team at Clinical Autism & ADHD Diagnostic Services (CADS) Have you ever found yourself thinking: "I know I need to do it... I just can't seem to get started." Or perhaps you've finally begun a task, only to realise that stopping feels just as difficult. This is a surprisingly common experience for many autistic and ADHD children, young

When people think about our senses, they usually think of the familiar five: sight, hearing, touch, taste and smell. Some people may also have heard of the vestibular system (balance) or proprioception (our awareness of where our body is in space). However, there is another incredibly important sense that often goes unnoticed: interoception. Interoception is your brain's ability to notice, interpret and respond to signals coming from inside your body. It helps you understand

“I know it only takes five minutes.” “I don't understand why I can't just do it.” “Everyone else seems to manage these things without thinking.” These are comments we hear every day from both autistic people and people with ADHD. Tasks that appear simple from the outside—getting dressed, making a phone call, replying to an email, having a shower or putting the washing away—can feel surprisingly difficult to begin or complete. This isn't laziness, a lack of motivation or simpl

Have you ever wondered why one person can happily sit in a noisy café while another feels completely overwhelmed within minutes? Or why a child refuses to wear certain clothes, covers their ears at the sound of a hand dryer, constantly chews on their sleeves, or seems to seek out movement all day long? These experiences are often linked to sensory processing differences, which are common in both autistic individuals and those with ADHD. Sensory processing is not simply about

Have you ever found yourself wanting to start something but feeling completely unable to begin? Or perhaps you've finally settled into an activity, only to discover that stopping feels just as difficult? Many autistic children, young people and adults describe exactly this experience. It can be confusing, frustrating and is often misunderstood by others as laziness, avoidance or a lack of motivation. In reality, many autistic people experience something known as autistic iner

Many autistic children, young people and adults experience some degree of demand avoidance. Whilst this can sometimes be described using the term Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA), it is important to understand what this means, what the current evidence tells us, and how professionals approach assessment and support. What is Demand Avoidance? Demand avoidance refers to difficulties engaging with everyday expectations, requests, responsibilities or tasks. These demands may c

Exploring the diverse experiences of neurodivergence can be a rich and rewarding journey, particularly when you recognise that you or a loved one may embody traits associated with both autism and ADHD. This unique combination, often called AuDHD, is increasingly acknowledged for its distinctive characteristics and the tailored support it deserves. Gaining insight into this condition is essential for finding the appropriate assessments and interventions that can truly enhance

What is AuDHD? AuDHD is a term used to describe individuals who are both autistic and have ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder). Although autism and ADHD are separate neurodevelopmental conditions, research and clinical experience show that they commonly co-occur. Many people with AuDHD experience a unique combination of strengths, differences, and challenges linked to both profiles. For example, an individual may seek routine and predictability associated with aut

When you notice differences in attention, behaviour, or social communication in yourself or a loved one, it can be confusing to understand what might be going on. You may wonder if these signs point to Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), or something else entirely. Both ADHD and autism are neurodevelopmental conditions that affect how the brain processes information, but they have distinct characteristics and support needs. If you

If you or someone you care about is exploring the possibility of being neurodivergent, you may have come across the term AUDHD. This term refers to the co-occurrence of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in the same individual. Understanding this dual diagnosis can be complex, especially in adults who may have lived with undiagnosed traits for many years. This guide aims to provide clear, compassionate, and clinically informed i

Many adults find themselves wondering about their lifelong experiences with attention, social interaction, and sensory processing. You might be exploring whether you or a loved one could be neurodivergent, specifically with a combination of autism and ADHD traits. This is where understanding AUDHD becomes essential. AUDHD refers to the co-occurrence of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in an individual. Recognising this dual di

When you suspect that you or your child might have ADHD, seeking a professional assessment is a crucial step towards understanding and managing the condition. However, navigating the costs and options for private ADHD assessments in the UK can feel overwhelming. This guide aims to provide clear, compassionate, and practical information about private ADHD assessment costs, what to expect during the process, and how to make informed decisions that best support your needs. What