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30 September 2025• by

Information Gathering Templates: For PANS/PANDAS Conference 2025

As part of our preparation for the conference, I also developed three information-gathering templates (a huge thank you to Helen for her feedback and...

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December 4th, 12 pm - 1.30 pm GMT Thank you for being here, Laura Hellfeld RN, MSN, PHN, CNL Connect with me on social media BlueSky, LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook Disclaimer: The information shared in this blog is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult a licensed healthcare provider for personalised support and care tailored to your specific needs.

Blog

22 September 2025• by

What Is Diagnostic Overshadowing and Why Does It Matter?

Have you ever gone to the doctor with a concern, only to have it dismissed as ‘part of’ your disability, neurodivergence, or mental health diagnosis?...

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An empty, pink lunch box in front of a pink background

Blog

25 August 2025• by

New School Year, Same Lunch Every Day

The new school year is here - new shoes, new teachers, new pencil case… and maybe, the exact same lunchbox as last year. Every. Single. Day....

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A photo of a stethoscope and medical mask laying on a very light blue background. The stethoscope is yellow and there are 2 red, heart shaped chocolates.

Blog

22 July 2025• by

Understanding Food Choices Beyond ‘Picky Eating’: Medical Conditions and Their Impact on Eating Habits

Food choices and eating habits are often viewed through a behavioural lens, with labels like 'picky eating' commonly used to explain them. In my work, it’s...

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Retro clock centred on a green and orange background.

Blog

20 July 2025• by

‘Slow Eaters’: Understanding and Supporting Different Paces

Eating slowly can sometimes be misunderstood. We live in a culture that often values speed and efficiency, even at mealtimes.  If you or someone you care for...

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A photo of inside a classroom. There are no students or staff. There are rows of desks in a classroom with white walls and hanging lights. There is a blank chalk board at the front.

Blog

15 July 2025• by

“Who Decided This?” Listening to PDA Young People About School Disconnection

I recently spent time with a group of older primary and early secondary-aged young people and their parents. We were gathering to talk about self-care tasks in...

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A photo of toothpaste squirted out to look like a smiley face. The toothpaste is white with blue and green streaks

Blog

10 July 2025• by

Play First, Hygiene Later: Getting Comfortable with Washing

Let’s be honest: hygiene products can be weird. They bubble. They squirt. They smell like ‘mountain rain or ‘moonflower’. Some of them fizz, foam, or...

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A photo taken looking down at a desk. The desk has a white notebook with 'information' written on a page, multi-coloured pens and thumbtacks, green highlighter and an orange juice.

Blog

28 June 2025• by

Finding the Balance: Supporting PDAers Without Overloading Our Young People

We know that step-by-step charts, checklists and routines can feel especially tough for PDAers. These kinds of supports can come across as boring, overly rigid...

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Blog

5 June 2025• by

How do I get my young person not to hold their bladder? with downloadable guide

Wee withholding, when someone avoids or delays urinating, can feel puzzling and frustrating. This is especially true if it starts after what has been toileting...

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A photo of inside a classroom with no people. There are rows of blue seats with wooden top desks all facing the same direction. There are windows in the back that look onto greenery.

Blog

28 May 2025• by

Demanding Respect from PDAers in the School Setting: Why Hierarchy Backfires & What Builds True Connection Instead

It’s a phrase many of us have heard, or even said in the school setting: "They need to learn to respect adults." "They have to follow instructions, it’s...

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A photo of a shower head with running water. The shower head is silver in colour and water is coming out quickly. There are blue tiles in the shower.

Blog

10 May 2025• by

“How Do I Get Them to Shower?” Rethinking Hygiene Support in Care Roles

After running workshops in various care settings with staff who support disabled young people and adults, I noticed a common theme emerging - questions about...

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Photo of a jam sandwich. The sandwich has white bread and the strawberry jam is coming down the sides of the crust.

Blog

27 April 2025• by

‘Same Food’ or ‘Safe Food’ and When Our Language Matters

When people use terms like same food or safe food, they’re often referring to someone’s favourite food—a food they have a strong emotional or sensory...

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a handful of fish crackers in a pile with a white background

Blog

25 April 2025• by

More on Eating in Context: Understanding Food Preferences Without Pushing for Change

In a previous post 'Context Eating: Why We Prefer Specific Foods in Specific Settings', we explored how some young people and adults alike tend to eat certain...

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Photo of someone adding a sticker to a behaviour chart. The chart is on a wall and there are green, yellow and orange rows that stickers can be added to. A pale hand is adding a blue sticker.

Blog

2 April 2025• by

PDAers and Compliance: Understanding the Real Challenge

For those who do not yet understand the neurotype, PDAers are often described as defiant and always pushing back. This misconception can lead to frustration...

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A photo of 3 crackers lined up on a white background. The crackers are orange and square shaped.

Blog

19 March 2025• by

Context Eating: Why We Prefer Specific Foods in Specific Situations

Some kids and adults may eat specific foods and in very specific contexts. This can be confusing and and even feel frustrating for parents and carers who see a...

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Hands holding what is creating an explosion of multi-coloured confetti in front of a yellow background.

Blog

6 March 2025• by

Rethinking Praise: Practical Strategies for Toileting Support

Every young person is different, and what feels supportive for one might not work for another. The following ideas offer a range of approaches so you can find...

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An image of a blue-lined piece of paper with the letters 'ADHD' written in the centre and in various colours. There are bunched up, colourful pieces paper all around.

Blog

17 February 2025• by

Questions to Ask Your Healthcare Provider About ADHD Medications

Deciding on ADHD medication is a significant step that you likely have put a lot of thought into and would benefit from open communication with your healthcare...

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A photo of a toilet inside what looks to be a private bathroom. The toilet has the lid up and is white and the walls are white with a toilet roll mounted.

Blog

15 January 2025• by

Hypermobility & Ehlers Danlos & How They Affect Toileting

What are Ehlers Danlos & Hypermobility Syndrome? Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) is a group of genetic connective tissue disorders that affect the...

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Blog

7 January 2025• by

Getting the Language Right about Autism

We know that language matters. Our word choice expresses ideas and meanings on the subjects we are speaking about. Therefore, our word choice when discussing...

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Blog

25 November 2024• by

Received a New Medical Diagnosis? A Beginning List of Questions to Ask Your Care Provider

Receiving a new medical diagnosis can feel overwhelming, with so many questions and decisions to navigate. Having a prepared list of questions to ask your care...

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