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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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Blog

29 August 2025• by

Podcast Episode: Making Hygiene Accessible for Neurodivergent Kids

In this episode of From Burnout to Balance, Tanya is joined again by Laura Hellfeld, a neurodivergent nurse and parent educator, to explore the layered...

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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 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 of makeup items. There is a multi-coloured make up palate, red lipstick, blush brush, eye makeup and pin nail polish coming from the bottom left side of the photo.

Blog

3 July 2025• by

Inside and Out: Rethinking Hygiene, Autonomy and Expression

In my work supporting parents and carers of young people with hygiene, I’ve noticed something that keeps coming up. It's something that sits under the...

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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 silver fork and butter knife at an angle to a white plate. All are on a pink background.

Blog

26 May 2025• by

Hypermobility & Ehlers Danlos & How They Affect Food & Eating

Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) is a group of genetic connective tissue disorders that affect the body’s ability to produce or process collagen, a protein...

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A photo of multiple rows of matchsticks and one match has been burned. The matchsticks have red tops and are lined up on a pink ground.

Blog

12 May 2025• by

Believing Teens: What We Say Matters, A blog inspired by the 2025 Autistic Burnout Conference

As part of my presentation at the 2025 Autistic Burnout Conference, titled Believing Teens: Beyond Exhaustion, I’ve been exploring how the words we use when...

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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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A person napping on their couch under a white blanket and wearing leather moccasin slippers.

Blog

4 April 2025• by

The Power of a Tiny Nap: Why Even a Few Minutes Can Make a Difference

Sleep can feel like a luxury, especially if you’re caring for little ones who need support overnight, working unpredictable shifts, or simply balancing too...

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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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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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Blog

4 March 2025• by

Going to Bed for Any Other Reason Than Sleep: Taking the Pressure Off

Going to sleep is quite the transition — and for many, it’s a huge demand or pressure....

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Blog

31 March 2023• by

Lower the Demands, Increase the Regulation

How a Low Demand Lifestyle Supports Emotional Regulation I work as an independent Nurse Consultant under the name Laura Hellfeld Neurodivergent Nurse...

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