Post Adoption Counselling and Support

This might be useful as school restarts.

Separation anxiety can feel huge for a child — but support doesn’t have to be complicated.

Small, predictable steps can help a child begin to feel safer with separation: knowing what will happen, trusting that you will return, keeping goodbyes calm and consistent, and gradually building confidence rather than expecting it all at once.

These strategies won’t remove anxiety overnight, but they can help a child feel more secure while they develop the confidence to manage time apart.

My free Bitesize Guide to Separation Anxiety was released this morning — see my earlier post for details of how to obtain a copy.

Between 6 and 9, there can be a LOT happening beneath the surface.

Children who seemed relatively settled can suddenly become more emotional, irritable, anxious, sensitive or quick to react. Frustration can feel enormous. Small things can become big things. And parents are often left wondering, what has happened to my child?

One piece of the puzzle can be adrenarche — a developmental stage involving hormonal changes that often begins during these years.

It doesn’t mean every struggle is caused by hormones, or that we simply dismiss difficult behaviour as “a phase”. But understanding what may be happening developmentally can help us respond with more connection, curiosity and realistic expectations.

Because sometimes they aren’t choosing to make a small problem enormous.

To their developing brain and body, it really does feel enormous.

👉 Check my page for more posts exploring adrenarche, the signs you might notice and how we can support children through this stage.

No need to book - drop-in sessions at Glengormley Library

Autism isn’t a behaviour problem. It’s a different way of experiencing the world.

A child covering their ears may be overwhelmed, not “overreacting.”
A teen needing routine may be seeking safety, not being difficult.
Someone needing extra time to answer may be processing, not ignoring.
A meltdown may be communication, not bad behaviour.

Autistic brains don’t work wrongly — they work differently.

And with that difference can come deep focus, honesty, loyalty, creativity, attention to detail, strong passions and incredible determination.

What autistic children, teens and adults need most is not pressure to “act normal.” They need understanding, patience, clear communication, respect, and safe spaces where they can be themselves.

Progress does not have to be fast to be real.
Communication does not have to look typical to matter.
Different does not mean less.

Autism acceptance starts when we stop asking, “How do we make them fit in?” and start asking, “How can we make the world easier to belong in?”

FREE I HAVE AUTISM, PLEASE KNOW THIS POSTER

LIKE the photo and comment "AUTISM" and we will send you a message with a link to a free PDF of this resource.

The first workshop in our summer series: From Referral to Diagnosis, Making Sense of the Autism Journey.

Date: Monday 8th June
Time: 6.30pm
Location: via Zoom (recording is available if you select that option upon booking)

Navigating the autism journey can feel overwhelming, emotional, and at times confusing.

This workshop is designed for parents or carers who are at any stage of the autism pathway, from when you are first considering an assessment, to the referral process through to assessment and diagnosis. We’ll explore what the journey can look like (both private and NHS assessments), common emotions families experience, and practical ways to support both your child and yourself along the way. We will also explore a little about schools and the assessment process as this is often a parent concern!

The session will also explore possible outcomes of your assessment and what happens next!

We will have an opportunity for a Q&A session where any of your questions will be answered.

Whether your child is awaiting assessment, recently diagnosed or somewhere in between...this workshop aims to help you feel more informed and equipped with the information you need to understand the process.

Booking required via: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1990003999532