Every parent has experienced it: a meltdown in the supermarket, a screaming match over homework, tears that seem completely out of proportion to what just happened. Big emotions are a normal part of childhood, but when they are frequent, intense, or significantly disrupting family life, parents often wonder whether something more is going on and how best to help. Emotional regulation, which is the ability to recognise, understand, and manage one’s own emotional responses, is one of the most...

The teenage years are a period of significant change, neurologically, socially, and emotionally. Adolescents are navigating new pressures, forming their identities, and developing the capacity for adult thinking, all while managing the physical and emotional turbulence of puberty. For many young people, this period is genuinely challenging, and for some, it can be a time when mental health difficulties first emerge. As a parent, it can be difficult to know what is normal teenage behaviour,...

Deciding to seek an autism assessment for your child is a significant step, and once that decision is made, many parents find themselves with a new set of questions. What will the assessment actually involve? How long will it take? Will my child find it distressing? And what happens when it is over? Understanding the process before it begins can reduce anxiety and help families feel prepared. This article provides a step-by-step overview of what a comprehensive autism assessment typically...