Articles

Photo by Anastasiia Chepinska  on Unsplash This guide is for autistic adults who find the social side of gifts difficult (whether you’re the one giving, receiving, or both). It’s especially relevant at Christmas, but the ideas here apply all year round—birthdays, anniversaries, or any time gifts are expected. Some tips and ideas in this post might also apply to older autistic teens navigating gift exchanges with family and friends. Why Gifts Can Feel Difficult Many autistic p

Photo by Erwan Hesry  on Unsplash The festive season can be joyful, but it can also be exhausting. For many autistic people, Christmas brings a mix of excitement and stress. There might be more noise, more people, more changes to routine, and often, more pressure to join in. You don’t need to do it all. You don’t need to do it the way others do. Taking care of yourself matters, especially at this time of year. Why Christmas Can Be Hard Even if you enjoy some parts of the fest

We often assume that everyone who celebrates Christmas adores it. After all, what's not to love? Family time, good food, sharing gifts and endless socialising. However, this is not always the case. The festive period can be overwhelming for the autistic people in your life. In this short article, we will delve into some of the reasons why and explore how you, as non-autistic family members, friends, or partners, can help make Christmas (just a bit more) autism friendly. Why

Photo by THE 5TH  on Unsplash For many autistic people, routines are more than a preference—they are a way to bring stability into daily life. A routine can reduce anxiety by creating a sense of control and making the world feel more predictable. But developing a routine you can trust, and keeping it going over time, can be challenging. This article looks at how to build routines that feel reliable, how schedules can support them, and how to cope when plans inevitably change.

Photo by Nick Fewings  on Unsplash Many autistic people find demands difficult to manage. This can include everyday tasks, social expectations, or even activities they enjoy. This article explores what constitutes a demand, and why demands can feel overwhelming for autistic people. It also shares possible reasons for demand avoidance, and some strategies to help. While the article is written for autistic people, it might also be useful for anyone regularly coming into contact

Photo by Sam Mann  on Unsplash Imagine trying to explain why a busy shop feels unbearable, or why a routine appointment fills you with dread, only to be told you’re "overreacting". For many autistic people, this is an everyday reality. Experiences are brushed aside, minimised, or doubted. The message—intended or not—is that your feelings are not valid. Why It Matters Being misunderstood is not just frustrating. Over time, it chips away at confidence. When loved ones dismiss c

Photo by Mohammad O Siddiqui  on Unsplash For many autistic people, living in a shared home can be complicated. While having your own room may feel safe, communal areas like kitchens, bathrooms or living rooms can feel overwhelming. The kitchen in particular is often avoided—even when you are hungry or need to prepare food. This isn’t about being antisocial or unwilling to join in. Shared spaces can present very real challenges that make them feel off limits. Why Shared Space

Photo by Elisa Ventur  on Unsplash Many autistic people describe a feeling of being “stuck”. You know a task needs doing, you may even...

Photo by Beth Teutschmann  on Unsplash For many autistic children, Halloween can bring sensory overload—flashing lights, noisy...

Photo by Shamia Casiano  on Unsplash Finishing a day at work is often seen as the moment to relax and recharge. For many autistic people,...

Photo by Anne Nygård  on Unsplash Friendship can bring joy, comfort and belonging. But it can also be complicated, especially for...

Photo by Anne Nygård  on Unsplash When we hear the phrase self-care, many people think of bubble baths, yoga, or spa days. But for...

Focus Friend by Hank Green Finding ways to stay focused can be a challenge for many autistic (and other neurodivergent) people,...

Photo by Alexander Grey  on Unsplash This guest blog post is written by Sophie (not her real name). We asked Sophie to write a piece for...

Creating an inclusive and supportive workplace doesn’t have to be complicated. One practical tool that can make a significant difference...

Photo by GRAY  on Unsplash If you’re autistic and currently in work, you may be wondering whether or not disclose your autism to your...

Photo by Aleksandr Ledogorov  on Unsplash Mindfulness is often described as a helpful way to manage stress, anxiety and overwhelm. But...

Written by Autism Guernsey's Education Manager: In June, I went on a one-week Nordic cruise with P&O aboard their ship Iona , departing...

Photo by Priscilla Du Preez 🇨🇦  on Unsplash This post was written for Autism Guernsey by Laura Simpson, Guernsey’s Digital Safety...

Photo by Nubelson Fernandes  on Unsplash Many autistic people find comfort in routine, calm spaces, and reduced sensory input. But mobile...

Photo by hessam nabavi  on Unsplash This post was written for Autism Guernsey by Laura Simpson, Guernsey’s Digital Safety Development...

Photo by Sigmund  on Unsplash This post was written for Autism Guernsey by Laura Simpson, Guernsey’s Digital Safety Development Officer....

Photo by Priscilla Du Preez 🇨🇦  on Unsplash If a colleague tells you that they’re autistic, it’s a sign of trust. They may have thought...

Photo by Maria Lin Kim  on Unsplash One common myth about autism is that autistic people cannot live independently. This belief is not...

Photo by Mina Rad  on Unsplash This guest blog post is written by Chris (not his real name). We asked Chris to write a piece for the AG...

Photo by NordWood Themes  on Unsplash If you’ve ever found yourself thinking, “Why is it so hard to start a simple task?” or “Why does...

Photo by Sara Kurfeß  on Unsplash Social simulation games like The Sims  and Animal Crossing: New Horizons  have found a loyal audience...

Photo by Alexander London  on Unsplash This article was inspired by a presentation by Sandra Robilliard, Damian Milton, and Richard...

Photo by Hans Veth  on Unsplash Autistic people often face a world that isn’t designed for them. Many learn to camouflage their...

Did you know the AccessAble website and app include accessibility guides for almost 400 venues in Guernsey and Alderney? These include...

Photo by Bethany Legg  on Unsplash Workplaces can be overwhelming for autistic people, with sensory challenges ranging from bright lights...

Photo by Iga Palacz  on Unsplash Romantic relationships can be both exciting and challenging, regardless of the blend of neurotypes...

Photo by Parth Natani  on Unsplash Burnout is a fairly well-known concept, but autistic burnout is a distinct experience that requires...