This blog is a follow-up to our popular Staying Cool: A Sensory-Aware Guide to Summer for Neurodivergent People, which focuses on hydration as a core part of summer self-care for neurodivergent people. It explores how interoception, sensory preferences, and executive processing can all influence how we experience thirst—and why hydration isn't always as simple as "just drink water." This blog invites you to think about hydration as something that can support your regulation, not adding demand.

In this article, we explore how warmer weather can affect sensory regulation. We reflect on why summer may feel more intense, due to shifts in touch, light, noise, and routine, and provide practical, sensory-aware strategies for staying cool, calm, and comfortable. Blending lived experience with gentle guidance, the article encourages readers to honour their rhythms and find what works for them, without pressure to push through discomfort.

In this article, I share my experiences of late recognition of my neurodivergence and the emotional journey that followed. I explore the grief, pressure, and profound relief that can come with understanding yourself after years of masking. I also introduce "Exploring Neurodivergence" - a 10-week guided course, designed as a journey to support the exploration of neurodivergent identity. Whether you’re newly recognised, questioning, or simply seeking a space to reconnect with yourself, this article and the course discussed are an invitation to move at your own pace, with self-discovery, compassion, and community support.

This article is about redefining self-care in a way that is realistic, compassionate, and accessible. It challenges the polished, consumer-driven narratives of self-care and instead highlights small, supportive actions like meeting basic needs without pressure, setting boundaries, building structure, and embracing low-energy routines. By shifting the focus from perfection to practicality, it encourages readers to release guilt and create care strategies that genuinely support wellbeing

In this article, we explore how neurodivergent people are often passed between services in a cycle of blame and avoidance, what we’re calling the “hot potato” of responsibility. When no one takes ownership, support is delayed or denied, leaving people exhausted and underserved. We’ll unpack the real impact of this system and what needs to change to build services that truly support neurodivergent lives.

In this article, I explore the proposed reforms to the UK’s Personal Independence Payment (PIP) system and their potential impact on neurodivergent people. While some changes, such as fewer reassessments and improved access to support services, could be beneficial, there are significant concerns about stricter eligibility criteria and a shift away from direct financial support. The discussion highlights the crucial role PIP plays in covering the additional costs associated with disability, whether or not a person is in employment. The key question remains: will these reforms genuinely improve support, or are they simply a cost-cutting measure that could leave many without the help they need?

In this article, I share my journey from relying on traditional diagnostic labels to embracing a detailed neuro-profile that reflects my unique way of thinking and processing. I explain how focusing on my specific cognitive, sensory, and motor traits has empowered me to understand my needs, develop tailored strategies, and create a calmer day-to-day life. I also explore how shifting from a deficit-focused view to recognising natural variations can transform support systems, and I invite readers to join the ND Perspective community to discuss these ideas further.

In this article, we explore how food supports sensory well-being, from the grounding effect of bland, predictable meals to the focus-enhancing crunch of certain snacks. We break down common misconceptions around “picky eating” and highlight why neurodivergent food preferences deserve recognition and respect.

In this article, we shift from personal resolutions to the bigger goal of building an inclusive society for neurodivergent people in 2025. It spotlights barriers in education, healthcare, and employment, while unveiling ND Perspective’s innovative initiatives to drive change. Jess wraps up with a powerful call to action: reflect, take steps, and help create a world where neurodivergent people can truly thrive.

This article explores the biological basis of anxiety and stress, focusing on the fight, flight, and freeze responses rooted in our autonomic nervous system. It explains how modern-day stressors, especially during the holiday season, can trigger these reactions and offers practical strategies to manage them. Tips include creating sensory-safe spaces, practicing grounding techniques, and maintaining routines to reduce overwhelm.

The article explores the concept of masking in autism, a strategy used by many to fit in with societal expectations, often leading to mental and emotional exhaustion. It discusses the impact of masking on well-being and highlights the Camouflaging Autistic Traits Questionnaire (CAT-Q) as a tool for assessing these behaviours. The article also offers strategies for safely unmasking, promoting authentic self-expression in supportive environments.

This article discusses the strengths and challenges that are experienced by neurodivergent people when processing large volumes of information. It shares the differences between sensory and cognitive processing, and presents four strategies designed to reduce the impact of cognitive overwhelm and ways that employers can support implementation.

Rethinking Sensory Needs: Empowerment Over Medicalisation explores how sensory needs are addressed within neurodivergent communities, challenging the traditional medicalised approach. Jessica Dark, founder of ND Perspective, advocates for empowering individuals to regulate their sensory experiences rather than "treating" sensory overwhelm. This article highlights the importance of understanding sensory processing, listening to the body, and implementing preventative strategies to reduce overload. It promotes a shift from suppression to self-regulation, ensuring a balanced work environment for neurodivergent people. Learn how proactive sensory management can enhance well-being, productivity, and focus.

#Neurodiversity #SensoryProcessing #SelfRegulation #Empowerment #Wellbeing