Beam Wellbeing UK

Free Online Event with author, illustrator and neurodivergent advocate Eliza Fricker.

This thought-provoking webinar exploring what "struggle" really looks like for neurodivergent and why so many of their experiences are misunderstood.

Drawing on themes from her powerful new book Could Try Harder, Eliza will invite us to rethink our assumptions about effort, behaviour and expectations, offering a more compassionate understanding of children's experiences.

📅 Tuesday 15 September
🕖 7.00–8.30pm (online via Teams)
🎟️ Free to attend

Reserve your place here or via the link in my bio:

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/rethinking-struggle-expectations-and-neurodivergence-in-children-tickets-1993444160145

A date for the diary!
Online talk by Eliza Fricker and free to attend.

September Wellbeing Hub Webinar – Free Online Event

How often are neurodivergent children told that they just need to try harder?

What if they're already trying as hard as they possibly can?

We're delighted to welcome back Eliza Fricker from Missing The Mark – acclaimed author, illustrator and autism advocate – for a thought-provoking webinar exploring what "struggle" really looks like for neurodivergent children, and why so many of their experiences are misunderstood.

Drawing on themes from her powerful new book Could Try Harder, Eliza will invite us to rethink our assumptions about effort, behaviour and expectations, offering a more compassionate understanding of children's experiences.

📅 Tuesday 15 September
🕖 7.00–8.30pm (online via Teams)
🎟️ Free to attend

Reserve your place here:
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/rethinking-struggle-expectations-and-neurodivergence-in-children-tickets-1993444160145

Please do share this with anyone who may find it helpful. Our webinars are free and all are welcome.

🌱 What Is the Double Empathy Problem — And Why It Matters for Neurodivergent Young People

When autistic or otherwise neurodivergent young people struggle to connect with others, it’s often assumed that they are the ones having difficulty understanding social cues, emotions, or communication. Far too often, the neurodivergent person believes it is their fault, they are to blame, that they need to learn to do things differently.

But research shows something very different — and far more hopeful.

💡 The Double Empathy Problem
The double empathy problem describes the idea that communication challenges between autistic and non‑autistic people are mutual, not one‑sided.

It’s not that neurodivergent young people “lack social skills”.
It’s that two people with different communication styles, sensory needs, and ways of understanding the world are trying to connect — and both may struggle to interpret the other.

In other words:
✨ It’s a mismatch, not a deficit.

💬 What does this mean for neurodivergent young people?
1️⃣ Their communication is valid — even if others don’t immediately “get it”.
Autistic and ADHD young people often communicate with honesty, directness, creativity, or deep detail. These are strengths, not problems.

2️⃣ Misunderstandings are often caused by differences, not “social deficits”.
Non‑autistic peers and adults may misinterpret behaviour, tone, or body language simply because they’re expecting neurotypical communication.

3️⃣ Relationships improve when both sides learn about each other.
When teachers, parents, and peers understand neurodivergent communication, connection becomes easier and more meaningful.

4️⃣ It reduces shame and self‑blame.
Young people realise:
“You’re not broken. You’re communicating in a way that makes sense for your brain.”

5️⃣ It highlights the need for neuroaffirming environments.
Spaces that honour different communication styles help neurodivergent young people feel safe, understood, and respected.

🌈 Why this matters
The double empathy problem shifts the narrative from
❌ “Autistic young people struggle socially”
to
✔️ “People understand each other best when both communication styles are respected.”

It’s a reminder that connection is a two‑way street — and that neurodivergent young people thrive when the world meets them halfway.

Coffee Mornings to explore Transitions Between Education Settings For children with SEND

Join the coffee mornings to explore how to support your child through this period of change.

No Need to book, Just turn up! see poster for further information.

It's a term that is often used . Here is some of what I do to set up every child for successful Drawing & Talking therapeutic sessions.

Helping them to feel seen and valued so they can build trust, explore and express themselves authentically without fear of judgement.

This can help with emotional regulation, communication, attachment, problem solving skills and self-esteem.

Held weekly on-site, during the school day, which can be a welcome break especially when school feels tough.

Want to learn more? Book a free confidential consultation to talk things through.

Sarah x

Taking care of each other in the warm weather with lots of adjustments to our therapeutic wellbeing sessions in school this week.

Let's try to keep as cool as possible with darkened, well-ventilated rooms, cool water and a calm and gentle pace.

👀 Do keep your eyes on your emails for changes to sessions times if we face school closures.

Recommend Beam Wellbeing — get a free cuppa on me!

Because nothing is more powerful than a trusted recommendation when you need it most.

New clients get a free consultation and when they give me your name you will receive a voucher for a hot drink at .caversham as a little thank you from me.

Make Beam Wellbeing your *top tip* for a friend who's child is going through a tough time and together we can support them to thrive in a difficult world.