"Self-compassion is simply giving the same kindness to ourselves that we would give to others" 💙

#mentalhealthmatters #mentalhealthawareness #mentalhealthsupport #mentalhealth #neurodiversity

Signs You Might Not Know Are Associated With Autism ✨

💭 Have a strong memory for small details that others don’t notice
🧸 Feel deep joy in collecting or categorizing items
🎨 Prefer self-directed play or activities you can control
📏 Struggle with unspoken rules that “everyone else just seems to get”
🫀 Have difficulty recognizing internal body signals like hunger, thirst, or tiredness
🗂️ Feel calm and safe when organizing, arranging, or setting things up just right

Autism is a spectrum, and no two autistic people are the same. You don’t need to relate to everything on this list for it to matter!

Understanding neurodiversity helps us move away from shame and toward self-compassion 💙

#actuallyautistic #autism #autismacceptance #autismawarness #neurodiversity #neurodivergent

When people say that school is the best time of your life 🙃

#autismemes #autism #actuallyautistic #meme #neurodiversity

🧠 Happy Brain Chemicals 🧠

Did you know your brain has its own little team of “feel-good” chemicals working behind the scenes? For neurodivergent minds, supporting these chemicals isn’t about fixing ourselves, it's about giving our brains the care and environment they deserve to thrive.

💫 Dopamine – the reward chemical
Celebrate small wins. Finish a task in your own way. Rest when you need to. Nourish your body. Your brain counts every victory, even the tiny ones.

🌤️ Serotonin – the mood stabiliser
Find your light — sunlight, soft lamps, a cozy corner. Move in ways that feel good. Breathe. Take a moment just to exist without pressure.

🤝 Oxytocin – the connection chemical
Safe hugs, pet cuddles, kind words, or simply being near people who get you. Connection looks different for everyone — and that’s okay.

😂 Endorphins – the feel-good boost
Laugh at your favourite show. Enjoy your comfort foods. Do activities that make your body and mind feel alive.

There’s no one “right” way to care for your brain. Neurodivergent self-care is personal, flexible, and built around what actually works for you!

#neurodiversity #mentalhealth #mentalhealthawareness #mentalhealthmatters #positivity

✨ Stimming may look like… ✨

Fidgeting. Rocking. Humming. Jumping. Finger snapping. Eye rolling. Leg bouncing. Flicking switches. Grinding teeth. Throwing objects in the air.

These are just some examples of stimming ⬆

For many autistic individuals (and other neurodivergent people), stimming is a natural and important way to regulate emotions and sensory input. The world can be loud, bright, overwhelming, or unpredictable and stimming helps bring comfort, focus, and calm. It can also express excitement, joy, anxiety, or deep concentration.

Stimming isn’t something that needs to be “fixed.” It’s communication. It’s coping. It’s self-regulation.

Everyone stims in some way which may be, tapping a foot, twirling hair, biting nails. However, autistic stimming can sometimes look different or more noticeable. And that’s okay.

💙 Understanding stimming means understanding that different brains have different needs.

💙 Acceptance creates safer spaces for everyone to be themselves.

#autism #actuallyautistic #autismacceptance #neurodiversity #neurodivergent #mentalhealth #stimming

Activities that boost your mental health 🧠

Small, intentional activities can make a big difference, especially for neurodivergent minds that may experience the world a little differently. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach, but these gentle practices can help support emotional balance, reduce stress, and boost overall wellbeing 🌟

- Deep breathing to calm your nervous system
- Spending time in nature to reset and recharge
- Engaging in self-care without guilt
- Learning new skills to build confidence
- Getting creative to express yourself freely
- Connecting with others for comfort and support

You don’t have to do everything at once. Start with one small step. Progress, not perfection 💙

Which of these helps you feel your best?

#mentalhealthsupport #mentalhealthmatters #mentalhealthsupport #mentalhealth #anxiety #depression #neurodiversity

Football is for everyone — and that includes every mind 🧠⚽

We’re excited to launch our Neurodiversity and Mental Health in Football online courses, designed to help football communities better understand, support, and celebrate neurodiverse individuals. Through real-life case studies, interactive discussions, and practical tools, these courses explore how to recognise both the unique challenges and the incredible strengths neurodiverse people bring to the game.

Whether you’re a player, coach, staff member, or fan, you’ll gain valuable insight into building more inclusive environments, improving mental health awareness, and creating a culture where everyone feels they belong on and off the pitch.

💻 Fully online
📚 Flexible learning
🌍 Open to all football communities

Our course options include:
• Complete Football Course
• Players Course
• Fans Course
• Coaches & Employees Course

Now available — start learning today and help shape a more inclusive future for football.

🔗 www.anclearning.co.uk/football-courses/

#mentalhealth #neurodiversity #neurodiversityinsport #football #footballfan #footballplayer #footballcoach

When someone touches me and I wasn’t prepared for physical contact 🫣

#autism #autismmemes #autismacceptance #autismawareness #neurodiversity #meme

The Anxiety Iceberg ❄️

Anxiety isn’t always what it looks like on the surface. What people see is just the tip of the iceberg ; there’s so much more going on underneath.

From mental to physical symptoms, anxiety is more than just worry.

It is important to note that everyone's experience with anxiety is individual and not everyone will encounter the same symptoms. We have included common anxiety signs that a lot of people with anxiety experience.

We offer 1-2-1 support for individuals with anxiety. Please feel free to contact us for more information 💙

#anxiety #mentalhealthmatters #mentalhealthsupport #mentalhealthawareness #mentalhealth #neurodiversity

💫 AuDHD Traits 💫

AuDHD is an informal term used to describe people who are both autistic and have ADHD, and it often involves a unique mix of traits from each condition.

Someone with AuDHD might crave routine and predictability while also seeking novelty and stimulation, leading to feeling stuck yet bored at the same time. They may experience intense hyperfocus on interests but struggle with task initiation and organisation, have strong sensory sensitivities or sensory-seeking behaviors, and find social interactions tiring or confusing despite wanting connection.

Because autism and ADHD can balance or clash with each other, AuDHD experiences are highly individual, but many people describe finally understanding themselves better once they learn about it.

Follow us for more autism and neurodiversity information and support! 🌈

#audhd #autism #adhd #autismacceptance #adhdacceptance #neurodviersity #neurodivergent