Sheila Addison Autism Advisor and Coach

31/10/2026

Looping thoughts that won’t stop? For autistic people, those with ADHD, and AuDHD, repetitive “what ifs” or replayed worries can be exhausting. My new blog explores why looping thoughts happen, how they impact daily life, and practical tips to manage them with compassion and structure. Read more: https://wix.to/rhXUC4f

Looping thoughts can feel like a brain tab that refuses to close. The same worry, memory, phrase, plan, mistake, or “what if” keeps replaying, even when the body is tired and the answer has already been checked ten times.For autistic people, people with ADHD, and those who are both autistic and ...

29/10/2026

Autistic Burnout Explained: this article shows how burnout usually builds from months or years of masking, prolonged overload and unmet sensory needs rather than a sudden collapse. Read the full guide to recognise early signs and begin caring for capacity - read now: https://wix.to/X9rAedP 🔆🤝

Autistic burnout can look like “suddenly not coping”, but it is rarely sudden. It often builds after months or years of pushing through demands, masking distress, and trying to meet expectations that leave too little room for recovery.For many autistic people, burnout feels different from ordina...

06/10/2026

I’m here to help you or your family find calmer, clearer days. My autism advice and coaching offers practical routines, steady decision-making support and understanding rooted in a person-centred approach. If you’re ready for realistic guidance, let’s talk and take the next gentle step together. https://wix.to/xB2xxbv

26/09/2026

** Edited to add context: We hear the concern that this post could be read as dismissing physical symptoms, especially by people whose medical concerns have been attributed to anxiety or autism without proper investigation. We’re sorry we didn’t make the context clearer.

The linked personal blog is an Autistic woman’s account of experiencing somatisation alongside several co-occuring conditions, and of how frightening it can be when genuine symptoms are brushed aside. Stress can cause physical symptoms, but it should never be used as a reason to dismiss someone’s concerns or stop investigating symptoms that need medical attention. People deserve to be listened to and taken seriously. **

When distress manifests as physical symptoms, the pain, nausea, fatigue, migraines or heart palpitations are real, even when medical investigations cannot identify a physical cause.

For the Autistic people who experience it, somatisation may be influenced by differences in interoception and sensory processing, as well as experiences of anxiety, trauma and chronic stress. Yet being told “it’s all in your head” can be deeply invalidating. It can increase distress, undermine trust in healthcare professionals and perpetuate the very cycle a person needs support to escape.

Today, we revisit this personal blog in which an Autistic woman explores the frightening reality of somatisation, the added complexity of co-occurring health conditions, and why compassionate, ongoing healthcare relationships matter.

♾️ Read “Somatisation: When Your Body Betrays You”:
https://reframingautism.org.au/somatisation-when-your-body-betrays-you/

Content note: health anxiety and medical trauma.



Image description in comments.

05/09/2026

Autistic burnout can feel like running on an empty battery that never recharges. I wrote this article to explain why it happens and what gentle steps can begin recovery — lowering demands, protecting sensory rest, reducing masking where safe, and rebuilding routines slowly.

If you or someone you care for is struggling, it can help to ask: What can be made easier this week? Small changes — dimmer lights, predictable food, text-first communication, or pausing non‑essential commitments — can protect energy while recovery begins.

I aim to support autistic adults, parents and carers, and employers with person‑centred, trauma‑informed guidance that respects individual needs. Read practical advice and recovery steps in the full article. I’m here to help you find kinder, sustainable ways forward. 🌿

Read more: https://wix.to/KqNsL4W

Autistic burnout can look like “suddenly not coping”, but it is rarely sudden. It often builds after months or years of pushing through demands, masking distress, and trying to meet expectations that leave too little room for recovery.For many autistic people, burnout feels different from ordina...

02/09/2026

Free Introductory Consultation - a gentle, no‑pressure first step. I’m Sheila Addison, Autism Advisor and Coach, and I offer a free 20‑minute online conversation to listen, understand your needs, and explore what person‑centred, neuro‑affirming support could look like for you or your family.

If you’re an autistic adult, a parent/carer, or a professional seeking practical, compassionate guidance, this short chat lets us find the right next step together - with no commitment. Book your free 20‑minute consultation now: https://wix.to/A2OdjTM

Have a quick question first? Comment below or send me a message and I’ll reply. 😊💻

Tailored Autism Advice, support and neurodiversity coaching, pre and post diagnosis or self-identifying, individuals, parents, professionals. Holistic wellbeing approach. Support with education, employment, autism understanding, sensory concerns, advocacy, emotional support and more

18/08/2026

Morning and bedtime routines can be the most challenging parts of your day, particularly for children who face PDA challenges. By using gentle low arousal parenting methods, safe and predictable routines, you can create a calmer environment that helps your child transition smoothly between activities. I am here to support you in finding a rhythm that works for your unique family dynamic. https://wix.to/pqf73O5

11/08/2026

“Working with Sheila changed how I handle busy days. She helped me build a simple routine and taught me ways to speak up for my needs at work. I feel calmer, more confident, and understood.” - A client of Sheila’s compassionate, personalised coaching. Discover practical support tailored to you or your loved one. https://wix.to/N06ijbU

Have questions or want to learn more? Send us a message or visit the website to get started.

21/07/2026

Working with an autistic teen recently, I focused on moving away from feelings of self-blame, anxiety, catastrophising and fear for the future. By using neuro-affirming and person centred mentoring, we created a tailored plan that worked with their natural thinking style and sensory profile. The result was a strengths-based approach that brought an acceptance of self and the confidence to self-advocate.

14/07/2026

Parenting an autistic child can feel overwhelming — but you don’t have to do it alone. Read how autism coaching can empower you with practical strategies, emotional support and confidence to better support your family. Read the full post: https://wix.to/UCY0phu

Key takeaways: clear guidance, tailored strategies, and ongoing support for parents. Share with a parent who might benefit.