Healis Autism Centre

04/09/2026

There’s a lot of information and misinformation surrounding vaccines and autism. So, what does the evidence say? Swipe through to learn more. 🌱

02/09/2026

Handling the hard moments with heart. Every small change builds lifelong skills. 🌱

01/09/2026

🧸 Some autistic people may form deep emotional connections with objects.

These connections can bring comfort, familiarity and a sense of security 💛

💭 Giving objects human qualities can also be a way to express and process emotions.

What matters most is understanding the person behind the connection — not trying to “cure” it. 🌱

Empathy toward inanimate objects in individuals with autism (ASD)IntroductionThe terms anthropomorphism and object personification will be used synonymously in this article to refer to the “attribution of human characteristics to non-human agents” (Negri et al., 2019; White & Re*****on, 2019).

28/08/2026

Sometimes, a child isn't trying to be difficult—they may simply want to feel in control.

Small choices, like what to wear 👕 or which activity to do first, can make a big difference.

When children have appropriate control, they can feel more confident and capable. 🌱

Supporting autonomy means guiding children while giving them a voice. 🗣️

25/08/2026

Introducing a pet can be an exciting experience for a child with autism. 🐾💛

But new sights, sounds, smells, and movements can sometimes feel overwhelming.

Start slowly, prepare your child, and let them interact at their own pace.

A little preparation can help both your child and their new companion feel safe and comfortable. 🌱

How to introduce pets to kids with autismTo many households, their furry friend is as much a family member as they are a companion. Whether it's a mammal, bird, or reptile, they are often a source of joy and comfort. It has even been found that pets may help parents of children with special needs in...

21/08/2026

Some autistic individuals may show strong empathy toward objects, toys 🧸 , or even things that cannot feel.

💛 They might comfort a toy that “gets hurt” or feel upset when an object is damaged.

This can reflect how they understand emotions, relationships, and the world around them.

✨ Empathy can be expressed in many different ways.

18/08/2026

Sometimes, “I don’t want to!” may be more than just being stubborn.

For some children, everyday demands can trigger anxiety and a strong need for control.

This can show up as avoidance, distress, rigidity, or sudden changes in behaviour.

Understanding the why behind the behaviour can help us respond with more empathy. 💛

Pathological Demand Avoidance: What is it?Do you know of a child who refuses to listen, sometimes to the point where it affects their happiness and well-being? Perhaps you’ve thought of them as ‘defiant’, ‘stubborn’, ‘confusing’, ‘difficult’... and the list goes on. You might’ve ...

14/08/2026

Change can be challenging, but flexibility can be taught. 🌱
Visual schedules 📅 and clear cues can help children know what is coming next.
Start with small changes and plan ahead when possible. 📝

With support and practice, adapting can become easier over time. ✨

12/08/2026

Tiny chairs do not go well with big teachers 😩

11/08/2026

A predictable routine can help children feel safer and more in control of their day.

Knowing what comes next can reduce anxiety and make everyday transitions feel less overwhelming.

Simple routines at home 🏡 , from mealtimes to bedtime, can provide comfort and consistency.

💛 With greater predictability, children can have more space to focus on learning, communication and connection.

Humans, regardless of demographics, thrive when there is an established routine. Children, especially those on the spectrum, expect predictability. Routines can be a key aspect in unlocking stable emotional and developmental growth, turning overwhelming days into manageable ones. Routines at home ar...