When your child seems to cope at school, then collapses at home

For neurodivergent children and teenagers who are anxious, exhausted, masking at school or finding ordinary demands too much.

Autistic and ADHD young people may seem to be coping for a long time while becoming increasingly depleted inside. This can lead to school avoidance, shutdown, anger, low mood, physical symptoms, family conflict or burnout.

My work helps young people and parents make sense of what is happening without blame. This may include thinking about sensory overwhelm, masking, diagnosis, identity, friendships, school expectations and the child’s need for a more sustainable way of functioning.

Where appropriate, I can also help parents think about whether further assessment, school adjustments or professional liaison may be needed.