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Laura Hellfeld of Neurodivergent Nurse Consulting

@laurahellfeld.bsky.social
4.3K followers 138 following 383 posts

Nurse • Author • Speaker | Supporting neurodivergent and disabled people across everyday life, healthcare & education

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Laura Hellfeld of Neurodivergent Nurse Consulting @laurahellfeld.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
Live Webinar Tomorrow! A by donation event Why Do I Only Start at the Last Minute? Understanding Task Initiation and Building Supports That Work Thu, 1 Oct, 11am - 12:30pm BST Recording available for all ticket holders events.humanitix.com/why-do-i-onl...
events.humanitix.com
Why Do I Only Start at the Last Minute? Understanding Task Initiation and Building Supports That Work
Why is starting so hard? Explore task initiation, executive functioning, and practical strategies that reduce barriers and support neurodivergent people.
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Laura Hellfeld of Neurodivergent Nurse Consulting @laurahellfeld.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
Flush Forward! What can you find in the pages? A friendly toileting guide for parents supporting disabled and neurodivergent young people. #SEND #SENCo #socialcare #nurses #healthcare #autism #adhd
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Laura Hellfeld of Neurodivergent Nurse Consulting @laurahellfeld.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
This week! A recording will be available to all ticket holders. A by-donation event. events.humanitix.com/why-do-i-onl...
events.humanitix.com
Why Do I Only Start at the Last Minute? Understanding Task Initiation and Building Supports That Work
Why is starting so hard? Explore task initiation, executive functioning, and practical strategies that reduce barriers and support neurodivergent people.
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Reposted by Laura Hellfeld of Neurodivergent Nurse Consulting
Katie Munday @kmunday.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
We have already learnt so much from the section on praise, and how this may not end how we intend. Definitely reading this over the next few weeks before we try again. @laurahellfeld.bsky.social
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Laura Hellfeld of Neurodivergent Nurse Consulting @laurahellfeld.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
Flush Forward! now available! It’s been a lovely few days seeing my book make its way into the hands of parents, carers & professionals. Thank you so much to everyone who has supported the book so far. Whether you’ve bought a copy, shared a post, or recommended it to someone. It means a lot.
Image to showcase Flush Forward! is now available. There is a light blue background with an image of the book's cover which is a toilet roll. Subheading 'a friendly toileting guide for parents supporting disabled and neurodivergent young people'Speech bubble: “This book is an essential staple in any parent/carer library. Laura’s clear step-by-step guides and explanations make it a pleasure to read. Toileting is such a complex thing for a child to go through, made further complicated if there are interoceptive issues at play. I highly recommend this book.” Emma Dalmayne, CEO of Autistic Inclusive MeetsSpeech bubble: “Flush Forward! mirrors the foundational neuro-affirming philosophy held by The Feeding Trust. By prioritising nervous system safety and child autonomy, Laura reframes toileting and bodily functions as developmental skills rather than compliance-based tasks.” Natalie Raven Morris, Founder of The Feeding Trust charity
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Laura Hellfeld of Neurodivergent Nurse Consulting @laurahellfeld.bsky.social · 20/09/2026
Speaking Up at School: Communication with Education Staff For the 3 workshops via @littlehiccups1.bsky.social we looked at preparing parents & carers with school communication. Here are some of the resources: Why School Often Changes Eating laurahellfeld.substack.com/p/why-school...
laurahellfeld.substack.com
Why School Often Changes Eating
Parents and carers often tell me, “They eat so much at home, but barely touch anything at school.”
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Laura Hellfeld of Neurodivergent Nurse Consulting @laurahellfeld.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
Pain can be so tricky. Tricky to feel and tricky to communicate. You're welcome to have a full read by following the article link. laurahellfeld.substack.com/p/pain-isnt-... #chronicpain #chronicillness #disability
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Laura Hellfeld of Neurodivergent Nurse Consulting @laurahellfeld.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
Flush Forward! A Friendly Toileting Guide for Parents Supporting Disabled and Neurodivergent Young People publishes next Monday September 21st! Here is what Teodora Byrne of NDwise Hub Consulting has to say about it: #disability #neurodiversity
Book review: “Comprehensive yet remarkably accessible, this is the definitive toileting guide for parents of disabled and neurodivergent young people. Laura’s unique blend of knowledge and heart helps reframe the toileting journey, turning a challenging topic into a manageable, practical process. It’s the supportive, steady guidance every family needs.”
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Laura Hellfeld of Neurodivergent Nurse Consulting @laurahellfeld.bsky.social · 08/09/2026
It's all about dyspraxia today, tomorrow and Thursday. Here's some articles that I'll be signposting the groups to: laurahellfeld.substack.com/p/movement-w... #dyspraxia #neurodiversity
laurahellfeld.substack.com
Movement Without Pressure: Supporting Dyspraxic Young People
In many of my recent workshops about dyspraxia, one question came up again and again from parents and educators:
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Laura Hellfeld of Neurodivergent Nurse Consulting @laurahellfeld.bsky.social · 08/09/2026
It's all about dyspraxia today, tomorrow and Thursday. Here's some articles that I'll be signposting the groups to: laurahellfeld.substack.com/p/talking-wi... #dyspraxia #parenting #neurodiversity
laurahellfeld.substack.com
Talking with Your Young Person About Dyspraxia: Gentle Conversations and Respectful Support
This resource was created to support parents and carers attending the workshop
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Laura Hellfeld of Neurodivergent Nurse Consulting @laurahellfeld.bsky.social · 08/09/2026
It's all about dyspraxia today, tomorrow and Thursday. Here's some articles that I'll be signposting the groups to: laurahellfeld.substack.com/p/advocacy-l... #dyspraxia #neurodivergent #neurodiversity #healthcare
laurahellfeld.substack.com
Advocacy Language for Parents: Talking to Professionals About Dyspraxia
With FREE Download
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Laura Hellfeld of Neurodivergent Nurse Consulting @laurahellfeld.bsky.social · 05/09/2026
Secure Your FREE place! The PDA Space Summit is Back for 2026! The world’s largest ((FREE)) online event dedicated to Pathological Demand Avoidance. When: Thursday, October 1 – Tuesday, October 6, 2026 Where: Online Theme: Capacity and Capability www.thepdaspace.com/a/2148285602... #PDA
thepdaspace.com
2026 Summit Ticket Sales
Summit 2026 – Pricing & Access Join The PDA Space Summit 2026 with 27 webinars on Pathological Demand Avoidance PDA, autism, ADHD and neuroaffirming approaches. Free access or choose the Back Pocket P...
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Laura Hellfeld of Neurodivergent Nurse Consulting @laurahellfeld.bsky.social · 04/09/2026
Webinar Recording: When Toileting is Hard, Understanding Your Neurodivergent Young Person laurahellfeld.substack.com/p/webinar-re... #SENDCO #socialcare #socialworkers #earlyyears #education #nurses
laurahellfeld.substack.com
Webinar Recording: When Toileting is Hard, Understanding Your Neurodivergent Young Person
I wanted to share another webinar that I hope you'll find helpful.
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Laura Hellfeld of Neurodivergent Nurse Consulting @laurahellfeld.bsky.social · 03/09/2026
You can read more about my upcoming book 'Flush Forward!' here on the Jessica Kingsley Publishers, Ltd website. blog.jkp.com/2026/08/when... #SENDCO #SENCO #socialcare #disability #healthvisitor
blog.jkp.com
When Toileting Isn't About "Refusing": Looking Beyond Behaviour - JKP Blog
Nurse Laura Hellfeld explores the many experiences that influence how safe, comfortable and manageable toileting feels.
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Laura Hellfeld of Neurodivergent Nurse Consulting @laurahellfeld.bsky.social · 01/09/2026
September Newsletter: The latest resources and many upcoming FREE and low cost events. laurahellfeld.substack.com/p/september-... #healthcare #mentalhealth #education #neurodiversity #disability
laurahellfeld.substack.com
September Newsletter: A Round Up of August & What's Up Next
A Warm Welcome
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Reposted by Laura Hellfeld of Neurodivergent Nurse Consulting
David Gray-Hammond (NeuroHub Community) @neurohubcommunity.org · 01/09/2026
If you missed our on the Autistic Mental Health Conference, we can now give you access on-demand! Purchase access here neurohubcommunity.org/2026-autisti... #AutisticMentalHealthConference #ActuallyAutistic #autism #Autistic #MentalHealth
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Laura Hellfeld of Neurodivergent Nurse Consulting @laurahellfeld.bsky.social · 31/08/2026
Gabby's Glimmers: An Affirming story of an autistic child and their favourite food Meet the faces behind the story! #neurodiversity #neurodivergent
Photo to showcase Gabby's Glimmers and the people involved in making it. Text reads 'Meet the faces behind Gabby's Glimmers'. The cover and back cover of the book are shown and then a headshot of Scott Neilson, Laura Hellfeld, Abby Lastowski, and Alice McSweeney are underneath
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Laura Hellfeld of Neurodivergent Nurse Consulting @laurahellfeld.bsky.social · 28/08/2026
Falling Asleep to the Same Show for the 500th Time There is something wonderfully predictable about falling asleep to the same show for the 500th time. Read in full: laurahellfeld.substack.com/p/falling-as... #sleepsupport #sleep #mentalhealth #disability #chronicillness
Photo taken from a person's point of view (viewer sees their legs and feet on a bed) as they lay in bed with the TV on. The room is dark and the TV glows blue.
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Laura Hellfeld of Neurodivergent Nurse Consulting @laurahellfeld.bsky.social · 27/08/2026
Why They Can Eat One Day and Not the Next: Understanding Fluctuating Capacity Around Food I recently recorded my webinar for the upcoming PDA Space Summit, and one of the topics we’ll be exploring is capacity. Article on Substack #SLT #OT #nurses #parenting #feedingtherapy
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Laura Hellfeld of Neurodivergent Nurse Consulting @laurahellfeld.bsky.social · 27/08/2026
Sleep Idea: For many, the need for coregulation continues into the night and sleep hours #mentalhealth #sleepsupport #sleep #parenting
A green, sleep character sleeping in the bottom left corner with 'Zzzz's and a thought bubble 'For many, the need for coregulation continues into the night and sleep hours'
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Laura Hellfeld of Neurodivergent Nurse Consulting @laurahellfeld.bsky.social · 26/08/2026
Flush Forward! Publishing September 21st Community Feedback: "I think this book is going to help so many families. It feels really understanding and realistic, especially for families where the usual toileting advice just doesn't fit." Jenny Richards of HPCF #SENCO #socialcare #earlyyears
You just really get it, and that's so refreshing. That comes through so much in the book too.We're really looking forward to sharing the book with our families. We'll also be sharing it with local services and professionals, as I think there is a lot in there that could help them understand some of the difficulties families are dealing with.
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Reposted by Laura Hellfeld of Neurodivergent Nurse Consulting
Thriving Autistic @thrivingautistic.bsky.social · 26/08/2026
Please follow and share our Substack to find out more about our upcoming events and new resources for Autistic adults substack.com/@thrivingaut...
Dark navy cover graphic for Thriving Autistic's Discovery Programme. Title text reads 'Free Open Access: The Discovery Programme for recently identified Autistic adults,' with the Thriving Autistic Substack logo below. Underneath, a photo shows five people lying in a circle on grass, heads together, laughing. Overlaid text reads 'Welcome to the Discovery Programme: a six-module journey of self-discovery for recently identified Autistic adults, created, designed, and facilitated by Autistic professionals,' above a gold 'Explore the Modules' button.
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Laura Hellfeld of Neurodivergent Nurse Consulting @laurahellfeld.bsky.social · 25/08/2026
Connecting Health & Wellness Across Neurodivergence (Discount Code: 15% off the ticket price: Laura15) Our brains, bodies, nervous systems, and health do not exist in separate boxes. Our conversations about care should not either.
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Laura Hellfeld of Neurodivergent Nurse Consulting @laurahellfeld.bsky.social · 24/08/2026
What If Food Exploration Meant More Than Eating? When we talk about food exploration, we often default to eating. A new food is offered, someone has a bite, & we think, they tried it. If they don’t eat it, we might think that nothing really happened. laurahellfeld.substack.com/p/what-if-fo...
laurahellfeld.substack.com
What If Food Exploration Meant More Than Eating?
When we talk about food exploration, we often default to eating.
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Laura Hellfeld of Neurodivergent Nurse Consulting @laurahellfeld.bsky.social · 23/08/2026
Sometimes people stay awake because nighttime is the only moment all day where they finally have autonomy over attention. #sleep #mentalhealth #neurodivergent
Sometimes people stay awake because nighttime is the only moment all day where they finally have autonomy over attention.
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Laura Hellfeld of Neurodivergent Nurse Consulting @laurahellfeld.bsky.social · 22/08/2026
Sleep idea: Preferred interests and focused engagement may help the nervous system gradually transition from vigilance toward safety. #monotropism #sleep #neurodivergent
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Laura Hellfeld of Neurodivergent Nurse Consulting @laurahellfeld.bsky.social · 21/08/2026
Coming September 2026: Flush Forward! A Friendly Toileting Guide for Parents Supporting Disabled and Neurodivergent Young People Pre-orders are being taken at Waterstones and Amazon laurahellfeld.substack.com/p/coming-sep... #disability #healthcare #education #socialcare #parenting
laurahellfeld.substack.com
Coming September 2026: Flush Forward! A Friendly Toileting Guide for Parents Supporting Disabled and Neurodivergent Young People
You can pre-order the book here on Waterstones or Amazon
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Laura Hellfeld of Neurodivergent Nurse Consulting @laurahellfeld.bsky.social · 21/08/2026
All Things Waking Up in the Morning - with downloadable resource laurahellfeld.substack.com/p/all-things... #nursing #healthcare #disability
laurahellfeld.substack.com
All Things Waking Up in the Morning
With Download
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Laura Hellfeld of Neurodivergent Nurse Consulting @laurahellfeld.bsky.social · 21/08/2026
Webinar Coming Up! Beyond Bites, How Context Shapes Eating events.humanitix.com/beyond-bites... #neurodiversity #healthcare #parenting
events.humanitix.com
Beyond Bites, How Context Shapes Eating
Discover how context shapes eating beyond food itself, exploring routines, relationships, sensory experiences and environments that influence eating.
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Reposted by Laura Hellfeld of Neurodivergent Nurse Consulting
Autistic Revolution @ar-2024.bsky.social · 09/08/2025
HOME | Autistic Revolution www.autistic-revolution.com We're so excited to share our new website with you. Shifting paradigms one story at a time @kmunday.bsky.social @autisticallyscott.bsky.social @laurahellfeld.bsky.social @drjenniferhuffman.bsky.social
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Laura Hellfeld of Neurodivergent Nurse Consulting @laurahellfeld.bsky.social · 03/07/2025
Inside and Out: Rethinking Hygiene, Autonomy and Expression open.substack.com/pub/laurahel... #neurodiversity #education #parenting #healthcare
open.substack.com
Inside and Out: Rethinking Hygiene, Autonomy and Expression
In my work supporting parents and carers of young people with hygiene, I’ve noticed something that keeps coming up.
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Laura Hellfeld of Neurodivergent Nurse Consulting @laurahellfeld.bsky.social · 29/06/2025
Supporting PDAers and that Balance with Information open.substack.com/pub/laurahel... #PDA #autism #autistic #pathologicaldemandavoidance
open.substack.com
Finding the Balance: Supporting PDAers Without Overloading Our Young People
Article Background
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Laura Hellfeld of Neurodivergent Nurse Consulting @laurahellfeld.bsky.social · 22/06/2025
New Blog & Free Download are Up! "When it comes to supporting a PDAer, traditional ideas around respect and authority often backfire. Because our traditional approach to ‘respect’ may be rooted in power and control, not connection." open.substack.com/pub/laurahel... #education #SEN #PDA
open.substack.com
Demanding Respect from PDAers in the School Setting: Why Hierarchy Backfires & What Builds True Connection Instead
With FREE downloadable quick-reference guide
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Laura Hellfeld of Neurodivergent Nurse Consulting @laurahellfeld.bsky.social · 16/06/2025
Ehlers Danlos & Hypermobility and How They Affect Food and Eating open.substack.com/pub/laurahel... #ehlersdanlos #ehlersdanlossyndrome #hypermobility #nurses #healthcare
open.substack.com
Hypermobility & Ehlers Danlos & How They Affect Food & Eating
What are Ehlers Danlos & Hypermobility Syndrome?
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Laura Hellfeld of Neurodivergent Nurse Consulting @laurahellfeld.bsky.social · 08/06/2025
Beyond 'Picky Eating' open.substack.com/pub/laurahel... #feedingtherapy #healthcare #chronicillness #ehlersdanlos #hypermobility #nurses #education #earlyyears
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Laura Hellfeld of Neurodivergent Nurse Consulting @laurahellfeld.bsky.social · 03/06/2025
How Do I Get Them to Shower? Rethinking Hygiene Support in Care Roles open.substack.com/pub/laurahel... #disability #careassistant #publichealth #nurses #nursing #disabled
An image to highlight that a new blog on hygiene is on my substack. The photo is of a silver coloured shower head and the shower is on. White text 'How do I get them to shower? Rethinking hygiene support in care roles'
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Laura Hellfeld of Neurodivergent Nurse Consulting @laurahellfeld.bsky.social · 27/05/2025
Context is everything. That food, in that moment, surrounded by familiar sights, smells, people & routines, feels safe. Take away those surrounding elements & it’s like offering a completely different food. open.substack.com/pub/laurahel... #OT #neurodivergent #autism #autismfamilies #adhd
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Laura Hellfeld of Neurodivergent Nurse Consulting @laurahellfeld.bsky.social · 20/05/2025
Toileting Article Out Now! With FREE Communication Download open.substack.com/pub/laurahel... #SEND #disability #publichealth #nurse #education #teachers
open.substack.com
Rethinking Praise: Practical Strategies for Toileting Support
Practical Toolkit for Families and Professionals, Downloadable PDF
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Laura Hellfeld of Neurodivergent Nurse Consulting @laurahellfeld.bsky.social · 16/05/2025
Believing Teens: What We Say Matters A Blog Inspired by the May 2025 Autistic Brunout Conference To have a read, you can follow the link open.substack.com/pub/laurahel... #burnout #autistic #autism #education #mentalhealth #healthcare
open.substack.com
Believing Teens: What We Say Matters
A blog inspired by the 2025 Autistic Burnout Conference
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Laura Hellfeld of Neurodivergent Nurse Consulting @laurahellfeld.bsky.social · 12/05/2025
PDA and Compliance New blog is up! You can have a read here. #PDA #pdaautism #neurodiversity #education #parenting open.substack.com/pub/laurahel...
open.substack.com
PDAers and Compliance
Understanding the Real Challenge
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Reposted by Laura Hellfeld of Neurodivergent Nurse Consulting
Autistic Realms (Helen Edgar) @autisticrealms.bsky.social · 11/05/2025
Want to know why Autistic people might experience substance use differently? Come along to our Webinar on tomorrow evening 12th May 6pm GMT on Zoom! With @emergentdivergence.com and @tanyaadkin.bsky.social www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/autism-and...
eventbrite.co.uk
Autism and Substance Use
David Gray-Hammond and Tanya Adkin explore Autistic experiences of substance use and addiction in this live zoom webinar.
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Reposted by Laura Hellfeld of Neurodivergent Nurse Consulting
Little Hiccups @littlehiccups1.bsky.social · 07/05/2025
🌟 Thank You, @laurahellfeld.bsky.social ! 🌟 A huge thank you to Laura for running an incredible workshop on interoception! 🧠✨ This knowledge is invaluable for both self-care and supporting our kiddos. #Interoception #SelfCare #Workshop #ThankYouLaura
Picture of Laura presenting to the class. She is sat down and holding a cup of coffee. She is in front of a TV which has a screen on Coregulation on.
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Laura Hellfeld of Neurodivergent Nurse Consulting @laurahellfeld.bsky.social · 05/05/2025
'Same Food' or 'Safe Food' and When Our Language Matters New Blog on Substack! When people use terms like same food or safe food, they’re often referring to someone’s favourite food, a food they have a strong emotional or sensory connection to...' open.substack.com/pub/laurahel... #autism #adhd
open.substack.com
'Same Food' or 'Safe Food'
and When Our Language Matters
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Laura Hellfeld of Neurodivergent Nurse Consulting @laurahellfeld.bsky.social · 02/05/2025
May Newsletter! -List of May events, many free, low cost -Linked blogs from April, including free downloads -Link to catch up on the community education event about #PANS/PANDAS that touched on #OCD, tourettes, changes in behaviour open.substack.com/pub/laurahel... #autism #adhd #neurodiversity
open.substack.com
May Newsletter
Hello and hiya!
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Laura Hellfeld of Neurodivergent Nurse Consulting @laurahellfeld.bsky.social · 27/04/2025
We need so much more awareness and support on these issues!
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Laura Hellfeld of Neurodivergent Nurse Consulting @laurahellfeld.bsky.social · 27/04/2025
Supporting PDAers with Hygiene New blog post is up! I'm supporting a few puberty and hygiene-based webinars over the next couple of weeks so created this article to support those events and share with others. #PDA #autism #adhd #parenting open.substack.com/pub/laurahel...
open.substack.com
Supporting PDAers with Hygiene:
A Compassionate Approach
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Laura Hellfeld of Neurodivergent Nurse Consulting @laurahellfeld.bsky.social · 16/04/2025
Situational Mutism: A Compassionate Approach New blog is up! Made with @autisticallyscott.bsky.social "It’s not that they won’t speak, it's that they can't speak." The blog explores why this might happen and importantly, what can help. open.substack.com/pub/laurahel... #neurodiversity #audhd
open.substack.com
Situational Mutism:
A Compassionate Approach
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Laura Hellfeld of Neurodivergent Nurse Consulting @laurahellfeld.bsky.social · 15/04/2025
Autistic Burnout Conference Online, May 17th I’m getting ready to help guide and present at the upcoming conference. I’ll be shining a light on our preteen & teen community members. www.autisticadvocate.co.uk/autistic-bur... #healthcare #mentalhealth #education #teachers #publichealth
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Laura Hellfeld of Neurodivergent Nurse Consulting @laurahellfeld.bsky.social · 04/04/2025
New Blog! The Power of a Tiny Nap With free PDF download that outlines the benefits of different nap lengths. Maybe a helpful reminder posted around? open.substack.com/pub/laurahel... #sleep #sleepconsultant #healthcare #parenting #education
 An image to showcase a new blog post on the power of naps. The photo is of someone's slippers showing our from under a white blanket as they sleep on a brown couch.
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Reposted by Laura Hellfeld of Neurodivergent Nurse Consulting
♾️Clear Autism♾️ @clearautism.bsky.social · 02/04/2025
"It’s not that awareness of autism is bad, and acceptance is basically good, in the same way that tolerance is good: it’s nice not to be rejected, but maybe we could aim a little higher." @fergus.oolong.co.uk nails it, as always: #AutismAcceptance #AutismAwareness
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