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Neurodiversity or Mental Health?
Neurodiversity or Mental Health?

Let’s talk about something that so many families are facing—yet not enough people are talking about: the overlap between neurodiversity and mental health.


When is it neurodiversity, and when is it mental health? Do they need to be separate? Can they be?


In my experience, as a parent and professional, these two areas are deeply connected. Yet, when it comes to accessing support through CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services), neurodivergent children are often falling through the cracks.


For many families, trying to get seen by CAMHS is almost impossible. You wait months, sometimes years, after being referred by your GP, your child’s school, or social services. But when you finally get to the top of the list, you’re told your child doesn't meet the criteria, because they're neurodivergent. “It's part of their autism,” they say. “It's just because they have ADHD.”


But here’s the thing. Just because a child is neurodivergent doesn’t mean they don’t also have mental health struggles. In fact, the two are often intertwined. Many autistic children and young people with ADHD struggle to find their place in a world that isn’t set up for them. They live in a constant state of overwhelm, exhaustion, and sensory overload, and this can take a huge toll on their mental health.


So why are we forcing a choice between the two?


We shouldn't be. We need to stop treating neurodivergence and mental health as two separate boxes, and instead take a more holistic view. Because the reality is, mental health difficulties often co-occur with neurodivergence. They’re not separate. And they shouldn't be treated as such.


This issue isn’t just theoretical. It’s personal. My daughter is autistic, with a PDA profile. She’s experienced autistic burnout, been unable to attend school, or even leave the house. During this already fragile time, she endured three significant traumatic events. She didn’t have the emotional capacity to process any of it. She was already in survival mode. And in the aftermath, her mental health collapsed—OCD symptoms, intrusive thoughts, and even hallucinations and hearing voices when at crisis point.


We had support in place—social services, family support, school—but CAMHS was the only option for actual mental health intervention. And every time we reached the top of the list, we were discharged without even being seen. The reason? “It’s just because she’s autistic.”

But that’s not true. Her OCD and trauma response weren’t simply “because she’s autistic.” Yes, her neurodivergence shaped how she processed what happened. But any child who went through what she experienced would be struggling. Her mental health difficulties are real and need support.


Unfortunately, her autism diagnosis has become a barrier to accessing mental health care, and she’s not alone. Thousands of neurodivergent children are being dismissed, ignored, or told their struggles don’t “fit the criteria.” And that’s not good enough.


This is a systemic issue that needs addressing at both professional and political levels. If we don’t act, we risk a generation of children growing up believing they’re not worthy of help. That their pain doesn’t matter. That they don’t deserve support because of how their brains work.


We must shift our approach.


CAMHS and other mental health services need to recognise that neurodivergence and mental health are not mutually exclusive. Mental health conditions are common in neurodivergent populations, and we need to stop treating them as separate. We need services that are trauma-informed, neuro-affirming, and willing to look at the whole child, not just the label.


This is also where alternative interventions can play a vital role. I’m passionate about the power of hypnotherapy to support neurodivergent children. It’s accessible, low-demand, non-invasive, and doesn’t rely on verbal processing like traditional talking therapies or CBT. For many neurodivergent children, especially those experiencing anxiety, burnout, or trauma, hypnotherapy offers a gentle, effective way to reconnect with calm and safety. If you're a parent feeling stuck, unheard, or unsupported, please know there is help out there. Reach out to explore whether specialist hypnotherapy could be the gentle, effective support your child needs right now. You can contact me, Amy, at Magic Minds Family Hypnotherapy via www.magicmindshypnotherapy.com or email me directly at amy@magicmindshypnotherapy.co.uk. Most of my work is online, which suits many of the children I support—those who are anxious, burned out, or who simply need the comfort of their own home environment to feel safe enough to engage.


There is hope. There are options. But we must start listening to families. We must stop dismissing children’s pain just because they see and experience the world differently.

Neurodivergent children deserve better.


 
 
 
  • Writer: Amy Dalwood-Fairbanks
    Amy Dalwood-Fairbanks
  • Apr 14
  • 4 min read

A calm mind remembers more
A calm mind remembers more

The Pressure Is Real

It's a scene many parents, teachers, and students know all too well: a teenager sits frozen at their GCSE exam desk, heart pounding, mind blank, palms clammy. Despite weeks of revision and countless hours spent making colourful flashcards, the information just isn’t there when they need it most.


Exam season is one of the most stressful times in a young person’s academic life. The pressure to perform well, live up to expectations, and secure a future place in college or sixth form can feel overwhelming. But while revision strategies, tutoring, and academic support are vital, there is another often overlooked ingredient to exam success: calm.


Calm isn’t just a nice feeling. It’s not a luxury. It is an essential state of being that allows students to remember, retain, and retrieve the information they have worked so hard to learn. And in a world where anxiety is increasingly common among teenagers, helping students access a calm state has never been more important.


The Science Behind Calm and Memory

To understand why calm is so important, we need to look at how the brain works under pressure. When we feel threatened or anxious, our body goes into what is often called "fight, flight, or freeze" mode. This is a survival response governed by the amygdala, the brain's emotional control centre. It was incredibly useful for our ancestors facing physical danger, but it's not so helpful when you're trying to remember trigonometry equations.

When stress hits, the brain floods the body with cortisol, a hormone designed to help us act quickly in the face of threat. But cortisol also disrupts activity in the prefrontal cortex — the part of the brain responsible for thinking clearly, planning, and remembering. In short, stress and anxiety literally make it harder to think and recall information.


Conversely, when the brain and body are calm, the prefrontal cortex is fully engaged. This allows students to concentrate, think critically, and access the knowledge they've spent time learning. Calm helps the brain switch from survival mode to learning mode.


Emotional Regulation: The Secret Weapon

So often, exam underperformance isn’t down to a lack of knowledge, but a lack of emotional regulation. Students may know the material inside out, but if they go into the exam room full of fear, their nervous system becomes dysregulated, making it difficult or even impossible to retrieve that information.


Emotional regulation refers to the ability to manage our internal states — our feelings, thoughts, and physiological responses — in a way that allows us to stay focused and present. For students, this can mean staying grounded when faced with a tricky question, or calming their nerves before walking into the exam hall.


Unfortunately, emotional regulation isn’t something most young people are taught. They are told to revise, practice past papers, and get a good night’s sleep. But few are given the tools to stay calm under pressure or to reset their minds when anxiety strikes.


That’s where ExamCalm comes in.


Introducing ExamCalm: A Game-Changer for GCSE Prep

ExamCalm is a two-part, live online programme that supports GCSE students in managing exam-related stress, improving focus, and retaining information more effectively. It blends clinical hypnotherapy, brain-based learning techniques, and low-demand strategies to give teens a practical, empowering way to approach exam season with a calmer, clearer mindset.

Rather than adding more pressure, ExamCalm is designed to reduce it. The sessions are gentle, accessible, and grounded in what we know works for young people—especially those who are overwhelmed, neurodivergent, or emotionally burned out from the demands of revision.


The programme helps students:

  • Calm their nervous system

  • Strengthen focus and clarity

  • Feel more confident walking into the exam room

  • Retain and recall information with greater ease


It’s not about pushing harder. It’s about working smarter, from a place of calm.


Who ExamCalm Is For

  • GCSE students feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or burned out

  • Teens who struggle to focus or retain information under pressure

  • Neurodivergent students needing a different approach to learning and revision

  • Young people who want effective, low-pressure support


Whether a student is facing their first real exam season or is already familiar with exam stress, ExamCalm offers an essential layer of emotional and mental support.


By shifting the focus from "just revise more" to "regulate your mind and body first," ExamCalm changes the game. Calm becomes the foundation. Confidence and performance follow.


A Message to Parents, Educators, and Teens

For parents: You know your child has the potential. If they’re struggling with anxiety, avoidance, or exam fear, it isn’t about laziness or lack of preparation. It’s about their emotional state. Offering them tools like ExamCalm can change everything.


For teachers: You want your students to succeed. By acknowledging the emotional aspect of exams, you can empower them with more than academic content. Calm students are capable students.


For students: You’re not broken. Feeling nervous or overwhelmed is normal. But you don’t have to stay stuck in that feeling. You can train your mind to be calm, focused, and confident. ExamCalm shows you how.


Final Thoughts: Calm Minds, Strong Results

Exam results matter, but the wellbeing of our young people matters more. The two are not in competition. In fact, they are intertwined. A calm mind is a powerful mind.

It’s time we recognised that exam success isn’t just about how much a student knows, but about how they feel when it matters most. Calm gives students the best chance to show what they know. It’s not about eliminating nerves entirely, but about learning how to ride the wave of stress and come out stronger.


ExamCalm is more than a toolkit. It’s a shift in how we prepare for exams — not just cramming facts, but cultivating calm.


If you’re supporting a young person through GCSEs this year, or if you’re a student wanting to feel more confident and in control, take a look at ExamCalm. Because when calm leads the way, confidence and clarity follow.


ExamCalm

Sessions: Saturday 25th April & 3rd May, 2pm-4pm

Cost: £79 (£99 from 22nd April)

Delivery: Live online via Zoom


To find out more and to book: www.magicmindshypnotherapy.co.uk/examcalm


 
 
 


Let’s be honest, parenting children with additional needs can be incredibly rewarding, but it’s also exhausting. The constant demands don’t leave much time to breathe, let alone recharge. And when Blue Monday rolls around, often called the "saddest day of the year," it can feel even heavier. But what if you could escape the stress for just a little while, without packing a suitcase or leaving your home?


On Monday 20th January, Magic Minds Family Hypnotherapy has got just the thing to help. Our Virtual Holiday Escape is a 30-minute guided hypnosis session designed to whisk you away to a peaceful destination of your choice, all from the comfort of your sofa. Imagine stepping onto a warm sandy beach, wandering through a tranquil forest, or basking in the quiet beauty of a mountain retreat—all without a passport or travel hassle.


What’s the Virtual Holiday Escape All About?

Think of it as a mental vacation. A guided hypnosis session that helps you press pause on life’s challenges and soak up some much-needed calm. In just 30 minutes, you’ll experience deep relaxation, mood-boosting benefits, and a sense of renewal that’s perfect for tackling the rest of January with a fresh perspective and energy.


The session is led by me, Amy Dalwood-Fairbanks, an award-winning certified hypnotherapist who knows just how much parents give of themselves every single day. Through vivid guided imagery and relaxation techniques, I’ll help you find your inner oasis so you can come away feeling calmer, more grounded, and ready to take on the world again.


Why You Deserve This Break

Let’s face it, parenting neurodivergent children comes with a unique set of challenges. From managing school meetings to juggling emotional ups and downs, it’s no wonder you feel stretched thin. Blue Monday only adds to the weight, with its post-holiday slump, dreary weather, and general “meh” vibes. But here’s the thing, you don’t have to carry all that alone.


As a parent, you give so much of yourself to your family. This Virtual Holiday Escape is your chance to take something back, a little pocket of time just for you to rest, recharge, and refocus. Even a short mental getaway can make all the difference in how you feel and how you show up for your loved ones.


What You’ll Gain

This isn’t just about feeling good in the moment (though you’ll definitely feel amazing), it’s about learning how to create calm and balance in your everyday life. Here’s what you can expect:


  • Deep relaxation: Say goodbye to stress and tension.

  • A brighter mood: Feel more energised and positive.

  • Mental clarity: Take a break from worries and refocus.

  • Renewal: Step back into your day with a fresh mindset.


Join Us and Escape the Everyday

The Virtual Holiday Escape is happening online at two time - 11 am and 8 pm - on Blue Monday. It’s completely free, so all you need is an internet connection and a comfy spot to tune in.


Event Details:

  • What: Virtual Holiday Escape – A 30-minute guided hypnosis session

  • When: Monday 20th January 2025

Morning Session: 11 am

Evening Session: 8 pm

  • Where: Online via Zoom

  • Cost: Free



 
 
 

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