We deeply believe that every wrinkle holds a story, and every grey hair shines with the light of a life well-lived. Each day adds a new shade to the beautiful picture of one’s journey — painted with memories, laughter, love, and the lessons learned through struggle. Aging is not a loss, but a reminder of how deeply we have lived, felt, and given to the world. It is a celebration of strength, resilience, and the quiet beauty that comes with time. Yet, growing older doesn’t mean growing alone — though many seniors quietly face emotional challenges that often go unspoken. Aging, with all its grace and wisdom, also carries its own trials. The natural effects of time — health struggles, social isolation, or loss of independence — can sometimes bring feelings of sadness, uncertainty, or loneliness. But by recognizing and valuing these rich lived experiences, we can offer compassion, connection, and care that uplift the spirit. In doing so, we help ensure that every senior continues their journey with peace, pride, and a heart full of purpose. While ageing is a journey to be celebrated, it’s also important to understand the emotional realities that can come with it. Over the years, Australians aged 65 and over have enriched our communities with their wisdom and resilience. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, this vibrant group makes up about 17% of the population, with nearly 9% experiencing mental health challenges like anxiety and depression, excluding dementia. Looking ahead, as this number grows to nearly one in four by 2065 (Australian Government, Department of Treasury – Intergenerational Report), we have a wonderful opportunity to prepare — by expanding support, raising awareness, and building strong connections — so that every senior can continue to live with dignity, joy, and purpose well into the future. Understanding Seniors’ Mental Health: Staying Strong, Connected, and Positive Stay Connected: Join social groups or MHFA support activities. Social interaction lowers cortisol (stress hormone) and boosts oxytocin, reducing loneliness and improving mood and memory. Focus on Emotional Wellness: Practice mindfulness or gratitude daily. This helps the prefrontal cortex regulate emotions and calms the amygdala, reducing anxiety and depression while boosting positivity. Seek Support: Use resources like the MHFA Supportive Mind App, peer groups, or counselling. Early help reduces stress, builds coping skills, and prevents mental health from worsening. Stay Active: Physical activity like walking or gardening releases endorphins and promotes neurogenesis. Mental activities like puzzles or reading strengthen neural connections, improving memory and attention. Routine Health Checks & Nutrition: Regular health check-ups and balanced nutrition are vital. Managing chronic conditions and eating well support brain health and overall well-being. Taking these steps can make a big difference in how seniors feel and thrive. With kindness, understanding, and support, every older person can enjoy life with dignity, connection, and joy. (Data and guidance adapted from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 2025.) A Lived Experience Perspective In my work as a physiotherapy professional, I’ve come to deeply appreciate how closely physical health and mental well-being walk hand in hand. Many seniors arrive seeking help with pain or mobility, but often, beneath the surface, there’s a quiet longing for connection and emotional renewal. Through gentle conversations — truly listening to their stories, celebrating every small step forward, and linking them with caring peer support — I’ve witnessed inspiring transformations. When seniors feel seen, heard, and valued, their confidence soars, their motivation strengthens, and their physical recovery flourishes. These experiences beautifully highlight that true healing is a whole-person journey, embracing both body and spirit. By weaving together compassionate care and emotional support, we empower seniors to rediscover joy, purpose, and hope, no matter their age. Families and carers also play a vital role in this journey — offering patience, companionship, and encouragement that remind seniors they are never alone. The Power of Counselling Counselling provides a safe and caring space for seniors to share their feelings, navigate grief or life changes, and rediscover purpose and confidence. With empathy and understanding, professional counsellors help build resilience, offer coping tools, and open new perspectives for growth. For many, it becomes a gentle reminder that seeking help is a sign of strength — and that emotional well-being has no age limit. Help Is Here — You’re Not Alone At Mental Health Foundation Australia (MHFA), we’re dedicated to supporting the emotional well-being of people from all walks of life through psychological counselling, peer support groups, webinars, and community awareness programs. Our goal is to create a society where every person — regardless of age — feels heard, valued, and supported. Through compassion, connection, and education, MHFA continues to empower individuals and communities to prioritise mental health as an essential part of ageing well. If you or someone you know could use support, MHFA is here to help. Visit www.mhfa.org.au to explore our programs, join a support network, or register for upcoming events. Together, through empathy, awareness, and action, we can make ageing not just longer — but brighter, healthier, and more connected for everyone. Co-authored by Zain Khalid Warraich and Neha Anand

Just like we aim to exercise on a regular basis, our wellbeing must also follow a similar regime. Now our brain can be good for a few things, but it may not be as useful if we fail to recognise that we need time to indulge in activities that soothe the mind. This World Mental Health Day, we want to encourage you to notice what makes you thrive. Prioritising your own wellbeing encourages growth in the right direction- being the best version of yourself. Why is mental health important? Reported by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW), about 2 in 5 Australians aged 16-85 (22% or 4.3 million) have experienced a mental disorder. Yet, within 2020-2022, only 17.4% of Australians of this age group saw a health professional for their mental health. Mental health struggles are worldwide, and your wellbeing is challenged at the hands of your daily life. It is important to understand that your body and mind co-exist to shape your social and physical ventures. When struggling with your mental health, your ability to think, feel and act is affected by your current wellbeing levels. Practising healthy wellbeing habits extends not only to how you feel about yourself, but your social relationships with family, friends, colleagues and strangers. It can be difficult to avoid the mental stress in our lives, but with habits that boost your wellbeing, you can build resilience and the confidence to tackle them day by day. 7 Ways, 7 Days A simple and easy way to start prioritising your wellbeing is self-care! You can find below 7 ways to take steps towards bettering your mental health over 7 days. Day One – Journal your thoughts and feelings Journalling your thoughts is a great way to release any stress, tension or energy that is affecting your mental health. It provides a safe space where you can reflect and identify any of your needs you are neglecting and a first step into prioritising your wellbeing. Day Two – Watch the sunset with a cup of tea Something as simple as sitting down and having a cup of tea is an easy way to ground yourself and reset after a long day. Acts of self-care do not need to be dramatically planned events, it can be a small thing, like having your favourite drink, where you take the time to consider yourself. Day Three – Create a morning routine Creating a routine and sticking to it can be a great way to help us recharge, manage stress, motivate us to get out of bed and prioritise our happiness and health. An example of a morning routine could be; avoiding screens for the first 10 minutes of your day, treating yourself to a coffee and a five-minute meditation. Day Four – Reconnect with a friend Social connections are key in relieving overwhelming emotions and calming our nerves. Talking to someone that you trust and feel comforted by can feel like a huge weight off our shoulders. You can reconnect with a friend by text, via a phone call and over a coffee to improve both of your social wellbeing! Day Five – Write down three things you are grateful for Writing things down can enhance your mental clarity and boost mindfulness when reflecting on the things that bring you joy and happiness. It gives the opportunity for your brain the recognise the good things in your life, especially if you are experiencing mental hardships. Day Six – Listen to music and go for a walk Nature can be powerful in changing our perspective of our circumstances, providing awe and wonder that can be a natural mood booster. By combining this with exercise and music, we can regulate our emotions, boost our moods and increase self-esteem as an act of self-care. Day Seven – Watch your favourite feel-good movie Movies can be a wonderful tool to help us recharge, decompress and regulate. It provides an escape from our minds allowing us to connect and reflect on the story we are being told. Remember though, we are what we watch, so make sure the movie you pick is one that brings joy, not a true crime, sad story. Taking the first step! At the MHFA, we have many ways for you to prioritise your wellbeing such as our Wellness Hub, where we provide low-cost $30 counselling sessions or our Support Groups which cover a range topics such as bipolar, trauma anxiety and depression. To reach out for support you can visit https://www.mhfa.org.au/get-support There is no one way to support your wellbeing. Habits can be varied and tailored to you, but that’s what makes it’s so important. Recognising what makes you shine and making time for yourself, especially on days that get difficult. Co-authored by Nicolette Buick and Sarah Auslender

If you are feeling socially isolated, lonely, or both, you are not alone. The Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia (HILDA) survey reported that loneliness effected 1 in 10 Australians in 2023. Social isolation is defined as having objectively few social relationships or roles and infrequent social contact whereas loneliness is defined as a subjective, unpleasant, or distressing feeling of a lack of connection to other people, along with a desire for more, or more satisfying, social relationships. Social isolation is linked to mental illness, emotional distress, decreased wellbeing and poor health behaviours such as poor sleep, smoking and physical inactivity. More surprisingly, it has been linked to poor physical health effects such as high blood pressure and impaired immune function. Loneliness has similarly been linked to poor physical and mental health, psychological distress, and life dissatisfaction. It is easy to consider loneliness and isolation as one negative factor in your life, but its relation to other adverse mental and physical effects shouldn't go unnoticed. Isolation and loneliness look different on everyone and can be caused by a diverse range of factors. Some common causes are living with a mental health condition, life changes like a new school, social exclusion based on identity, financial hardship, a lack of confidence, difficulty opening up, and many more. Whether it’s these reasons, something else, or no tangible reason at all, you are not alone. Despite the lack of control you may feel due to these factors, know that there is always community and people who resonate or want to help. When it comes to feeling lonely or being isolated, it can be hard to look to the future or seek help. In fact, more than half of people living in Australia say they don’t talk to others about feeling lonely, and nearly half say they’re too embarrassed to admit this to others. It is also completely understandable that if you feel lonely for a particular reason, you might feel disconnected or feel like people may see you differently. Sometimes, a feeling of not belonging makes it harder to feel confident reaching out, due to fear of still feeling misunderstood or isolated after reaching out. This is a very understandable feeling, but there is absolutely no shame in feeling lonely, and the more you take steps to connect, the more you’ll be able to find connection. There is no one size fits all solution to preventing loneliness. Things which may help include engaging in community, sporting or creative memberships, contributing to an organisation as a volunteer, sharing your story online, or taking up a hobby or reaching out to someone you know. Starting small is often all you need to make steps in the right direction. Other ways to remedy feelings of loneliness or isolation include seeking professional support. Support groups can often be soothing, where speaking to people who share a shared lived experience in a candid way may break barriers or reduce feelings of shame. Counselling is another avenue worth exploring, where an objective individual who is invested in listening and assisting helps contribute to lessened feelings of aloneness. Whatever fits for you, if you are feeing lonely or isolated, know, it is more common than you think, and there are always avenues of support available when you are ready. References: https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/Strong-relationships-strong-health#bhc-content https://www.aihw.gov.au/mental-health/topic-areas/social-isolation-and-loneliness Written by Callista Nguyen

Bullying No Way Week, taking place from August 11 to 15, 2025, is Australia’s leading initiative to help schools foster understanding of bullying behaviour and strengthen prevention strategies. With its empowering theme— "Be bold. Be kind. Speak up." —this campaign brings together government, families, schools, and communities to address bullying, especially the growing concern of cyberbullying in today’s digital world. By encouraging courage, kindness, and open communication, Bullying No Way Week reminds us that everyone has a role to play in preventing bullying and supporting those affected by it. Understanding Cyberbullying and Its Impact What is cyberbullying? Cyberbullying refers to harmful behaviours carried out through digital platforms—such as social media, messaging apps, emails, or online games. Unlike traditional bullying, cyberbullying can follow young people beyond school grounds and into their private spaces, often occurring at any time of day. It often begins with increased screen time on platforms like YouTube and can escalate to social media misuse. In response to growing concerns, the Australian Government recently passed legislation restricting YouTube access for children, highlighting the seriousness of the issue. According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW): - In 2015–16, nearly 70% of children aged 12–13 experienced at least one instance of bullying-like behaviour within a year—impacting approximately 160,000 young people. - Between 2014–17, 1 in 5 Year 4 students reported experiencing weekly bullying. - An eSafety survey revealed that 1 in 4 children aged 8–12 had encountered unwanted contact or harmful material online. These aren’t just statistics they represent children who may be feeling anxious, isolated, or overwhelmed. Harmful messages, exclusion from group chats, or online rumours can deeply affect self-esteem, academic performance, and emotional wellbeing. The persistent nature of cyberbullying can feel relentless, making it essential for us to respond with empathy and a focus on safe, supportive environments. Last year, we hosted an event titled The Big Debate as part of the Youth Leaders Forum, exploring the provocative topic: Should social media be banned for individuals under 18? This engaging forum, organised by the Mental Health Foundation Australia, brought together young voices to reflect on the impact of digital platforms on youth mental health. The event is part of a broader initiative to promote awareness, critical thinking, and open dialogue around the intersection of technology and wellbeing. Practical Tips for Schools and Families Preventing cyberbullying is a shared responsibility. Here are practical, compassionate steps you can take drawn from Bullying No Way and AIHW resources: For Schools: - Create Safe Spaces for Dialogue - Foster inclusive environments where students feel safe sharing their experiences—through peer-led discussions, assemblies, or classroom conversations. - Promote Digital Citizenship - Use resources from eSafety to educate students on respectful online behaviour and how to safely report harmful conduct. - Update Anti-Bullying Policies - Ensure policies explicitly address cyberbullying with clear steps for reporting, support, and resolution. - Engage the Community - Organize workshops or events during Bullying No Way Week, inviting families and local organizations to learn about bullying prevention. For Families: - Listen Without Judgment - Create a safe, open space where children feel heard and supported when talking about their online experiences. - Teach Safe Online Habits - Help children protect their privacy—by avoiding oversharing and recognizing when to block or report harmful interactions. - Model Positive Behaviour - Demonstrate respectful, kind communication in your own online interactions. Children often emulate adult behaviour. - Know Support Resources - Familiarise yourself with services like Kids Helpline and eSafety for guidance on how to respond if your child is affected. Kids Helpline: A private, confidential 24/7 phone and online counselling service for young people aged 5–25. Call 1800 55 1800 – Available 24/7. For You: Steps to Stay Safe Online If you or someone you know is experiencing cyberbullying, here are some steps you can take to protect yourself: - Avoid Engagement - Responding to bullies may escalate the situation. Choosing not to engage often discourages them, as they usually seek a reaction. - Report Harmful Behaviour - Most platforms have reporting tools that allow you to flag cyberbullying. These reports can lead to content removal or account suspension. - Block the Offender - Blocking prevents further contact. Before doing so, take screenshots of the bullying content to preserve evidence. - Save the Evidence - Document threatening messages, images, or posts by taking screenshots or saving them securely. If keeping this material affects your wellbeing, send it to a trusted adult and remove it from your device. - Adjust Your Privacy Settings - Review and tighten privacy settings regularly to limit who can see or contact you. Restrict access from strangers or anyone making you uncomfortable. - Seek Support - Talk to someone you trust—such as a parent, teacher, school counsellor. Keep the conversation going until you feel safe and supported. We're here to support At the MHFA Wellness Hub, we offer compassionate, professional counselling services for children and adolescents who may have experienced different forms of bullying, including cyberbullying. Our caring provisional clinician provides a safe, non-judgmental space where students feel heard, valued, and supported. Every session is thoughtfully tailored to each student’s unique experience and emotional needs. Support is accessible, with individual sessions available for just $30. Learn more about Wellness Hub: https://wellnesshub.mhfa.org.au/ Cyberbullying can feel overwhelming, but no one has to face it alone. Together, by being bold, being kind, and speaking up, we can create safer digital spaces where all young people feel valued and protected. Every act of empathy, every listening ear, and every shared resource contributes to a future where kindness leads the way.

As the back-to-school season begins across Australia, many families are preparing for a fresh start, new classrooms, teachers, and friendships. This time can bring a mix of emotions: excitement, curiosity, and sometimes, uncertainty. It’s completely natural for both children and parents to feel this way. With a little planning and mindful support, we can help create a smoother, more positive transition into the school year for everyone involved. Starting a new school year is a big change. For some children, it may bring butterflies in the stomach, while for others, it may take a little longer to adjust. These feelings are valid and part of growing up. It’s also important to recognise that for families from diverse cultural or linguistic backgrounds, school transitions may come with extra layers such as navigating different expectations, adjusting to routines, or working through communication barriers. Creating understanding at home and at school can help children feel more secure and confident. Signs to Gently Notice: Children may express emotional discomfort in different ways, and sometimes, these signs are easy to overlook. You know your child best—trust your instincts and look for subtle changes, such as: Mood shifts or seeming quieter than usual Difficulty expressing what they’re feeling Withdrawing from favourite activities or friendships Changes in sleep, appetite, or daily habits Hesitation or worry about going to school These signals can be considered as an opportunity to connect with your child and offer extra support. Gentle conversations and open listening can make a big difference. And if you ever feel unsure, speaking with a school counsellor or mental health professional can help you feel more confident in supporting your child. Why Early Support Matters? Studies show that emotional wellbeing during childhood can have a lasting impact into later life. That’s why being proactive by offering reassurance, guidance, and safe spaces to talk can be incredibly powerful. There’s no need to wait until things feel overwhelming. Even small steps, taken early, can help children build resilience and feel more secure as they navigate life’s changes. Practical and Positive Ways to Support Your Child Here are some gentle strategies to support your child’s emotional wellbeing as the school year begins: Notice and acknowledge small changes. They may be telling you something important. Create space for open conversations. Ask how they’re feeling about school and let them know it’s okay to talk about worries even little ones. Work with the school team. Teachers, school staff, and counsellors can be valuable partners in your child’s wellbeing. Model calm and care. Creating a home environment that feels safe, inclusive, and encouraging helps children feel more grounded and supported. Dear Parents, You Matter Too. Transitions can be just as emotional for parents and caregivers. You are doing your best and that’s enough. Whether you’re navigating your own workload, changes at home, or the emotions that come with parenting, your feelings are valid too. Taking time to care for yourself is important. Whether it's talking to a friend, taking a quiet moment for yourself, or reaching out to a support service, looking after your own wellbeing helps the whole family thrive. We’re Here to Walk Alongside You At the MHFA Wellness Hub, we offer caring and professional counselling services for children and families navigating change. Our provisional clinicians work gently and respectfully with each family’s unique needs offering guidance, listening ears, and practical, evidence-informed strategies to help build emotional wellbeing. We believe every child deserves to feel heard, and every parent deserves to feel supported. Learn more about Wellness Hub: https://wellnesshub.mhfa.org.au/ Visit our website to explore free resources, and try the Supportive Mind App , designed to help children and parents manage everyday stress and emotional ups and downs in simple, compassionate ways. Let’s Begin This School Year with Confidence and Care Every school year brings new beginnings and with the right support, those beginnings can feel full of hope. Your child’s wellbeing matters. And so does yours. Written by Simranpreet Gill and Anne Bui

The nature of friendship There is no specific way to define what a ‘friendship’ is. Sometimes it’s a connection with the person you grew up with, or a group that shares your interests. But friendship also starts with a casual chat at work, a neighbour waving hello, or a familiar face you meet every day on the way home. That’s the beauty of it — there are no boundaries or limits to how friendships are formed. Navigating life changes is hard — but you don’t have to do it alone We’ve all gone through big life changes like moving somewhere new, starting over, or facing tough events. In fact, getting through those times on our own isn’t easy. Entering a new stage can ignite the feelings of loneliness and anxiety. That’s where good friends come in: they can be a real mental buffer against our negative emotions. Friendships offer emotional support by helping you feel truly seen and connected. They create a sense of belonging and strengthen your emotional resilience. Still, maintaining a friendship that stands the test of time and distance isn’t always easy. Communication with friends often gets disrupted as we move through unexpected changes. Sometimes, just one honest and open conversation is all it takes to rebuild the bridge — to remind each other that we’re still here, still listening. A good friend can validate your feelings, empower and inspire you to take steps. Friendships: the first relationship that shapes the rest Friendships are one of the first relationships we get to choose for ourselves. Spending time with people who are good for our developmental health is matter, as they play a huge role in shaping how we connect with others. Through friendship, we learn how to trust, how to support, and how to be present — lessons that carry into every other relationship we build. On this International Friendship Day, let’s take a moment to reflect on the power of friendship in supporting mental well-being and emotion, especially during life’s most challenging moments. Whether it’s a message, a call, or a quiet thank-you, let your friends and the person you care know how much they’ve mattered on your journey. Written by Anne Bui and Kylie Nguyen

On this year's World Infant, Child and Adolescent Mental Health Day, we explore the importance of early intervention and seeking the right support for the youngest people in our society.

The 7th of April brings around World Mental Health Day once again! Health is a broad topic that can be overwhelming and intimidating to many people, making it seem hard to maintain on top of your work, social life, and family duties. However, there are 5 healthy habits you can incorporate into your daily routine to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Sleep like it’s a priority! Health and sleep go hand in hand, and to feel your best you need to ensure you get a good night’s sleep. A good night’s sleep allows your body to rest and recharge for the following day, boosting both your physical and mental health. To ensure your get a good night’s rest, consider creating a sleep pattern where you go to sleep and wake up at the same every day. While it’s tempting to scroll on your phone or binge watch TV, sticking to a sleep routine helps your body get into a pattern and boosts your mood. Prep like a meal master Healthy meals are time consuming to make, and takeout often feels like the easiest solution after a long day’s work. This is great occasionally; however, they do lack the nutrients your body needs which is where meal prepping comes in! Meal prepping just once a week allows you to keep on track of eating healthy lunches and dinners, boosting both your physical and mental wellbeing, as a balanced diet is linked to improving mood and boosting energy. Sweat in snippets! A full body workout everyday can be overwhelming, but the trick is not to focus on getting in a 2-hour workout every day! Instead aim for 10 minutes here and there, like walking on your lunch breaks or stretching in between work tasks. Even wearing ankle weights while cooking will allow you to be exercising while doing daily tasks! Working out in small bursts is a good way to maintain your physical health and is also seen to boost your mood. Drink up buttercup! Aim to drink a litre of water a day. It’s a simple task that’s easy to forget, but a simple trick is to take a sip every time you pick up your phone. This creates a habit of drinking water every time you’re scrolling on TikTok or texting someone and will help you reach your hydration goal. It’s important to drink water as it helps maintain a healthy body and maintain its functions, so it’s time to drink up buttercup! Pause and breathe If you’re busy working all day, it’s easy to forget to check in with yourself. To solve this problem, set health breaks on your phone that will remind you every few hours. Take just 5 minutes to step away - go for a quick walk or pause to breathe and recharge. It’s a simple way to look after your wellbeing throughout the day and get you moving a little bit, so you’re not stuck in same spot all day. Good Wellbeing Starts Today With such a busy schedule, maintaining your health can be an afterthought. However, these 5 healthy habits aim to incorporate looking after one’s physical and mental health into your daily routine. Download the Supportive Mind app to prioritise your wellbeing In today’s fast-paced world, finding time for yourself can be tough. The Supportive Mind is here to change that. With features designed to help you stay active, track your mood, and access personalised wellness resources, our app is the perfect companion to ensure your mental and physical health come first. Download today: https://www.mhfa.org.au/supportive-mind By Jamie Speight

On the 2nd of April, we come together to celebrate World Autism Understanding Day. As many people in our community with Autism, it is important to understand how you can support someone to make them feel comfortable. World Autism Understanding Day is not only about understanding Autism but also taking actions to be a supportive person to those around you. What is Autism? Autism is a lifelong developmental condition that affects how a person thinks, feels, interacts with others, and experiences their environment, according to Autism Spectrum Australia (Aspect). People who have Autism may have different preferences regarding social interactions, a heightened sensory awareness, have different communication preferences compared to neurotypical people, have many strengths, and are honest, loyal, and kind people. This year's World Autism Understanding Day is delivered in partnership with communities to create a supportive and more inclusive society so people with Autism can feel more comfortable navigating the world. By creating more understanding about Autism, we can challenge myths and misconceptions regarding Autism to create meaningful changes so Autistic people can have the same opportunities and support as everyone else. Common Myths and Misconceptions Autism only affects males - Autism can affect any gender. Whilst males are most commonly diagnosed, females are often diagnosed at a later point in life. People with Autism lack empathy – Autistic people do experience all emotions including empathy; however, they may show and regulate empathy differently compared to neurotypical people. Autistic people are anti-social – Just like everyone, Autistic people still desire social connections and want to create meaningful relationships. Whilst sometimes social interactions and situations can be challenging for Autistic people, this does not mean they do not want to socialise and create connections. Ways to support people with Autism It is important to understand that people with Autism may experience the world differently compared to neurotypical people. By showing you care for and are willing to support Autistic people, you can help them to feel more comfortable within society and themselves. Encourage inclusivity in group settings – Make sure to make invites to group activities clear to Autistic people. Take some time to explain to them what is going to happen to make sure they feel comfortable. Do not force any social interactions but instead help them feel at ease within any group setting. Keep things clear and simple – Sometimes people on the Autism spectrum take things to heart or have difficulty picking up on social cues. Keep your communication clear and your language direct, and do not be disheartened if they are repeating things you have said to them, they are just trying to make sure that they understood what you said correctly. Respect personal space – Individuals on the autism spectrum may have different preferences regarding personal space and touch. It is important to communicate and ask people with Autism their preferences and always ask for consent before initiating any physical contact. Make sure to be mindful of any physical boundaries and do not be disheartened if they say no, they’ll appreciate you asking and listening to what their preferences are. Watch out for overwhelming situations – People on the Autism spectrum can get overwhelmed by sights, sounds, and smells, especially within a busy or large place due to their heightened sensory awareness. Be sure to look out for this, and if this happens try to move them to somewhere less overwhelming so they can have some time to process their surroundings. Create a safe space for them where they feel comfortable talking about their desires and needs, so they can be their authentic selves. Adjustments can include dimming lights and reducing background noise, which can help people with Autism to feel safe and secure again. With a better understanding of what Autism is and how to support within your community, you can help to make them feel more comfortable and have the same opportunities as neurotypical people. Importantly, while we continue to celebrate World Autism Understanding Day, make sure to continue to understand and support individuals with autism every day of the year to make a more inclusive and comfortable world. By Holly Johns