Understanding Autism & Neurodiversity
Neurodiversity is a word used to describe the many different ways people think, learn, and make sense of the world around them. It includes everyone—both those who think in more typical ways (often called neurotypical) and those who experience the world a little differently (known as neurodivergent).
Being neurodivergent simply means that a person’s brain processes information in a way that’s different from the majority. This might include people with autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and other ways of thinking and learning. These differences are natural and often run in families.
Neurodivergence exists in all cultures, genders, and backgrounds—and no two people are ever exactly the same. Even two children with the same diagnosis may have very different strengths, needs, and ways of expressing themselves.
My two children are a perfect example of this. They couldn’t be more different in their needs, in the way they express themselves, in the way they speak—or don’t speak. One experiences selective mutism, while the other responds to overwhelm with loudness and screaming. And yet, they share the same diagnoses. But it’s a spectrum, and every person is an individual. Typical or atypical, every one of us is different. Every one of us is special. Every one of us has our own sense of the world.
Here at MMF Lifestyle, we’re creating a space where families can feel supported, better understand their children, and connect with real-life knowledge, resources, and experiences. Because every child deserves to be seen, valued, and nurtured—just as they are.
What is Autism?
Autism doesn’t look one way — it’s many faces, many voices, and many different needs.
Autism, or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), is a lifelong neurodevelopmental condition that affects how a person experiences the world, communicates, and interacts with others. It is called a “spectrum” because every autistic person is different—there is no single way autism looks or feels. Some people may have strong communication skills, while others may be non-speaking. Some might need a lot of daily support, while others live independently.
Quick facts about autism:
Around 1 in 70 Australians is diagnosed with autism—this includes over 200,000 people.
In children aged 5 to 14, about 1 in 36 has a formal diagnosis.
Globally, it’s estimated that 1 in 100 people is autistic, though numbers are likely higher due to underdiagnosis and misdiagnosis, especially in girls.
Autism is more common than many people think—and still, many go unseen.
Why girls and women are often missed:
Autistic girls are often underdiagnosed or diagnosed later than boys. This is partly because many girls learn from a very young age to “mask” their traits—copying others’ behaviour, trying to blend in, or hiding their confusion or distress.
“Masking” is a way to cope, not a sign that everything is fine.
While boys may show more obvious signs (such as strong routines, meltdowns, or limited interests), girls often work hard to please others and can appear to “cope” until exhaustion or burnout hits. This makes it harder for parents and professionals to spot autism early in girls.
What are the signs professionals look for?
According to the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders), autism is diagnosed based on two core areas:
Differences in social communication and interaction – including things like understanding body language, picking up on unspoken social rules, or forming and keeping relationships.
Restricted or repetitive behaviours and interests – this can include routines, intense interests, repetitive movements (like hand-flapping or jumping), or strong reactions to sensory input (like sounds, smells, lights, or textures).
Both areas must be present from early childhood, though they might not become obvious until social demands increase (like starting school).
Autism and ADHD – overlap and similarities:
Autism and ADHD often co-occur. In fact, many children are diagnosed with both. While they’re separate conditions, they share some overlapping traits, such as:
Difficulty with focus or attention
Impulsivity or emotional outbursts
Trouble with routines, transitions, or regulation
Sensory sensitivities
Intense interests or hyperfocus
Understanding both conditions helps support the whole child—not just the label.
Every child is different. Some kids might be “on the go” all day and struggle to slow down, while others might seem quiet, dreamy, or withdrawn. Understanding both conditions helps create better support for the whole child—not just the label.
Autism often affects sensory processing, meaning everyday sounds, lights, or textures might feel overwhelming or uncomfortable. It can also bring unique strengths—such as deep focus, creativity, honesty, or an incredible memory for detail. Autism is not an illness or something that needs to be “fixed.” It’s a natural and valid way of being. With understanding and support, autistic children and adults can thrive in their own authentic way.
From my Heart to Yours
“It’s a spectrum, and everyone is an individual — typical or atypical.”
Everyone sees the world through their own lens.
To the parents or caregivers who are new to this—maybe you’re just beginning to explore the word autism, or you’ve recently received a diagnosis—please don’t be afraid of the word autism or disability. Autism isn’t something to be labelled with fear or negativity. Yes, it can be challenging, especially in the early years. But it’s also beautiful in hundreds of quiet, meaningful ways.
Your child is unique. They will see the world a little differently. It might not be the “standard parenting journey” you expected or planned for—but it will be one filled with the deepest love, joy, and connection. Your child may open your eyes to things you never noticed before—things that are absolutely worth noticing.
You’ll feel pride in every step they take—just like any other parent. There will be ups and downs, just like in any other family. I won’t lie—yes, there will be overwhelming moments, especially for solo parents like me. But never forget: you are strong. You are doing your best. And you are raising a beautiful human being.
It won’t always feel this hard. As you learn what helps your child feel safe, supported, and calm—as you build ways to communicate and adjust your world to better fit their sensory needs—you’ll start to see things shift. And one day, you might find yourself realising: I wouldn’t wish for anything else.
Your child is perfect exactly as they are. And so are you. Never forget that. How boring would this world be if we were all the same? We need difference. We grow from challenge. Yes, it will be a journey—getting to know your child’s needs, balancing them with your life and other responsibilities. But you will get there. And I’m here if you need support—through the hard times, and to celebrate the good ones, too, when new strategies start to work and you see your child shine in their own way.
I love my children more than I could ever express in words. I feel it deeply, and I tell them every day. The moments I worry about them are the moments I realise just how much they mean to me.
There are so many moments in daily life that push me to my limits—when they’re wild, not listening, or I’m just exhausted. Even something as simple as going to the shops becomes a challenge when I can’t schedule around my kids. I know it will be overstimulating, and I know we’ll be met with “all eyes on us” if things go sideways.
But those are just moments. They’re not misbehaving—they’re overwhelmed. The lights, the sounds, the smells—it’s a lot. And honestly, I don’t blame them. They just haven’t yet learned how to cope.
With my older child, we’re getting there. Communication works now—we’ve created little “codes” to tell each other when it’s time to leave, before overstimulation turns into a meltdown. That took years of practice, of trial and error, of implementing calming strategies into everyday life.
But it’s starting to show. And that gives me hope.