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In the UK, the adoption of strengths-based practices and approaches varies across different sectors and regions. While there is no specific data on the exact percentage of usage, strengths-based approaches have been increasingly integrated into social care and other services. For example, the Care Act 2014 emphasises the importance of strengths-based assessments and support planning in social care....

Masking is a coping mechanism often observed in individuals within the autism spectrum. However, not everyone on the spectrum engages in masking to the same extent or in the same way. The impact of masking on mental health should not go unnoticed. We need to create accepting and inclusive environments that can help reduce the need for masking and support better emotional health outcomes....

Each person with autism is unique, and the way autism presents can vary widely from person to person. This means that what works for one individual may not work for another, highlighting the importance of individualised support and understanding. What is common for all types of autism is that they are neurological differences, meaning they affect the development of the brain....

Autism is a neurological difference and part of neurodiversity. Masking autism is a conscious or subconscious effort to minimise autistic traits and align oneself with neurotypical social standards. It has a profoundly negative impact on mental health, with autistic people developing anxiety, low self-esteem and mental health concerns....

In the United Kingdom, approximately one in every 1,000 babies is born with Down syndrome. First documented by Dr John Langdon Down in 1862, approaches over the years have shifted for the better. We focus on the importance of person-centred approaches and the transformative impact they have on people living with Down syndrome, recognising their unique strengths, challenges, and aspirations. ...

While some children may 'outgrow' their delays, others may continue to face challenges into adulthood. Transition planning and ongoing support enable continuity of care and promote independence and quality of life. With early intervention and appropriate support, many children with global developmental delay (GDD) can progress significantly and improve their developmental outcomes over time....

Establishing a secure and nurturing environment for people who require complex care necessitates personalised strategies and a collaborative partnership between carers and health care professionals. The bespoke support that emphasises each person's unique physical, emotional, and mental health builds the road toward dispelling myths, such as universal solutions and the idea that carers can handle everything alone. This is the turning point for providing humanised and compassionate care....

Positive behaviour support (PBS) strategies are designed to prevent behaviours that challenge from escalating, reduce the likelihood of harm to the individual or others, and promote a safe and supportive environment. They encourage the inclusion of individuals with complex care needs in community settings and activities, promoting social integration and reducing isolation....

Nocturnal seizures, occurring during sleep, pose unique challenges for people living with epilepsy. Understanding the risks requires a multifaceted approach that understands the impact of seizures on physical and emotional well-being. ...

Bespoke care and support, from a place of compassion and humanity, works to enable people to receive high-quality care services that reflect their personal needs and aspirations. Tailored care ultimately results in improved well-being and positive outcomes. This approach allows the individual to experience more effective and compassionate care and, where possible, remain independent in their own homes and communities....

Selective mutism in children is a relatively rare anxiety disorder affecting about 1 in 140 young children. Notably, girls are more prone to experiencing selective mutism than boys. What is important to know is that children do not choose to be selectively mute. A child's mind is imaginative and curious, with many words floating around but not being said due to anxiety. As care providers, our responsibility is to encourage young individuals and adults to take the first step towards changing their lives for the better. ...

As a society, we need to understand the impact of living with dementia and how to meet care needs, as well as those of their families and the wider community....