Blog

Read more about the diverse ecosystems of support in the health and social care sector through our blog posts. To provide deeper insight, we have established a dedicated platform where our multidisciplinary team of specialists share their first-hand experiences working with the people they support. As part of this initiative, the ‘In the Heart of Care’ blog series serves as a primary resource, offering a closer look at their proactive approach and personalised tools designed to encourage people’s journeys forward. 

Tips for Autistic Individuals to Manage Masking Autism

Masking can have a significant impact on mental health, with studies indicating that individuals who engage in masking behaviours may

Strength-Based Approach Examples in Health and Social Care

In the UK, the adoption of strengths-based practices and approaches varies across different sectors and regions. While there is no

The Impact of Autism Masking on Mental Health

Masking is a coping mechanism often observed in individuals within the autism spectrum. However, not everyone on the spectrum engages

Different Types of Autism

Each person with autism is unique, and the way autism presents can vary widely from person to person. This means
autistic kid hiding her face

What Are the Effects of Autism Masking?

Autism is a neurological difference and part of neurodiversity. Masking autism is a conscious or subconscious effort to minimise autistic

Person-centred Approach to Down Syndrome

In the United Kingdom, approximately one in every 1,000 babies is born with Down syndrome. First documented by Dr John

The Role of Play in the Development of Children with GDD

While some children may 'outgrow' their delays, others may continue to face challenges into adulthood. Transition planning and ongoing support

Creating a Safe and Supportive Environment for People Requiring Complex Care

Establishing a secure and nurturing environment for people who require complex care necessitates personalised strategies and a collaborative partnership between

PBS in Crisis Situations: Strategies for Positive Outcomes

Positive behaviour support (PBS) strategies are designed to prevent behaviours that challenge from escalating, reduce the likelihood of harm to
girl struggling with nocturnal seizures

Reducing the Risk of Nocturnal Seizures Caused Injury

Nocturnal seizures, occurring during sleep, pose unique challenges for people living with epilepsy. Understanding the risks requires a multifaceted approach

Bespoke Care: The Impact of Humanised Support Services

Bespoke care and support, from a place of compassion and humanity, works to enable people to receive high-quality care services

Is Your Child Dealing with Selective Mutism?

Selective mutism in children is a relatively rare anxiety disorder affecting about 1 in 140 young children. Notably, girls are

Specialist’s Corner: How Multimedia Is Transforming Support for People with Learning Disabilities and Autism

At Leaf Complex Care, multimedia is being used in powerful, personalised ways to enhance the lives of people with learning disabilities and autism. We spoke to Ben Andrew, PBS Coach and specialist in multimedia advocacy, about how these creative tools are shaping the future of support....

Key Factors in Adequately Assessing and Evaluating Autistic People

With varied experiences across different spheres and career paths, Ophelia was introduced to the field of occupational therapy by another occupational therapist. With her intuitive nature and a deep desire to support others, she found opportunities to volunteer in various occupational therapy services, gaining insight into the field's vast scope. She realised that this was her true vocation, enabling her to build a career aligning with her skillset while supporting people when they need it most. Join us as we explore Ophelia’s role and approach to therapy, grounded in evidence and driven by compassion....

How Intensive Interaction Helps Build Connections

Jodee’s career beginnings were in teaching and education, but her path shifted toward care when her passion for speech and language therapy was sparked by her eldest son, who is autistic. Jodee, who also is also autistic, found that her mental health needs made her previous work challenging, as the support she required was often lacking. Joining Catalyst Care Group became the turning point she needed—a place where people are truly recognised and valued for who they are. In the opening article, Jodee shares valuable insights into reframing how we communicate with the neurodivergent people we support, explaining how she brings this approach to life....

The Holistic Model of Occupational Therapy

With varied experiences across different spheres and career paths, Ophelia was introduced to the field of occupational therapy by another occupational therapist. With her intuitive nature and a deep desire to support others, she found opportunities to volunteer in various occupational therapy services, gaining insight into the field's vast scope. She realised that this was her true vocation, enabling her to build a career aligning with her skillset while supporting people when they need it most. Join us as we explore Ophelia’s role and approach to therapy, grounded in evidence and driven by compassion....

Building Better Care: The Journey Towards Least-Restrictive Practices

George has built an impressive career as a specialist clinical practitioner, practice lead and trainer, focusing on managing and reducing high-risk behaviours of concern -including self-injury, self-harm and aggression to others. Through collaborative efforts with the therapy team, services, and across the organisation, Georgina has developed her role at Catalyst, finding ways to promote best practices in reducing restrictions and positive approaches to risk-taking. She shares real-life examples of how reducing restrictive practices is recognised as essential for improving well-being and quality of life and as an evidence-based approach to reducing behaviour of concern....

Getting the Right Support in Place: Communication Care Plans That Work

Jodee leads the Communication Care Planning training for all care coordinators within our organisation. The training is aimed primarily at care coordinators because many are responsible for developing people’s care plans and ensuring their implementation by the support workers. Care coordinators play an essential role in maintaining the smooth running of the services, acting as mediators between the people we support and their care team. Their role involves ensuring that everyone feels supported in their responsibilities for meeting the needs of the people in our care....

The Language of Difference: Understanding Autistic Communication Differences

Jodee’s career beginnings were in teaching and education, but her path shifted toward care when her passion for speech and language therapy was sparked by her eldest son, who is autistic. Jodee, who also is also autistic, found that her mental health needs made her previous work challenging, as the support she required was often lacking. Joining Catalyst Care Group became the turning point she needed—a place where people are truly recognised and valued for who they are. In the opening article, Jodee shares valuable insights into reframing how we communicate with the neurodivergent people we support, explaining how she brings this approach to life....

Call us if you know someone with complex care needs that are a risk to themselves or others or have noticed rapidly escalating behaviours.