# Diverse Living Devon

> Practical support for Autism, ADHD & Chronic Illness

> Generated by All in One SEO v5.0.5.1, this is an llms.txt file, used by LLMs to index the site.

## Sitemaps

- [XML Sitemap](https://www.diverselivingdevon.com/sitemap.xml): Contains all public & indexable URLs for this website.

## Posts

- [blog](https://www.diverselivingdevon.com/resources/blog/): Welcome to my blog page. Here read all about neurodivergent daily life, family life, and some tension points. As well as some different view points. Foundations for Life is 1:1 or family mentoring programme, suitable for ages 7+. Together we build self esteem, social safety and confidence, emotional regulation, providing the Foundations for Life. Whether
- [Anchors: small cues that help us return to the present](https://www.diverselivingdevon.com/anchors-small-cues-return-to-the-present/): Anchors are familiar actions, cues or environments that can become associated with a state of attention or awareness. Explore how these small connections may help us reconnect with the present.
- [I can, but should i?](https://www.diverselivingdevon.com/i-can-but-should-i/): Practical support for Autism, ADHD & Chronic Illness
- [I keep losing my temper with my kids.](https://www.diverselivingdevon.com/i-keep-losing-my-temper-with-my-kids-will-it-impact-them/): What can I do about it? Okay here is the truth Yes, repeatedly or, unexpected anger can affect children, and understanding that gives us the opportunity to do things differently. We are their safe people, but we are human. Occasionally we will lose our temper. We will cry, shout, laugh, and be silly. When you
- [My Story](https://www.diverselivingdevon.com/blog-mystory/): My Story Why I Support Neurodivergent Families At Diverse Living Devon I support neurodivergent families navigating autism, ADHD, sensory needs, and emotional dysregulation. My work focuses on practical strategies, understanding behaviour, and helping children and parents build calmer, more connected lives. Quick Summary We struggled with daily dysregulation for years while waiting for practical support.
- [Why do I get so mad with my kids? I hate it!](https://www.diverselivingdevon.com/why-do-i-get-so-mad-with-my-kids-i-hate-it/): They have been calling for your attention for what feels like all day, climbing on you, asking for food, wanting to play. You have had toys thrown at your head, your hair pulled (whilst being lovingly stroked) cold tea spilt on you and some banana squashed onto your trousers. You don’t even bother to change
- [They are fine when are here.](https://www.diverselivingdevon.com/blog-fineatschool/): Why are they ‘well behaved’ or FINE when they are at School? We have almost all been there, when you get up in the morning, you are struggling to support dysregulation, kicking, screaming, crying, hitting-all before even making it out the door. But whenever you raise this with schools, you meet to discuss the challenges
- [Dysregulation](https://www.diverselivingdevon.com/blog-dysregulation/): Dysregulation is defined as being unable to control or contain big emotions. My take - Those experiencing dysregulation haven’t found an empowering way to experience and work through their emotions yet. That is what I do. What can dysregulation look like? Screaming, shouting crying, hurting themselves or others. Intense emotional outbursts, that are exhausting to
- [Neurotypical](https://www.diverselivingdevon.com/blog-wordywednesday-neurotypical/): Neurotypical, some typie as a shorthand, really just refers to everyone that is not neurodivergent, their brains work in a 'typical' 'or as expected' way. The Author Sian Spencer Founder of Diverse Living Devon, a neurodiversity support and mentoring service based in Devon. With over 13 years of professional and lived experience, she supports neurodivergent
- [Dysregulation or tantrum?](https://www.diverselivingdevon.com/blog-tantrum-v-dysregulation/): Is It Dysregulation or a Tantrum? Does it even matter? As parents, it can feel really confusing to know whether your child is having a tantrum or experiencing dysregulation. The difference matters, because how we respond can make a huge difference for them — and for us. What’s the difference? In younger children, a tantrum
- [Book Recommendations](https://www.diverselivingdevon.com/blog-bookrecommendations/): If you are looking for books that are insightful, amusing and supportive, then you are in luck, see below for some recommendations I have. This book explains the experience of ADHD in such a clear relatable way. It has some great analogies that are simple to visualize and support ideas. I first saw the Author
- [ADHD and Self-Esteem](https://www.diverselivingdevon.com/blog-adhd-selfesteem/): The Weight That Isn’t Seen The hidden emotional load of ADHD There is a common misunderstanding around ADHD. From the outside, certain behaviours can look intentional.Forgetting things.Interrupting.Struggling to follow through.Appearing distracted, disengaged, or inconsistent. To the people around them, these behaviours can sometimes be interpreted as thoughtlessness, carelessness, or even selfishness. And because they can
- [When 'good' days cost the week, or longer](https://www.diverselivingdevon.com/when-good-days-cost-the-week-or-longer/): When living with chronic illness, it can feel phenomenal to wake up one day with less pain, a clearer head, or even a slight decrease in your symptoms. It can feel exciting to think about finally getting some of the things done that you have been having to put off. Seeing friends. The housework. Getting
- [Chronic/Acute illness](https://www.diverselivingdevon.com/chronic-acute-illness/): Chronic and Acute illnessA wordy Wednesday post
- [Is Anxiety driving PDA?](https://www.diverselivingdevon.com/is-anxiety-driving-pda/): Is Anxiety driving PDA? Quick answer, Yes. What if what looks like refusal isn't refusal at all? What if what looks like stubbornness, control or simply not wanting to do something is actually a nervous system responding to a perceived threat? I want to start this blog a little differently, because first of all, I
- [Why am I so stressed?](https://www.diverselivingdevon.com/why-am-i-so-stressed/): The Author Sian Spencer Founder of Diverse Living Devon, a neurodiversity support and mentoring service based in Devon. With over 13 years of professional and lived experience, she supports neurodivergent people, their families, and professionals in understanding sensory processing, behaviour, emotional regulation, communication, and practical everyday challenges. Her articles draw on professional experience, lived experience,
- [EHCP](https://www.diverselivingdevon.com/blog-wordywednesday-ehcp/): Wordy Wednesdays There’s a lot of big language around neurodivergence, mental health, and education. Acronyms. Labels. Professional words that can feel confusing, overwhelming, or even judgemental. Wordy Wednesdays is about making that language more accessible. Not to tell anyone how they should think or identify — but to explain what these words usually mean, in

## Pages

- [Home](https://www.diverselivingdevon.com/): Practical support for Autism, ADHD & Chronic Illness Diverse Living Devon: Autism & ADHD Support North Devon for adults, young people, families & children We work with neurodivergent adults, families & children aged 4+ who are autistic, ADHD, or AuDHD. You do not need a formal diagnosis—or even know exactly what's going on—to deserve deep understanding, safety, and support. We are here to
- [ADHD Support](https://www.diverselivingdevon.com/adhd-support/): ADHD Support It begins with understanding. ADHD support that starts with you — not a list of things you should be doing. Living with ADHD can mean having plenty of ideas and intentions, but finding the everyday things harder to start, organise, remember or return to. You might feel overwhelmed by the practical demands of
- [Mentoring](https://www.diverselivingdevon.com/mentoring/): Mentoring; Neurodivergence & Chronic illness I have purposefully developed my support to allow for real flexibility. Your support should develop around you, not the other way around. This is why we agree and plan the time-frame together, based on what you need and what feels manageable for you. Every client has their own unique path.
- [Foundations for Life](https://www.diverselivingdevon.com/mentoring/foundations-for-life-mentoring/): Foundations for Life Every Journey begins with Understanding You may arrive here carrying years of unanswered questions. Perhaps you have a diagnosis. Perhaps you are waiting for one. Wherever you're starting from, you're welcome here. Foundations for Life is a personalised mentoring journey for children, young people, adults and families who want life to feel
- [Basket](https://www.diverselivingdevon.com/basket/)
- [Contact](https://www.diverselivingdevon.com/contact-sian/): Start here with a free 45‑minute Connection Call. No referral required- just a relaxed chat to find the right support for you, your child, young person or family.
- [Meet Sian](https://www.diverselivingdevon.com/meetsian/): Meet Sian Helping people understand themselves, one conversation at a time. Why I do this work Because I know how powerful understanding can be. I've seen the relief when a child finally feels understood. The confidence that grows when an adult realises they're not failing, they are using systems not designed for their brain. The
- [Login](https://www.diverselivingdevon.com/login/): [ultimatemember form_id="2002"]
- [Logout](https://www.diverselivingdevon.com/logout/)
- [Register](https://www.diverselivingdevon.com/register/): [ultimatemember form_id="2001"]
- [Resources](https://www.diverselivingdevon.com/resources/): Resources Shop Blog
- [Shop](https://www.diverselivingdevon.com/shop/)
- [Qualifications & Experience](https://www.diverselivingdevon.com/meetsian/qualificationsexperience/): Experience & who I work with I bring over 13 years of personal and professional experience supporting neurodivergent children, young people, and adults, alongside families and support networks. My work provides Neurodivergent Life Support with mentoring, focusing on practical, real-world understanding of neurodiversity, sensory needs, emotional regulation, anxiety, overwhelm, and behavioural expression. I support people
- [SafeguardingChild Protection Policy](https://www.diverselivingdevon.com/safeguarding-child-protection-policy/): Safeguarding & Child Protection Policy Organisation Name: Diverse Living DevonLead Practitioner: Sian SpencerRole: Neurodivergent Life Support MentorDate Created: 27th February 2026Review Date: 27th February 2027 1. PurposeDiverse Living Devon is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults.The purpose of this policy is to:Protect children and young people who
- [Privacy Policy](https://www.diverselivingdevon.com/privacy-policy/): Diverse Living Devon LtdPrivacy PolicyGDPR & UK Data Protection Act 2018 Compliant)Last Updated: 11th January 20261. Who We AreDiverse Living Devon Ltd (“we”, “us”, “our”) provides neurodivergent life support, community-based support, consultations and related services to children, young people, adults and families. We are registered in the United Kingdom. We are a registered Data Controller

## Products

- [Overwhelm Support Baggage activity - Free Resource](https://www.diverselivingdevon.com/product/overwhelm-support-free-resource/): It can be very easy for 'little things' to stack up in the background to create big feelings. Stress and Overwhelm, a busy brain, adding to daily forgetfulness. This simple activity helps you see what 'Baggage' you are carrying day in and day out. Some baggage can be dealt with, some need a little more time, and some need support from other people. This is where I can help reduce the background noise that adds to procrastination and lowers self-esteem.
- [Supporting Neurodivergent Young People Over The Holidays](https://www.diverselivingdevon.com/product/supporting-neurodivergent-young-people-over-the-holidays/): The complete Guide and Workbook Holiday Support Guide for Neurodivergent Young PeopleGive your young person the gift of calm, clarity, and connection this Christmas with this beautifully designed, ND-friendly holiday support guide and planner. Created with neurodivergent teens in mind — and grounded in years of experience supporting autistic, ADHD, and otherwise neurodivergent young people
- [Supporting neurodivergent Young People Over The Holidays - Guide Only](https://www.diverselivingdevon.com/product/supporting-neurodivergent-young-people-over-the-holidays-guide-only/): Holiday Support Guide for Neurodivergent Young PeopleGive your young person the gift of calm, clarity, and connection this Christmas with this beautifully designed, ND-friendly holiday support guide and planner. Created with neurodivergent teens in mind — and grounded in years of experience supporting autistic, ADHD, and otherwise neurodivergent young people — this resource helps families
- [SEND Death Care & Wills Plan.](https://www.diverselivingdevon.com/product/send-death-care-wills-plan/): As parents, it is completely natural to feel concerned about your children and young people when you are no longer here.Who will understand them in the way that you do? Who will provide the same level of safety, support, and care? How will others know what helps them feel calm, regulated, and secure — and what doesn’t? This Death Care Plan has been created with this in mind.It offers reassurance that your child will be supported, understood, and cared for in a way that reflects their individual needs, even in your absence.
- [Understanding Sensory Differences Hard Copy](https://www.diverselivingdevon.com/product/understanding-sensory-differences-hard-copy/): Now available as a hard copy on Amazon Helping young children begin to explore sensory processing, supporting regulation.
- [Understanding Sensory Differences](https://www.diverselivingdevon.com/product/1178/): Helping young children begin to explore sensory processing, supporting regulation.
- [Are they Even My Mates? Hard Copy](https://www.diverselivingdevon.com/product/are-they-even-my-mates-hard-copy/): Buy the hard copy from Amazon. Helping 11-18 year olds see clearly who are true friends and who is not. Who you can trust with your secrets and who you definitely shouldn't.
- [Day trip planner](https://www.diverselivingdevon.com/product/day-trip-planner/): The Comprehensive Day Trip Planner – Designed with Real-Life Needs in Mind Planning a day out shouldn't feel overwhelming. Whether you're navigating sensory needs, anxiety, managing logistics, or trying to prevent prolonged dysregulation — this planner has you covered.
- [Bright Day Planner](https://www.diverselivingdevon.com/product/1287/): The Comprehensive Day Trip Planner – Designed with Real-Life Needs in Mind Planning a day out shouldn't feel overwhelming. Whether you're navigating sensory needs, anxiety, managing logistics, or trying to prevent prolonged dysregulation — this planner has you covered. Created with neurodivergent families (and thoughtful adventurers) in mind, this planner helps you prepare with confidence,
- [Are they Even My Mates?](https://www.diverselivingdevon.com/product/are-they-even-my-mates/): Helping 11-18 year olds see clearly who are true friends and who is not. Who you can trust with your secrets and who you definitely shouldn't.

## Categories

- [Regulation](https://www.diverselivingdevon.com/category/blogs-autism-adhd-anxiety-regulation/): Discover blogs written by Sian Spencer, who has both professional and lived experience, supporting regulation, mental well being, autism and adhd. These blogs offer insight into the reasons for some behaviours, how we can support positive self esteem, and many more practical topics.
- [Wordy Wednesday](https://www.diverselivingdevon.com/category/neurodivergent-terms-simplified/): Neurodivergent terms simplified Being thrown into the neurodivergent world, attending meetings, seeking assessments……There are so many words and anagrams that are used in these situations and everyone seems to assume that you know what they mean. I know how overwhelming these situations can feel, and so I have tried to take all of those words and make them easier to understand and to be honest hopefully these can take a little bit of stress out of the situation.
- [Recommendations](https://www.diverselivingdevon.com/category/blogs-autism-adhd-dyslexia-signposting/): Looking for trustworthy recommendations? Then look no further. Here you will find, signposting, books, blogs all supporting autism/adhd/dyslexia. As well as some great apps and websites that can support mental well being, anxiety and more.
- [Mental Wellbeing](https://www.diverselivingdevon.com/category/mental-wellbeing/)
- [Neurodivergence](https://www.diverselivingdevon.com/category/neurodivergence/): Neurodivergence can affect so many parts of life, and it doesn’t always look the way we expect it to. Here you’ll find practical, straightforward information about autism, ADHD, PDA and the many ways neurodivergence can show up in real life.
- [Chronic illness & Co-occurring conditions](https://www.diverselivingdevon.com/category/chronic-illness/): Co-occurring Conditions & Chronic Illness Living with chronic illness or more than one condition can make everyday life complicated, especially when symptoms overlap or affect the way you experience your neurodivergence. Here you’ll find practical, accessible information to help make sense of those experiences and find ways forward that work for real life.

## Tags

- [adhd](https://www.diverselivingdevon.com/tag/adhd/)
- [autism](https://www.diverselivingdevon.com/tag/autism/)
- [support](https://www.diverselivingdevon.com/tag/support/)
- [service](https://www.diverselivingdevon.com/tag/service/)
- [understanding](https://www.diverselivingdevon.com/tag/understanding/)
- [Devon](https://www.diverselivingdevon.com/tag/devon/)
- [online](https://www.diverselivingdevon.com/tag/online/)
- [behaviour](https://www.diverselivingdevon.com/tag/behaviour/)
- [regulation](https://www.diverselivingdevon.com/tag/regulation/)
- [overwhelm Devon](https://www.diverselivingdevon.com/tag/overwhelm-devon/)
- [adhd recommended autism Devon books](https://www.diverselivingdevon.com/tag/adhd-recommended-autism-devon-books/)
- [School struggles](https://www.diverselivingdevon.com/tag/school-struggles/)
- [mental well-being](https://www.diverselivingdevon.com/tag/mental-well-being/)
- [Overwhelm](https://www.diverselivingdevon.com/tag/overwhelm/)

## Product brands

- [Diverse Living Devon](https://www.diverselivingdevon.com/brand/diverse-living-devon/)

## Product categories

- [Books](https://www.diverselivingdevon.com/product-category/books/): These books are designed to support understanding, social interactions, friendships and sensory regulation
- [Support guides](https://www.diverselivingdevon.com/product-category/support-guides/): Here you will find lots of planners and resources, that are made to help make day to day feel less overwhelming

## Product tags

- [Sensory development](https://www.diverselivingdevon.com/product-tag/sensory-development/)
- [sensory processing](https://www.diverselivingdevon.com/product-tag/sensory-processing/)
- [childrens book](https://www.diverselivingdevon.com/product-tag/childrens-book/)
- [Understanding friendships](https://www.diverselivingdevon.com/product-tag/understanding-friendships/)
- [social development](https://www.diverselivingdevon.com/product-tag/social-development/)
- [social understanding](https://www.diverselivingdevon.com/product-tag/social-understanding/)
- [secondary school](https://www.diverselivingdevon.com/product-tag/secondary-school/)
- [friendship](https://www.diverselivingdevon.com/product-tag/friendship/)
- [Free resources](https://www.diverselivingdevon.com/product-tag/free-resources/)
- [overwhelm stress baggage](https://www.diverselivingdevon.com/product-tag/overwhelm-stress-baggage/)