# Diverse Living Devon > Autism ADHD support for children, young people and families Devon and Online ## Posts - [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 happen repeatedly, it can feel almost impossible to believe they are not a choice. But ADHD is not a character flaw.And these behaviours are not intentional. In fact, many individuals with ADHD are putting in significantly more effort than those around them realise. Behind the scenes, […] - [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 Edward M. Hallowell, MD speaking on the ADHD Chatter Podcast, and was so impressed by his approach that I had to read his book. Here is the Podcast link https://youtu.be/LZacXMQmSG8 Here is a direct link to his website, which has loads more information Home – Dr. […] - [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 is often about wanting something they can’t have. Ask yourself: If the answer is yes to either of these, it’s probably a tantrum or a strop. Dysregulation, on the other hand, can sometimes be triggered by not getting what they want — but it quickly goes […] - [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 I have tried so many times to record a video that explains why I started Diverse Living Devon and every time, it just hasn’t felt right….. But I really think it is so important to share this, hopefully I can publish this one. I started Diverse Living Devon because once upon a time my family and I were […] - [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 everyday language. I believe everyone has the right to: understand the words being used about them or their child to choose the language that feels right for them have their autonomy, identity, and experience respected You might agree with the wording here. You might use different […] - [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 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, ongoing professional development, current evidence, and years of real-world practice. She is passionate about making complex topics accessible, helping people better […] - [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 experience and to help. It may be a complete shutdown, no longer engaging in attempts to meet necessary basic needs, drinking, eating, no longer speaking. Running away from the situation, panic attacks. These are some signs of big dysregulation, but they can also be far more […] - [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 you are having at home in the mornings to support your young ones to get into school. Then the after school absolute explosion or implosion, that happens as soon as you enter the house, or car, adding that this feels as though this is life dysregulation. […] ## Pages - [Diverse Living](https://www.diverselivingdevon.com/diverse-living/): Diverse Living Diverse Living is mentor support for when going it completely alone feels… a stretch too far. With Diverse Living, you’re in the driving seat. You can access support when you need it, and choose the level of support that feels right for you. And guess what? Diverse Living is flexible. One month you might need a little more support, and the next you might need a little less. I’ve got you covered. So what is Diverse Living? Sometimes you don’t need someone to take the wheel. You just need someone alongside you who understands the way your brain and […] - [Account](https://www.diverselivingdevon.com/account-2/) - [Logout](https://www.diverselivingdevon.com/logout/) - [Register](https://www.diverselivingdevon.com/register/) - [Login](https://www.diverselivingdevon.com/login/) - [User](https://www.diverselivingdevon.com/user/) - [Chronically Alive](https://www.diverselivingdevon.com/mentoring/chronically-alive/): Chronically Alive A different path – At your pace Living with Chronic illness and neurodivergence can make life feel like a balancing act that at every turn seems to be upended. Whether its’ a busier day than planned, a stressful event that happens suddenly, a slight shift in weather, your routines – it just feels a constant battle. But what if it doesn’t need to be a battle? Chronically Alive is about understanding your needs, finding your pace, exploring what works, together. Chronically Alive is about navigating a different path, perhaps one you never imagined for yourself, and finding ways to […] - [Meet Sian](https://www.diverselivingdevon.com/meetsian/): Meet Sian Helping people understand themselves, one conversation at a time. Hello, I’m Sian. I’m the founder of Diverse Living Devon, a Neurodivergent Mentor, and someone who is endlessly curious about people. For more than thirteen years I’ve had the privilege of supporting children, young people, adults and families through some of life’s most overwhelming moments. Whether someone is trying to understand ADHD, autism, sensory processing, anxiety, emotional regulation or simply why everyday life feels harder than it seems to for everyone else, my role is always the same. To listen. To understand. To help things make sense. Because I don’t […] - [Resources](https://www.diverselivingdevon.com/resources/): Resources Shop Blog - [mentoring](https://www.diverselivingdevon.com/mentoring/): Neurodivergent Mentoring I have carefully developed each mentoring programme to support neurodivergent people in ways that reflect their individual needs. Everything is personalised — from the session structure and ongoing support to the full support pack you receive at the end. Each programme has been created to support areas that aren’t always widely supported in the way you actually need. Who do we support? Neurodivergent children, young people, adults and families — including those who are exploring whether neurodivergence may be part of their experience. Support is always shaped around the individual, their circumstances and what they need right now. How […] - [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 more manageable, more meaningful and more understood. This isn’t about changing who you are. It’s about understanding yourself, recognising your strengths, and building practical foundations that work with your brain, your body and your life. Because lasting change begins with understanding. Understanding Before we can change […] - [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 across the lifespan, recognising that these experiences do not belong to childhood alone. Working with individuals and families to understand what is happening beneath the surface, reduce day-to-day friction, and build approaches that are sustainable, respectful, and actually workable in real life. Support can include: My […] - [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 under the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018.ICO Registration Number: ZC092068 Contact Email: diverselivingdevon@gmail.com2. The Data We CollectWe may collect and process the following categories of personal data: Personal Information, name, address,Email address, telephone number, date of birth, parent/guardian details, […] - [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 receive support through individual sessions and the Family Connection Restore programme.Provide clear guidance on recognising and responding to safeguarding concerns.Ensure concerns are managed appropriately, lawfully and without delay.Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility.2. ScopeThis policy applies to:All individual sessionsFamily programmesWorkshops or group workOnline and in-person supportThis service provides […] - [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 to Thrive. Whether you want support for you or your family then, click here Chronically Alive is a 6 month support programme that works at your pace. It is designed to support individuals with symptoms and the daily impact of living with chronic illness. If you would like me […] - [Home](https://www.diverselivingdevon.com/): 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 help you or your young person feel more confident, more connected, and fully able to flourish on your own terms. Regulation & Sensory Understanding Making sense of feelings, behaviours & relationships Social Safety & Confidence Just like every flower, every person is different & unique, they […] - [My account](https://www.diverselivingdevon.com/my-account/) - [Checkout](https://www.diverselivingdevon.com/checkout/) - [Shop](https://www.diverselivingdevon.com/shop/) - [Contact](https://www.diverselivingdevon.com/contact-sian/): Connection Call No referral needed. We start here. You don’t need a referral, assessment or recommendation from someone else to work with me. The first step is simply a free 45-minute Connection Call. This is a relaxed conversation where we can talk about what’s happening for you, what you’re looking for support with, and what you’d like to be different. You don’t need to know which programme you need before you contact me. That’s something we can work out together. Based on our conversation, I’ll recommend the programme or support option I feel would be the best fit for you. We […] ## Products - [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. - [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. - [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 approach the festive season with understanding, flexibility, and compassion. Inside, you’ll find:✨ A gentle, supportive guide to navigating Christmas stresses✨ Practical tools to reduce masking pressure and overwhelm✨ Fill-in planning pages to help young people feel prepared and in control✨ A regulation toolkit, sensory-friendly ideas, and […] - [Supporting Neurodivergent Young People Over The Holidays](https://www.diverselivingdevon.com/product/supporting-neurodivergent-young-people-over-the-holidays/): - [Bright Day Planner](https://www.diverselivingdevon.com/product/1287/): - [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. - [Unmasking Workbook](https://www.diverselivingdevon.com/product/unmasking-workbook/): Your supported guide to unmasking, spotting signs that you are masking, how and where you can unmask. - [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. - [Understanding Sensory Differences](https://www.diverselivingdevon.com/product/1178/): Helping young children begin to explore sensory processing, supporting regulation. ## Optional - [Agent (MCP protocol)](websites-agents.hostinger.com/www.diverselivingdevon.com/mcp) [comment]: # (Generated by Hostinger Tools Plugin)