Business has given me opportunities that extend far beyond just commercial success. 

One of the greatest privileges is being able to support organisations making a genuine difference to people’s lives. 

Over the years I’ve been fortunate enough to donate to charities that provide healthcare, medical research and community support, both in the UK, USA and internationally. 

One organisation that has become meaningful to me is Laniado Hospital. 

Based in the Middle East, Laniado Hospital provides medical care regardless of religion, ethnicity or background. Its work is supported not only by donors in the UK, but also through a significant network of supporters across the United States, helping to fund new equipment, patient care and future medical developments. 

Healthcare is one of the few causes that can truly connect people across borders. Whether support comes from London, New York, Los Angeles or anywhere else in the US or the world, every contribution helps improve lives. 

If you’re considering supporting a healthcare charity, I’d encourage learning more about the incredible work carried out by Laniado Hospital and its international fundraising organisations. 

Together, small contributions from people across the world can make a lasting impact.

Donate here

What Is Masking in Autism? 

When people think about autism, they often assume that autistic traits are always visible.  

Autism isn’t always visible, and autistic traits can be hard to spot. From a young age, autistic children may learn to hide or suppress certain behaviours in order to fit in with those around them. This is commonly known as masking. 

Masking can take many forms. A child might copy the behaviour of their peers, hide sensory discomfort, or limit talking about their interests to avoid standing out. While this can sometimes help children navigate social situations, it can also be exhausting. 

Recognising the signs 

Masking is not always easy to spot. Some children appear to cope well at school, only to come home feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or emotionally drained. 

Parents may notice that their child seems to “hold it together” during the day but struggles more once they are in a familiar environment. This does not necessarily mean anything has gone wrong at school. Often, it is a sign that your child feels safe enough at home to stop masking and fully relax. 

Understanding this can help families respond with patience and support rather than confusion or frustration. 

Creating a safe environment 

While every child is different, one of the most valuable things parents can do is create an environment where children feel accepted for who they are. 

Encouraging open communication, respecting sensory needs, and avoiding pressure to behave a certain way can help children feel more comfortable being themselves. The goal is not to eliminate every challenge, but to ensure children know they do not need to hide who they are in order to be accepted. 

Oliver Larholt’s thoughts 

Autistic children spend a great deal of time navigating a world that is not always designed with their needs in mind. Understanding masking can help parents better recognise when their child may need additional support or rest. 

Sometimes the most important thing we can offer is a space where children feel comfortable enough to simply be themselves. 

For more support, you may find the following resources useful:  

Grants to support children with ASD – Oliver Larholt 

UK charities for Autism Spectrum Disorder – Oliver Larholt 

As parents, it is natural to focus on milestones and long-term progress. But in an ASD family, the most meaningful achievements can be the small everyday victories. 

Progress does not always come in big, obvious moments. It might be trying a new food, managing a change in routine, or attending a social event that previously felt overwhelming. While these achievements may seem small to others, they can be a huge step forward  for a child with autism. 

Recognising these moments can help children develop confidence and feel proud of their progress, regardless of how it compares to others. 

Focusing on progress rather than comparison 

It can be easy to compare your child’s development to that of their peers. 

But progress isn’t always linear, and every child is on their own path.  

Celebrating small wins helps shift the focus away from external expectations and towards individual growth. Rather than concentrating on what a child has not yet achieved, it encourages families to recognise what they have accomplished. 

This approach can create a more positive environment for both children and parents. 

Building confidence over time 

Confidence is often built gradually. When children feel their efforts are being appreciated, they are more likely to approach new challenges with a positive mindset. 

Celebrating success does not have to involve rewards or grand gestures. Sometimes a simple acknowledgement, a conversation about what went well, or sharing a moment of pride together can have a lasting impact. 

Over time, these small moments can help children develop resilience and a stronger belief in their own abilities. 

A final note from Oliver Larholt 

Every child’s journey is different, and progress rarely follows a straight line. By taking the time to recognise small achievements, families can help build confidence, encourage growth, and celebrate how far their child has come. 

Sometimes the smallest victories are the ones worth celebrating the most. 

Many autistic children experience the world differently when it comes to sound, light, textures, smells, or busy environments. 

While some children may actively seek sensory input, others may find certain sensations overwhelming. This is often referred to as sensory overload. It can also be called sensory overwhelm. 

Sensory overload can come from nowhere: a noisy classroom, bright lighting, or even uncomfortable clothing can lead to withdrawal or overwhelm. These reactions might be called an “overreaction” to people who know no different, but they are often signs that a child is struggling to regulate their environment. 

Recognising signs of sensory overload 

Every child will experience sensory overload differently.  

Some children may become quiet and withdrawn. 

Others may appear emotional or restless. 

Learning to recognise patterns can help parents better understand what may be triggering discomfort. Over time, noticing which environments or situations feel difficult for your child can make it easier to plan ahead. 

Simple adjustments like offering quiet spaces, or simply preparing children before busy events, can make situations feel far more manageable. 

Supporting your child without pressure 

When a child is overwhelmed, the priority should be helping them feel safe and regulated rather than expecting them to push through their discomfort. 

Reassurance, predictability, and patience are far more effective than pressure. 

Approaching your child with empathy during these moments can help them build confidence while still allowing them to gradually navigate the world  in a way that feels manageable. 

A Final Note from Oliver Larholt 

Sensory overload can look different for every autistic child, which is why understanding individual needs is so important. 

Speak to your child about what overwhelms them and how you can create a safer calmer environment for them, which helps them to feel supported. 

• Oliver Larholt

For more support, you may find the following resources useful:  

Grants to support children with ASD – Oliver Larholt 

UK charities for Autism Spectrum Disorder – Oliver Larholt 

Change can be difficult for most, but for autistic children, even small disruptions to routine can sometimes be totally overwhelming. Unexpected plans, new environments, or changes to familiar schedules may create anxiety and make it harder for autistic children to feel secure. 

While it is not always possible to avoid change, preparation can make transitions feel more manageable. Simple steps such as talking through plans, using visual schedules, or giving regular reminders can help reduce uncertainty.  

In my experience, ASD families can cope better when they feel informed about what is happening and what to expect next. 

Balancing Preparation with Flexibility 

Preparation is important, but so is gradually building flexibility over time.  

Instead of forcing children into new, uncomfortable situations, help them approach change in smaller, supported steps. 

• Practise unfamiliar routines ahead of time  

• Keep set parts of the day familiar during periods of change 

• Give regular reminders of changes 

Recognising When Your Child Needs Support 

Periods of change can sometimes lead to increased frustration or even withdrawal. These responses are not always “bad behaviour”.  

They may instead be signs that your child is struggling to process uncertainty. 

Maintain open communication with your child to ease them into change. 

A Final Note from Oliver Larholt 

Change is a normal part of daily life, but that doesn’t mean autistic children should be expected to navigate it without support. With preparation, patience and understanding, families can help make transitions feel less overwhelming and more manageable over time. 

It is important to remember that every child responds differently. What feels manageable for one child may feel overwhelming for another, which is why patience and observation are key. 

For many autistic children, routine provides stability in a world that can feel unpredictable. Changes in their environment and unmet expectations can create uncertainty and anxiety. Having a clear and familiar structure throughout the day can help reduce this uncertainty and make everyday life feel more manageable. 

Routine does not need to mean rigidity. In my experience, it is more about creating a consistent rhythm that your child can rely on. Whether that is how the day starts and ends, or how transitions are handled; small, repeated patterns can offer reassurance. 

Supporting transitions and reducing anxiety 

Transitions can be one of the more challenging parts of the day.  

Simple adjustments can make these easier to navigate. Some adjustments you can offer your child in preparation for transitions include:  

• Giving advance notice 

• Using visual schedules 

• Talking through what is coming next 

 When children feel prepared, they are more likely to approach their day with confidence. 

At the same time, maintaining some flexibility is important. Not every day will go exactly to plan, but having a familiar structure in place can make unexpected changes feel less disruptive. 

Building independence over time 

Routine can also play an important role in developing independence. As children become familiar with daily patterns, they may feel more confident completing tasks on their own. 

These patterns might be simple ones, such as getting ready for school, following a bedtime routine, or knowing what to expect during mealtimes. But over time, these small steps can build a greater sense of control and self-reliance. 

A final note from Oliver Larholt 

Every child will respond to routine in their own way, and what works for our family may not work for you. The aim is not to create a perfect structure, but to provide a sense of predictability that helps your child feel safe and supported. 

With the right balance, routine can become a steady foundation that supports both comfort and growth. 

For more support, you can reach out to some of the organisations here:

Grants to support children with ASD – Oliver Larholt

UK charities for Autism Spectrum Disorder – Oliver Larholt

 I am willing to bet that most parents will come across a situation where their child is misunderstood, whether that happens at school, in social settings, or in everyday situations. Many parents will be able to brush these off.  

But for parents of children with ASD, these moments are critical. When their behaviours are misread, their needs may be overlooked, and assumptions can be made without a full understanding of what a child is experiencing. 

It is in these moments when it becomes especially important to reassure your child that they aren’t being overlooked.

Helping others understand your child 

Autistic children can often experience the world differently, and this is not always visible to others. What may look like distraction or challenging behaviour can often be linked to sensory overload or anxiety. 

Tell others about how autism manifests within your child, and explain what helps them feel calm, what they find difficult, and how they communicate. 

These small conversations can lead to meaningful adjustments for your child. 

Building confidence through support 

Advocating for your child also sends an important message to them.  

It shows that their needs are valid and that they do not have to navigate challenges alone. This will eventually manifest itself as confidence in personal expression.  

Self-advocacy can take some time to develop but consistent parental support helps to build the foundation.

Final thoughts from Oliver Larholt 

Advocating for your child simply means you will speak up, share understanding, and help others see your child for who they are. 

When children feel understood, they are far more likely to feel safe and supported.  

For more support, you may find the following resources useful:  

Grants to support children with ASD – Oliver Larholt 

UK charities for Autism Spectrum Disorder – Oliver Larholt 

Autism is often misunderstood, with many assumptions shaped by stereotypes rather than real experience. 

These can lead to unrealistic expectations and make it harder for autistic children to feel understood and supported. 

Common misconception 1: “Autism looks the same in every child” 

One of the most common misconceptions is that all autistic children are the same. Autism is a spectrum, and every child has their own strengths, challenges and ways of communicating.  

Some children may need significant support in daily life, while others may appear more independent but still experience anxiety, sensory sensitivities, or difficulty with change. There is no one shared experience. 

Common misconception 2: “Autism only affects children” 

Autism doesn’t only affect children, but while children grow and develop, their needs might change. 

Understanding this helps shift the focus from “fixing” behaviours to building skills, confidence and independence over time. It also encourages long-term thinking about support, education and wellbeing. 

Common misconception 3: “Autistic children need to regulate their emotions” 

It is also important to move away from the idea that children simply need to “try harder” to regulate. This is a very harmful stereotype.  

Framing challenges as a lack of effort can lead to frustration for both children and parents. A more helpful approach is to look at what support or adjustments might make a situation feel more manageable. 

A Final Note from Oliver Larholt 

Stereotypes can simplify something that is, in reality, complex and deeply individual. When we move beyond assumptions and focus on understanding each child as they are, we create space for them to grow with confidence.  

Challenging stereotypes is not about having all the answers, it is about staying open, informed and willing to learn. 

Autistic children do not need to fit a mould. They need to be supported in a way that reflects who they are, not who they are expected to be. 

For more support, you may find the following resources useful:  

Grants to support children with ASD – Oliver Larholt 

UK charities for Autism Spectrum Disorder – Oliver

Birthdays and parties are often associated with excitement and celebration. But they can also lead to sensory overload and social pressure, especially for many autistic children. 

Loud music, unfamiliar environments and changes to routine can quickly spoil what should be a celebration. With thoughtful planning and realistic expectations, parties can still be meaningful. Here are some easy sensory-friendly ways to approach birthdays and parties that take your child’s needs into account. 

Planning with predictability in mind 

Some autistic children feel more comfortable when they know what to expect, especially when it comes to events and parties. 

 If you are hosting a party, consider creating a simple plan of the day. Include details like, who will be there, what activities are planned, and when food will be served.  

If your child is attending someone else’s event, asking the host for basic details in advance can help you prepare your child. Talking through the event beforehand is a great way to ease your child into a new or different environment. 

Visual schedules, countdowns or simple written plans can reduce anxiety around the unknown and help your child feel more in control. 

Managing expectations 

There is often an unspoken expectation that birthdays should look a certain way. 

There can be pressure to host large gatherings with energetic games in busy venues. But a truly successful celebration feels safe and enjoyable for your child. 

Some children may prefer: 

• Less people invited 

• Shorter parties 

• Familiar environments such as home 

Try not to compare your parties to what you see online. A quiet afternoon with a few close friends and family members may be far more meaningful than a large, overwhelming event. 

Consider sensory needs 

Sensory needs can vary from child to child, but bright lights, loud music or crowded spaces can all contribute to overload. 

You could: 

• Lower the background music at the party 

• Avoid flashing lights or balloons that may pop 

• Provide familiar or “safe” foods 

• Offer noise-cancelling headphones if helpful 

These small adjustments can make a big difference to how manageable the environment feels. 

Create a quiet space 

Having a designated quiet area can help your child take a breather when needed. A calm room with minimal noise for some time out. 

Remind your child that taking a break isn’t anything to be ashamed of. Quiet time is a form of regulation, and allowing space for this can help children return to activities feeling calmer and more in control. 

After the celebration 

Even positive experiences can be tiring. Allowing time to decompress after a party can support your child’s emotional well-being. Ask your child about what would support them.  

A final note from Oliver Larholt 

Birthdays and celebrations don’t always need to be grand parties like you might see online. For autistic children, comfort and predictability often matter more. 

A successful celebration is not defined by how it looks to others, but by how safe and supported your child feels within it. 

For more support, you may find the following resources useful:  

Grants to support children with ASD – Oliver Larholt 

UK charities for Autism Spectrum Disorder – Oliver Larholt 

Autism is often described as a spectrum, but that word can sometimes feel abstract. It simply means that no two autistic children will experience the world in the same way. 

While two children may share a diagnosis, their strengths, challenges, communication styles and personalities can all be different. Recognising this early can help parents and carers move away from comparison, and towards understanding the individual child in front of them. 

There is no single blueprint for raising or supporting an autistic child, and that is okay. It is a reminder that support must be flexible, thoughtful and personal. 

Looking beyond the label 

A diagnosis is helpful to provide clarity, open doors to support, and help families make sense of behaviours that previously felt confusing.  But a label isn’t enough to tell you everything about how a child works.  

One child may struggle with loud environments but communicate confidently.  

Another may prefer quiet spaces and find social interaction exhausting. 

One may thrive with structure, while another may feel pressured by a strict routine. 

When you look beyond the diagnosis and focus on your child as an individual, you might be able to see strengths as clearly as you can see challenges. 

Remember, strengths and challenges will differ 

It’s common for parents to read about autism and not recognise all traits. This can sometimes lead to comparison or overwhelm. 

The truth is that autistic children can have very different profiles. Understanding your child’s unique combination of strengths and difficulties helps shape the kind of support that will work best for them. 

Avoid comparison 

It can be easy to compare progress, particularly when speaking with other parents or reading online experiences.  

But progress is rarely linear, and it doesn’t always look the same from one child to another. Milestones may arrive in a different order, or at a different pace. 

Focusing on small, individual steps forward is often more helpful than measuring against external expectations. 

Working with schools 

Treating autism individually is especially important in educational settings.  

Clear communication with schools, therapists and support staff can help ensure that adjustments are tailored, not standardised.  

Individual understanding for your child’s specific needs leads to more meaningful support. 

Supporting growth at home 

At home, flexibility is equally important. What works at one stage of development may need adjusting later. Children grow, environments change, and needs evolve. 

It can be a hard balance to find, but maintaining predictable routines while remaining flexible can help children feel secure while still allowing space for development. 

Above all, recognising your child as an individual, rather than a checklist of traits,  helps create an environment built on acceptance. 

A final note from Oliver Larholt

Autism does not come with a single path or fixed outcome. I think it is quite beautiful that each child will navigate the world in their own way, with their own strengths, interests and challenges. 

When we move away from the idea of a “standard” autistic experience, we allow space for children to grow in a way that feels authentic to them. 

There isn’t a right approach to follow, only the approach that works for your child.  

For more support, you may find the following resources useful:  

Grants to support children with ASD – Oliver Larholt 

UK charities for Autism Spectrum Disorder – Oliver Larholt