1️⃣ Standard / Textbook Version

 

Section 1: Autism & ADHD — Neurodevelopmental Conditions

What is Autism?

• A condition that affects social interaction, communication, and daily routines.

• Sensory sensitivities (noise, light, textures) are common.

• Routines and predictability help reduce stress.

What is ADHD?

• A condition affecting attention, energy, and impulses.

• Symptoms may include:

  • Difficulty concentrating

  • Hyperactivity or fidgeting

  • Impulsivity

• This is not "naughtiness" — brains work differently and often have fast-moving, creative thinking.

Daily Life Impact

• School, work, friendships, and routines may be harder.

• Extra support is often needed for time management, social situations, and changes.

• Desire for independence can create stress when help is required.

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Section 2: Anxiety & Depression in Autism, ADHD, and Learning Difficulties

Why More Common

1. Social & Environmental Factors

   • Bullying, stigma, exclusion → loneliness, shame, low self-esteem

   • Academic/work struggles → frustration, hopelessness, fear of failure

   • Misunderstanding → stress, anxiety in social situations

   • Uncertainty → routine disruption triggers distress

2. Internal & Psychological Factors

   • Low self-esteem: constant comparisons, negative feedback, repeated struggles

   • Fear/worry: stress about being “found out” or exposed

   • Sensory overload: panic, exhaustion

   • Internalized negativity: feeling “less capable” fuels depression

3. Co-occurring Conditions & Biology

   • Comorbidity: multiple learning differences increase stress and vulnerability

   • Nervous system differences may make individuals biologically prone to anxiety and depression

Common Mental Health Issues

• Anxiety: constant worry, panic attacks, fear of mistakes

• Depression: persistent sadness, hopelessness, fatigue, low self-worth

Summary

• Mental health challenges arise from a mix of social, environmental, internal, and biological pressures.

• Understanding and support improve outcomes; people are not weak or “just making it up.”

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Section 3: Epilepsy — Personal Experience & Mortality Awareness

(Integrate previous epilepsy content, including personal story, SUDEP, triggers, types, support organizations, and research areas.)

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Research & Support

• UK: Epilepsy Society – www.epilepsysociety.org.uk

• US: Epilepsy Foundation – www.epilepsy.com

• Research: genomics, imaging, neuromodulation, AI seizure prediction, seizure phenome/genome studies

• Quiz / Knowledge Check

  Multiple Choice

  1. What is an absence seizure?

  2. Which seizure type is tonic-clonic?

  3. Which may trigger a seizure?

  4. What is ADHD?

  5. Which factor contributes to anxiety in autism?

  Short Answer
  6. How can daily routines help autistic individuals?
  7. Name one cause of low self-esteem in ADHD.
  8. How can schools support students with absence seizures?
  9. Why is masking exhausting for autistic people?
  10. Name one organization that provides epilepsy info.

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  2️⃣ Easy Read Version

  Autism, ADHD, Anxiety, Depression & Epilepsy — Easy Read

  Autism

  • Makes it hard to talk to people and follow routines

  • Sensitive to noise, light, or touch

  ADHD

  • Hard to focus

  • Very active or fidgety

  • Impulsive

  • Brain works differently

  Feeling Anxious or Sad

  • Bullying, being left out → sad or worried

  • School/work struggles → worried about failing

  • Masking → hiding who you are → very tiring

  • Sensory overload → panic, tiredness

  • Feeling “less capable” → sad or low self-esteem

  Epilepsy

  • Brain causes sudden seizures

  • Some seizures are short (absence)

  • Some are big (tonic-clonic)

  • Medicine, doctors, teachers, carers help

  • Keep a seizure diary

  Support

  • Epilepsy Society (UK) – www.epilepsysociety.org.uk

  • Epilepsy Foundation (US) – www.epilepsy.com

  Quiz

  1. What is an absence seizure?

  2. How long does it usually last?

  3. Can adults have absence seizures?

  4. What is ADHD?

  5. Why might autistic people feel anxious?

  6. How can schools help?

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  3️⃣ PowerPoint / Training Slide Version

  Slide 1: Title

  • Autism, ADHD, Anxiety, Depression & Epilepsy

  Slide 2: Autism

  • Social, communication, routine difficulties

  • Sensory sensitivities

  Slide 3: ADHD

  • Attention, impulsivity, hyperactivity

  • Creative thinking, fast-moving brain

  Slide 4: Anxiety & Depression

  • Social challenges, bullying, academic stress

  • Masking → exhaustion

  • Internalized negativity → low self-esteem

  Slide 5: Epilepsy

  • Types: absence, tonic-clonic, chronic tonic

  • Personal experiences

  • SUDEP and mortality context

  Slide 6: Support & Resources

  • Epilepsy Society (UK), Epilepsy Foundation (US)

  • School support, seizure diary, awareness

  Slide 7: Quiz / Reflection

  • Questions covering seizures, ADHD, autism, mental health