Tag Archives: Life

There Are 8 Key Autism Terms – It’s Time You Learned Them

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Recent studies reveal that about 700,000 people in the UK are autistic, which works out as around one in every 100 people in the population. Research also indicates that the numbers could be twice as high, as there are so many people still undiagnosed.

With this in mind, Dr Selina Warlow, a clinical psychologist and owner of The Nook Neurodevelopmental Clinic, has shared a glossary of terms that give insights into some of the traits of autism, providing support when it comes to recognising symptoms.

She says: “Conversation around neurodiversity is becoming normalised, and that’s so positive to see.

“But the figures show a need for more awareness to help people identify whether they [are autistic], so they can start their assessment journey. Receiving a diagnosis can open access to expert resources that support autistic people to thrive in society.”

From masking to autistic burnout – a psychologist explains 8 traits of autism

Stimming (Self-Stimulatory Behaviour)

“Stimming is a term that refers to repetitive movements or sounds often associated with autism to manage sensory overload. This includes rocking, tapping, hand-flapping and spinning”, explains Dr Warlow.

While these aren’t exclusive to autistic people, autistic people are more likely to use them as tools of self-regulation.

“Masking is behaviour autistic people may use to hide their true characteristics to match those of neurotypical individuals”, says Dr Warlow.

“This could involve copying facial expressions, planning conversations in advance, or holding in ‘stimming’, for example swapping hand clapping, with playing with a pen.”

Autistic burnout

“Autistic burnout – being extremely tired both mentally and physically – can be associated with the act of ‘masking’ (concealing autistic behaviours) for a long period of time, or sensory or social overload.”

Dr Warlow shares that some of theymptoms of autistic burnout include withdrawal from social life, reduced performance, and increased sensitivity to certain stimuli.

Literal thinking

For some autistic people, language is always very literal, which can result in confusion with figures of speech, irony or indirect requests.

“For instance”, Dr Warlow adds, “being told to ‘pull your socks up’ might be understood literally, not as a motivational phrase, so using exact words may be more helpful during conversations.”

Assessment

Prior to diagnosis, a person showing signs of being autistic may choose to be assessed. This process can either happen through the NHS by visiting your GP or you can seek a private assessment.

Dr Warlow says that a diagnosis can be both “an emotional, but also empowering time”, while you learn about autism and adjust your lives to cater for its strengths and needs.

Hyperfocus

Hyperfocus is where an autistic person is able to focus intensely on an activity, and can become absorbed in it to the point of forgetting about the time. This is useful in work or hobbies but can result in neglect of other aspects of life such as food or rest.

Dr Warlow advises: “If it is possible to identify hyperfocus patterns, alarms can be used to help keep tasks moving.”

Special interests

Autistic people can have a particular interest which they find fascinating and dedicate lots of time to learning about. Special interests usually begin presenting in childhood but can also form as an adult. Special interests could include anything from dinosaurs or superheroes to hobbies like gardening.

Dr Warlow adds: “Chris Packham is an example of a person with autism who turned his childhood special interest in animals into a successful career, becoming one of the UK’s best-loved natural world TV presenters.”

Dr Warlow reveals that the term AuDHD – a combination of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) – is gaining traction in the neurodiverse community, with over 12,000 monthly Google searches, 375,000 posts on TikTok and 172,000 hashtags on Instagram.

“Many autistic people also have ADHD, which can bring certain benefits and difficulties at the same time. While autism is characterised by a desire for sameness and a focus on details, ADHD is defined by impulsivity and difficulty focusing.”

If you think you may be autistic, speak to your GP for a referral.

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Two-Thirds Of People With Dementia Are Women. Experts Now Think They Might Know Why

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Alzheimer’s Research UK says that “Of all people with dementia in the UK, two in three (65%) are women.”

In fact, they write, women over 60 are twice as likely to develop dementia – the leading cause of death in the UK – than they are to get breast cancer.

It can be hard to get clear answers as to why that is. Part of it is likely to be that women simply live longer than men on average – old age is the greatest risk factor for dementia.

But in a recent episode of his podcast Dr Karan Explores, surgeon Dr Karan Rajan spoke to doctors Dean and Ayesha Sherzai, neurologists and codirectors of the Brain Health and Alzheimer’s Prevention Programme at Loma Linda University Medical Centre, who shared that there may be other factors at play too.

Why might women have higher instances of dementia?

“We know that lipid metabolism and how women’s bodies respond to vascular risk factors, whether it’s an abnormal cholesterol panel or abnormal blood pressure, is different” than men’s, Dr Ayesha Sherzai said.

Cleveland Clinic says that women “face unique risks, largely due to differences in anatomy and hormones,” such as narrower blood vessels and fewer red blood cells, when it comes to heart issues.

Heart health and dementia risk have long been linked.

“We also know that in the perimenopausal period, the woman’s body goes through a lot of physiological and neurological changes, because oestrogen is a very important factor in memory creation and in brain health,” the doctor added.

The jury is still out on whether or not oestrogen has protective factors for the brain, though some research done on rats showed that the hormone increased the connections in the memory part of their brain.

The combination of increased effects of vascular issues and the decline in oestrogen as women age “may increase the risk factors” of dementia for women, the expert says.

Any other reasons for the gender gap?

Harvard Health says that aside from the age difference, women are way more likely to develop Alzheimer’s than men. But they are not more likely to develop other kinds of dementia when you adjust for age.

Part of the reason for that may be that women are far more likely to experience autoimmune disorders than men.

That might be because women’s immune system is stronger, which may have the effect of creating more amyloid plaques in the body. These plaques have been linked to dementia.

The university’s site recommends taking aerobic exercise, like swimming, jogging, or dancing up for 30 minutes a day, at least five days a week, sleeping well, socialising, and eating well to mitigate the potential risks.

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How You Pronounce This Letter May Reveal Your Age, Linguist Says

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You might already know that how long you can stand on one leg has been linked to your brain age ― the position involves coordinating different parts of your body and mind, making it uniquely useful as a marker of ageing.

But not all the signs are medical, as anyone who’s ever looked at a festival lineup and thought “I don’t recognise a single name here” knows.

And recently, members of r/AskUK wondered whether or not the pronunciation of the letter “z” counts as one such marker.

“I was horrified to learn that a fully British colleague of mine says ‘zee’ for the letter zed and he says he always has. Is this now common and I have just lost touch?”, a now-deleted poster asked.

So, we spoke to clinical linguist and CEO of Dysolve, Dr Coral Hoh, about what was really going on.

Yep, it does seem to be an age thing

“Yes, it’s generational but not confined to the UK alone,” the linguist said of the Americanised pronunciation.

“It is also the case in other English-speaking regions,” she told HuffPost UK.

“For example, in Southeast Asia, in countries like Singapore and Malaysia, speakers in their 30s-40s may use ‘zee’ and ‘zed’ interchangeably.”

Meanwhile, she says, “their younger counterparts prefer the former, thanks to American influence.”

Indeed New Zealand magazine North And South have written about increased Americanisms among their younger people.

Growing up in Ireland, people in my Disney Channel-reared age group were constantly being accused of the same thing (I’ll admit I choose “zee” over “zed,” though my older relatives would never).

People think the trend is coming from media, including social media

“Americanisms are becoming more and more common, I blame YouTube,” Redditor u/Frst-Lengthiness-16 opined.

“My kids refuse to call biscuits by the correct name, calling them fucking ‘cookies.’”

Jane Setter, a professor of phonetics at the University of Reading, agrees, telling The Guardian: “For children, it could simply be because everyone is watching a particular trending YouTube influencer or group of influencers, or playing particular online interactive games, through word of mouth and a desire to fit in with their friends, that these people speak in a particular way, and the kids are using the features of those speakers with other kids to show they “belong” to that group.”

This may be part of the reason why Americanisms are so common among Gen Z (never said “Gen Zed,” I note) and younger…

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So THAT’s Why Easter Eggs Are So Expensive This Year

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Tough news for fellow chocolate lovers – consumer advocacy publication Which? says that Easter eggs are up to 50% more expensive this year.

That’s despite the fact that many of the seasonal treats have actually gotten smaller.

Chocolate prices have risen by a mammoth 16.4% in the past year, compared to an average 4.4% increase among other supermarket food and drink, they add.

So, we spoke to the former VP of International Trade at Barclays and current founder of personal finance platform Generation Money, Alex King, and Mark Owen, chief chocolatier at Pembrokeshire-based chocolate factory Wickedly Welsh Chocolate, about what was really going on.

It’s partly down to growing conditions

“Easter egg prices are noticeably higher this year, and unfortunately it’s not just a case of retailers hiking up costs – the entire chocolate industry is feeling the impact of a global cocoa crisis,” Mark told us.

“Cocoa prices have more than doubled since 2023, and we’re still paying over twice what we were just two years ago.”

Alex agreed, explaining that “Cocoa prices shot up in 2024 to record highs after three poor harvests in a row for cocoa producers in the Ivory Coast and Ghana – the world’s two largest cocoa-producing nations.

“This has had a direct impact on the price of Easter Eggs this year as cocoa is obviously a major ingredient in chocolate production.”

Dairy costs have also risen by 18%, the trading expert added.

And as if that wasn’t enough, “at the start of 2024, we also saw hedge funds pour into the cocoa market with bets that the price of cocoa would continue to rise – which it did throughout 2024.

“Although these hedge funds weren’t the main driver of increased prices, they helped to spike already, increasing prices even further.”

Oh good. Anything else?

Yup, unfortunately. Alex says energy and transport costs have risen too, affecting the supply chain and, by extension, retailers.

“Another factor hitting supermarket prices more generally in the UK is the rise in National Insurance in April, just before Easter,” he suggests.

“Retailers will have begun to increase prices in advance of this to cover the extra NI cost, so that’s another reason we’re seeing higher prices – not just in easter eggs.”

Worse news: Mark told HuffPost UK he doesn’t expect the problem to go away any time soon.

“With global stocks at an all-time low and no bumper harvest expected in the coming months, supply remains incredibly tight,” he shared.

“The reality is that chocolate makers of all sizes are being squeezed. As a small, independent factory, we’ve had to absorb as much of the cost as we can, but there’s no avoiding the fact that Easter eggs are more expensive to produce this year than ever before.”

Here’s hoping 2026 is a little easier on our wallets…

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Self-Serving ‘Boomerasks’ Ruin Conversations – Here’s How To Chat Fairly

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Ever had a conversation that goes a little something like this?

Your conversation partner: “Have you been promoted recently?”

You: “What? No? You know I’m self employ–”

Your conversation partner: “I actually got promoted last week. I’ve become the vice-deputy manager-chair god-king of…” etc., etc..

If so, I’m afraid you’ve been the victim of a “boomerask,” a portmanteau of “boomerang” and “ask.”

The term refers to questions that only really exist to give the askers room to talk about themselves.

The self-serving purpose hides under the guise of enquiring about the other person, which askers think leaves a good impression, a paper published in the Journal of Experimental Psychology: General says.

It does not actually work, though; the research found most people know when the move’s being pulled.

So, we spoke to etiquette expert Jo Hayes, founder of Etiquette Expert, and psychiatric mental health provider Dr Zian Omene from MyShilohHealth, about how to actually handle questions in conversation.

“Boomerasking” can make you lose friends fast

“The research shows that boomerasking… can make people feel ignored and less fond of you,” Dr Omene told us.

It allows people to “hijack [an] answer to talk about yourself”; if you’ve got a story, she advised, “share it later, straight-up, like, ‘Oh, I tried that once too!’”.

The study bears this advice out. It found that people prefer a straightforward brag to a roundabout “boomerask.”

“It’s about keeping it real and letting them shine,” Dr Omene added. “People love feeling understood, not upstaged.”

“People with good/healthy social skills know that the way to strike up a good conversation, and develop healthy relationships, is to show genuine interest in the other person,” Hayes agreed.

“Boomerasking involves asking such a question – but then answering it yourself. It’s a faux conversational skill, because it starts off right, but then quickly plummets into antisocial behaviour.”

So, how should we ask questions?

“To ask questions that make others feel included, appreciated, and genuinely heard, I’d go with open-ended ones like, ‘What’s been the best part of your day?” instead of a flat ‘How’s it going?’”, Dr Omene shared.

“Then, really listen – nod, keep eye contact, and maybe echo back something like, ‘That sounds like a blast, what made it so fun?’”

Hayes’ recommendation is similar: “Simply ask the question, and then let the other person answer.”

“It’s all about focusing on the other, not yourself. The other person feels seen, heard, honoured, respected, valued… and naturally warms to you – the person demonstrating that respect,” she continued.

“And the natural consequence of that is that they’ll be interested in finding more about you and hearing what you have to say – thus giving you ample opportunity to share your own thoughts/opinions.”

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9 ‘Tourist Traps’ That Are 100% Worth The Trip

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As a native New Yorker, I can smell a tourist trap from miles away. (Times Square, anyone?)

That said, the term has garnered somewhat of a negative connotation ― but in all honesty, many of these locations are actually worth a visit at least once. Think about it like this: They’re considered attractions for a reason. They offer views or experiences that can only be found in that specific location.

We’ve rounded up a few options below. Sure, there are crowds. Sure, they might be corny. But they’re also 100% worth considering for your next vacation.

1. Mount Rushmore

Tetra Images via Getty Images

Ever since I saw Mount Rushmore in a picture book when I was a child, I knew it was somewhere I wanted to visit.

Located in South Dakota, Mount Rushmore is home to the popular 60-foot memorial featuring the faces of four former presidents: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln.

Over 2 million people visit Mount Rushmore each year, so you’re bound to run into crowds, but even if it’s just to snap a quick picture, it’s well worth it to see this historical monument. While you’re there, check out the Avenue of Flags or take a hike on the mile-long Blackberry Trail. If you’re visiting during the summer, end your day by watching the light ceremony that takes place every night starting the Friday of Memorial Day weekend.

2. The Eiffel Tower

While you can see the Eiffel Tower from different vantage points around Paris, your trip isn’t truly complete without making a proper visit.

On my most recent trip to Paris, the Eiffel Tower was packed even at 8 a.m. You’ll potentially be waiting in two- to three-hour lines to get tickets and enter the building, but the wait is worth it. I highly recommend getting a GoCity pass where you can book different attraction tickets and guided tours — it’s the easiest way to see the city if you don’t know your way around.

The view of the city is absolutely breathtaking and you’ll see areas you may not even get to explore during your visit. Keep in mind that the summit can be closed during your trip (as it was for mine), but the second level is still magnificent. The summit tends to shut down during inclement weather or if they are doing maintenance.

After your ascent and descent of the tower, head over to Place du Trocadéro to take some photos, grab some food from a local vendor, and spend some time sprawled out on the lawn in front. And don’t forget to make a quick trip back at night. The tower lights up every hour between dusk and 1 a.m. in the summer.

If you’re looking for an extremely luxurious experience, book a hotel that has a room with a view. (For example, Hotel Montalembert’s Suite Montalembert has an exquisite view of the Eiffel Tower from the room’s tiny balcony that’ll make you feel like you’re in a movie.)

3. El Yunque Rainforest

There’s no better place to experience the luscious greenery and waters of Puerto Rico than at El Yunque rainforest. Although it can be crowded during peak season ― which is typically about mid-December through April ― it’s still well worth the visit.

El Yunque features hiking trails and lagoons, allowing you to experience different types of wildlife. If you’re up for a little more adventure, you can also plan an activity like zip-lining or riding an ATV.

4. Times Square

Alexander Spatari via Getty Images

Although I often roast it as a native New Yorker ― as noted above ― I’ll always have a soft spot for Times Square.

Yes, it’s packed with tourists galore. However, with its larger-than-life billboards and lights, it’s also oddly a magical sight to behold. There are better places to go shopping and eating in Manhattan than Times Square (for that, try going to SoHo) ― but you won’t find better theater productions anywhere in the world.

If you venture a little bit outside the area, you’ll stumble on Korean restaurants like Jongro BBQ and Woorijip, where you can enjoy delicious Korean BBQ or get some takeout to bring back to your hotel.

Would I recommend going to Times Square to watch the ball drop on New Year’s Eve? Absolutely not. But any other time is great, and you can see why people love the concrete jungle.

5. Disney World

There’s no doubt that Walt Disney World in Florida is crowded and expensive ― but there’s also no denying the magic that comes with a trip to “the most magical place on Earth.”

The four theme parks, two water parks and Disney Springs area give you a seemingly unlimited number of options to explore. The Magic Kingdom will bring you and your family a sense of nostalgia, thanks to attractions like Cinderella’s Castle and Space Mountain. Epcot offers plenty of fun options for adults (drink around the world!), and Animal Kingdom transports you to another land filled with wildlife. If you find yourself in Disney Springs, be sure to check out Gideon’s Bakehouse, which is a sweet shop known by both tourists and locals for its insanely delicious cookies.

Plus, who doesn’t want to meet Mickey Mouse?

6. The Blue Lagoon

If you’re planning a trip to Iceland, you won’t want to leave without making a pit stop at the Blue Lagoon. It was named one of the 25 wonders of the world by National Geographic for a reason.

There’s no denying it can be crowded and expensive (the entry price starts around $75). That said, you’ll likely feel tenfold more relaxed after you spend some time in the milky-blue waters, which have been said to nourish and rejuvenate the skin. (Don’t get out without giving yourself a face mask.)

If you’re looking for something less crowded, you’ll want to go to Sky Lagoon. Located at Iceland’s edge, this geothermal experience is similar to the Blue Lagoon but with a fraction of the crowds. While you’re there, be sure to head over to Smakk Bar for some light bites and refreshing beverages.

7. Niagara Falls

Shobeir Ansari via Getty Images

When thinking about tourist traps that are actually worth it, Niagara Falls in Canada is among the top places that come to mind.

The attraction receives over 14 million visitors annually, which is proof of just how spectacular it is. There’s no doubt you will get a little damp; it’s the price you’ll pay to witness something that people travel far and wide to see.

After soaking up the sight, head over to one of the restaurants in the area. For example, you can try Table House Rock Restaurant, which overlooks Niagara Falls and has locally sourced dishes that change seasonally. Be sure to make a reservation at night so you can witness the illumination away from the crowds.

If you can’t get a reservation for after dark, you may want to consider taking a boat tour that’ll get you as close as possible to the action with a guide who knows the history and facts.

8. Sensoji Temple

If you find yourself in Tokyo, you’ll definitely want to stop by Sensoji Temple. As with many other popular attractions, you likely will have to maneuver through crowds of people, but it’s highly worth it to get up close to Tokyo’s oldest Buddhist temple.

The temple has a history dating back 1,400 years and is dedicated to the Buddhist goddess of Mercy. The vibrant red structure has two stories and sculpted figurines on the exterior that give it a unique look.

After your visit, you can spend the day shopping in the area or eating at local establishments to really get a feel for the culture. Try foods like melon bread or tempura, or go shopping at Nakamise-dori Street, which is home to souvenirs and treats.

9. Bourbon Street

No trip to New Orleans is complete without a visit to Bourbon Street. Although you’ll be surrounded by other visitors, the atmosphere makes it all worth it. The live music, colorful beads hanging from balconies and neon lights make this a popular stop for tourists.

After seeing the sights, you’ll want some delicious food. Head over to Caesars New Orleans for a bite at Nina’s Creole Cottage or try some Southern comfort food at Dooky Chase. (Fun fact: Chef Leah Chase was Disney’s inspiration for Princess Tiana in “Princess and the Frog.”)

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So THAT’s Why Restaurant Rice Is So Much Better

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Did you know the size of your frying pan can seriously affect the texture of your omelette?

Yup – pros swear by a medium-small option to get the right mix of thick curds and fully cooked fluffiness.

These are the kinds of secrets chefs keep under their white sleeves when making restaurant-level food, and the sort I’m always keen to learn about.

So, you’d better believe I tuned in when former chef (and current YouTuber) @SenpaiKai9000 began his video by describing “why rice tastes better in restaurants.”

Why DOES rice taste better in restaurants?

The chef explained that, as with so many other gourmet “secrets,” chefs simply start off with “better-quality” rice.

It might surprise you to learn that not all rice is created equal. Lower-quality rice contains more blemishes, has more broken grains, contains the right amount of starch, and is the correct length.

The YouTuber says he prefers higher-grade basmati and jasmine rice “because they have so much more flavour” than other kinds.

Then, the former cook says it’s important to rinse rice in three to five times as much cold water to remove excess starch, “otherwise it can taste gummy or tacky.”

When cooking, he uses one part rice to 1.25 parts water and – a true chef’s trick – chucks butter into the pan.

If you’re cooking rice in a pot, allow it to boil, then let it simmer for 15 minutes and rest for at least a further five minutes with the lid on. That way, the steam continues to fluff up the rice.

But “really good restaurants will cook [rice] in the oven or rice cooker,” he added.

To cook it in the oven, the ex-chef covers a baking dish with foil and bakes the water, rice, butter, and salt together for 40-45 minutes.

“This allows the rice to cook way more evenly, because the heat source isn’t just coming hyper-aggressively from the bottom.”

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Why does butter work in rice?

The addition gives rice a fuller, richer flavour, which it then imparts onto other food,

Tasting Table says

.

But that’s not the only advantage of the added fat – the experts say that including it in your rice cooker or pan can also improve its fluffiness.

That’s because, as with greasing a baking dish, it prevents the starches from sticking to the sides of the pan.

So, you’ll be left with more evenly-cooked, richer-tasting grains (don’t mind if I do).

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