A child who struggles to sit still, cope with change, follow conversations or manage big emotions may leave parents wondering what lies beneath the behaviour. ADHD and autism are different neurodevelopmental conditions, but some of their outward signs can look surprisingly similar. Understanding the pattern behind the behaviour is more helpful than trying to identify a child from a checklist. On this page Two neurodevelopmental profiles Where ADHD and autism look similar Clues that may distinguish them Can a child have both? What an assessment involves Support for children Two different neurodevelopmental profiles What is ADHD? ADHD primarily affects the regulation of attention, activity and impulses. A child may have an inattentive presentation, a hyperactive-impulsive presentation or a combination of both. Symptoms begin during childhood, occur in more than one setting and interfere with everyday functioning before they support an ADHD diagnosis. What is a...

Sugar is not poisonous, and enjoying something sweet does not mean you have failed at healthy eating. The concern is the amount of added or free sugar that can quietly build up through drinks, sauces, cereals, snacks and everyday convenience foods. Your body cannot calculate your sugar intake for you, but certain patterns may suggest that it is time to look more closely at what you are eating. On this page What counts as free or added sugar? Appetite, energy and concentration Digestive, sleep and visible changes Longer-term metabolic clues How to cut back realistically What counts as free or added sugar? Free sugars include sugar added during manufacturing, cooking or at the table, as well as the sugars in honey, syrups, fruit juice and fruit-juice concentrates. The naturally occurring sugars inside intact fruit, vegetables and plain milk come packaged differently and are not usually the main target of sugar-reduction guidance. What matters most is your overall e...

A humble tin of sardines has become an unlikely social-media beauty star. Fans of “sardinemaxxing” claim that eating sardines regularly can calm acne, hydrate dry skin and create a noticeable glow. Sardines are certainly nutritious, but healthy skin is more complicated than one trending food. On this page What is sardinemaxxing? What sardines bring to the table What the research says Possible downsides A balanced approach What exactly is sardinemaxxing? Sardinemaxxing is the online trend of eating sardines frequently in the hope of improving health, appearance or both. Unlike many wellness trends, it is based around a genuinely nutrient-dense food. The exaggerated name, however, can make the practice sound more powerful and extreme than the evidence supports. What sardines bring to the table Omega-3 Fatty Acids Sardines provide the long-chain omega-3 fats EPA and DHA. These fats form part of cell membranes and help regulate inflammatory processes throughou...

Our feet carry us through thousands of steps, busy workdays, school runs and everything in between. Yet it is easy to ignore discomfort until a small problem begins affecting the way we walk. Many everyday foot conditions respond well to early care, sensible footwear and a little patience, while persistent or worsening symptoms deserve professional attention. On this page Why small foot problems matter Skin and nail problems Toe shape and joint problems Common causes of foot pain Daily foot care Why small foot problems matter Foot pain can change the way you stand and walk, placing extra strain on your ankles, knees, hips and back. Skin breaks and infections also need particular care if you have diabetes, poor circulation, reduced sensation or a weakened immune system. A regular look at your feet can help you catch changes before they become more difficult to manage. Skin and Nail Problems 1. Blisters Blisters usually develop when shoes, socks, heat and mo...