Everyone knew Ada as the light in every room. At home, she was the first to speak, the one who cracked jokes when silence grew too heavy. In meetings, she volunteered for everything and among friends, she was the spark that made dull moments bright. They called her the battery because when Ada showed up, energy returned. She always knew how to bring people out of their shell and lift spirits when things felt low.

But behind that energy was a quiet exhaustion she never showed. Her cheerfulness was her cover, her way of staying unseen. If she stayed bubbly and loud, no one would look closely enough to notice the weight she carried.

For years, Ada mastered the art of acting fine, until her body and mind couldn’t keep up anymore. The laughter stopped coming easily, and the energy that once flowed naturally began to feel forced. She started waking up heavy, drained, and uninterested in everything that used to make her happy.

Suddenly, she wasn’t talking much, wasn’t laughing, wasn’t her usual self. Her family noticed the change and in their confusion, they concluded it had to be a spiritual problem. Some said she was under an attack while others called for prayers and vigils. Her mother stayed up at night with anointing oil, praying the spirit of sadness out of her child.

Ada wanted to tell them it wasn’t an attack; she just wasn’t okay. She wanted to share everything that has been going on in her life, but in an environment where pain must have a visible cause, emotional struggles are often misunderstood. Everyone was trying to bring back the version of her that laughed loudly, not realizing that the quiet, withdrawn Ada was also real, and in deep need of help.

Mental Health and Spirituality: How Faith and Therapy Work Together

A friend who noticed her struggle connected her to someone who referred her to a therapist. At first, Ada was unsure, because 

felt strange and foreign, something she had only heard about online. But when she walked into that small office and met someone who didn’t tell her to “just be happy,” something inside her changed. For the first time, she spoke freely without being judged or told to only pray it away.

A therapist and client engaged in a counseling session, sitting together in a calm, comfortable setting.

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The sessions helped, but some days were still dark. Her therapist later prescribed medication to help stabilize her mood, and that’s when a new kind of struggle began.

She hid her pills in an old makeup bag tucked beneath her clothes because she couldn’t leave them in the open. One day, her mother saw the prescription note and whispered, “God forbid.” A friend who found out asked why she couldn’t just trust God to heal her. Someone even joked that those drugs were “for mad people.”

Ada stopped explaining because it was easier to stay silent than to argue with people who didn’t understand that therapy and medication weren’t signs of weakness; they were steps toward healing.

Healing Quietly and Rediscovering Herself

Every night, she swallowed her pills in secret and reminded herself that healing looked different for everyone. For her, it was therapy, medication, and self-awareness. With time, her mind began to clear and her energy returned. Although it was not the loud, performative kind that left her empty, it was a calm strength that didn’t need to prove anything.

She laughed again, but this time, it was genuine. She still attended family gatherings and made people smile, but she no longer forced herself to be the “happy one.” She had learned that strength wasn’t pretending to be fine, it was having the courage to face what hurts and choose healing anyway.

Over time, her family and friends began to see things differently. They noticed how much lighter Ada seemed after therapy and how her laughter no longer sounded forced. Gradually, conversations around her started to change. The same people who once doubted her healing process became her quiet support system, and she was grateful for that.

Mental health is real, even in places where it’s misunderstood. Many people are smiling through their pain, using laughter as a mask to stay unnoticed. Ada’s story reminds us that therapy is not a foreign idea, and needing help doesn’t make you weak but human. The first step toward healing is with yourself first, and not with others.

Mental health doesn’t begin with grand changes; it starts with one decision to reach out, to talk, and to heal. You can start with a 

Everyone thought she had it all together, but she was just holding on. A heartfelt story about masking pain and learning to heal.

I Was the Energy in the Room Until I Was Not: A Mental Health Story

Stress has become a part of daily life, leaving many of us drained even without much physical activity. Sometimes it feels like our energy disappears for no reason. When left unmanaged, stress can cause fatigue, irritability, and even long-term health issues.

Many people think relieving stress requires special equipment or long workouts every time. However, there are simple exercises you can do right at home to feel better without having to step outside or spend hours working out. You just need small, intentional actions that help you release tension and reconnect with your body and mind.

Stress impacts your nervous system, your energy levels, and your ability to think clearly. When stress builds up, it can affect your sleep, your mood, and even how your body functions. Taking a few minutes each day to do stress relief exercises can help reduce anxiety, improve your focus, and give you a sense of calm. These small practices add up over time and create a healthier routine for your mind and body

Stress Relief Exercises You Can Do at Home

Dancing is a fun way to release stress, and you don’t need any special dancing skills to benefit from it. Put on music you enjoy and move however your body wants to move. Shake out tension from your arms, legs, and shoulders.

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It is not about looking perfect or following steps; let the rhythm guide you. The goal is to move freely and enjoy the music, so avoid stiff movements or holding tension in your body. Dancing releases both physical and emotional stress and makes the process feel light and enjoyable.

Indoor walking meditation is a simple but effective way to reconnect with your body. Walk slowly around your home and focus on your breathing and how your feet feel as they touch the floor. 

Pay attention to your surroundings and your movements. When you are mindful, you won't walk distractedly or rush through the steps. Even a short 5 to 10-minute session can clear your mind and help you feel grounded.

allows you to process emotions and release mental tension. You can write down your thoughts before or after doing any of the exercises. Do not worry about spelling, grammar, or writing neatly, instead focus on what is bothering you or what you are grateful for. The goal is to express yourself and let go of mental clutter. Combining journaling with physical exercises gives both your body and mind a chance to relax fully.

Deep breathing is simple but powerful. A basic technique is to inhale slowly for four seconds, hold your breath for four seconds, and then exhale for four seconds. Repeat this for a few minutes.

This helps calm your nervous system and brings a sense of immediate relaxation. You can do it in the morning, before bed, or anytime you feel tension rising. Focus on slow, steady breaths, and avoid shallow breathing or holding your breath for too long, which can make you feel dizzy. 

A person practicing yoga indoors, stretching gently on a mat to relieve stress and relax the body.

Stretching your body or doing gentle yoga helps release tight muscles and promotes relaxation. Poses like child’s pose, cat-cow, forward fold, or a gentle seated twist can help your body let go of tension. If you’re unsure how to do them, there are many accessible video tutorials on YouTube that can guide you step by step.

Take your time with each movement and don’t push your body into positions that feel painful. Pay attention to how your muscles feel and breathe through the stretches. Stretching not only relaxes your body but also gives your mind a short break from constant thoughts.

Other Ways to Create a Calming Home Environment

Small changes in your home can have a noticeable impact on how calm you feel. Therefore, your environment can influence how relaxed or stressed you feel. Some easy ways to improve your home space include:

Declutter your surroundings to create a clean space that helps clear your mind.

Add plants or flowers indoors to bring nature in and boost your mood.

Play soft music or nature sounds to create a relaxing, calming atmosphere.

For a more relatable and deeper look at handling stress, check out this story on 

Home exercises are helpful for daily stress, but chronic stress may require professional support. 

 provides strategies that go beyond quick fixes. Seeking help is normal and does not mean you are weak. It simply means you are taking your mental health seriously.

Your home can be a space for healing and calm by practicing these stress relief exercises, paying attention to your body, and creating a peaceful environment. You can reduce tension and improve how you feel by trying even one exercise today. Over time, these small steps can build a healthier, calmer daily routine.

10 Everyday Habits That Could Be Fueling Your Stress Without You Knowing

Feeling drained or tense at home? Try quick stress relief exercises like gentle yoga, stretching, dancing, and journaling to calm your mind and recharge energy.

Quick Stress Relief Exercises at Home

Globally, anxiety ranks among the most searched mental health topics, often even higher than depression. Every day, people around the world search for answers that will lead them to healing and emotional balance.

, uncertainty, climate change, financial strain, and social issues have made anxiety one of the most relatable emotional struggles of our time, and this isn’t limited to one region. From Nigeria to the USA, the UK, India, Canada, Australia, and the Philippines, people are asking similar questions that reveal both curiosity and a longing for calm.

Research in the United States shows a steady rise in online searches for words like anxiety, panic attack, and social anxiety. In Nigeria, people are searching for ways to manage worry and fear in the midst of daily hustle. Across the UK and Canada, more people are typing how to stop 

We’ve gathered the most frequently asked questions about anxiety, all in one article to provide simple, relatable answers that can help anyone seeking understanding or relief.

Anxiety is a feeling of worry, nervousness or unease about something with an uncertain outcome. It’s more than the normal jitters everyone gets sometimes. When it becomes frequent, intense, or starts interfering with daily life, then it may be a sign of an 

Symptoms can differ from one person to another. Some common ones are racing or irregular heartbeat, trembling, shaking or trembling hands, excessive sweating, feeling dizzy, lightheaded or faint, nausea or upset stomach, constant sense of danger or that something bad will happen, tingling or numbness in fingers or lips, difficulty breathing or feeling like you can’t get a full breath.

What is the difference between stress and anxiety?

Stress is a response to external pressure such as work deadlines, family issues, financial concerns. It tends to fade once the pressure is removed. Anxiety usually involves persistent, internal worry. It stays even when the external trigger is gone. Anxiety can feel more diffuse, last longer, affect many areas of life, and sometimes include physical symptoms. Stress can lead to anxiety if not managed, but one doesn’t always lead to the other.

Anxiety comes from many sources. Some are external like work, relationships, financial trouble, trauma. Others are internal like personality, past experiences, how your brain is wired, or even genetics. Sometimes body chemistry plays a part. And often, several of these causes combine together. For example, someone with a genetic predisposition plus ongoing stress is more at risk.

, try slow deep breaths, notice what’s around you, take a short walk, or splash cool water on your face. Talking to someone you trust can also ease the weight a little.

Yes. It can cause very real physical reactions in the body. Some people feel chest tightness or pain, a racing heart, shortness of breath. Others might get sweaty palms, trembling, nausea, dizziness or lightheadedness. These happen because when anxiety activates the “fight-or-flight” response, hormones like adrenaline rush through your system. Over time, physical symptoms might compound unless the anxiety is addressed.

Night time often makes anxiety feel heavier because you are busy during the day and there are fewer distractions, but at night you have more quiet and less going on, so worry has room to grow. Also, you’re mentally and physically tired, so you may have less ability to manage intrusive thoughts or worry.

At night, shifting hormone levels and a body winding down for rest can make emotions harder to control, especially when worries about sleep or tomorrow’s tasks creep in.

How to deal with anxiety attacks (panic attacks)?

You don’t have to go through panic attacks alone. We’ve written a detailed piece that explains what 

 feel like, what triggers them, and how to regain control when they happen. 

Social anxiety can make everyday interactions feel like a battlefield, but it doesn’t have to define you. We've broken it down in a full article that helps you understand and manage it better. Read it 

Anxiety can be managed and in many cases, it can ease so much that it no longer controls your life. But 

isn’t always the right word because anxiety is also a natural human response. Everyone feels it sometimes; it’s the body’s way of keeping us alert.

What matters is management and understanding. With therapy, lifestyle adjustments, and healthy coping strategies, anxiety can lose its grip. For some people, symptoms disappear entirely. For others, it becomes something they can handle with ease. Healing doesn’t always mean it’s gone forever; sometimes, it means it no longer defines you.

Discover quick, practical ways to calm anxiety instantly. This article also answers the most Googled questions about anxiety, panic attacks, and overthinking.

How to Deal With Anxiety: FAQs on Anxiety Attacks

Have you ever felt like no one truly understands what you’re going through? Research shows that people recovering from mental health challenges often feel isolated. Peer support connects individuals with similar experiences, helping them feel understood and less alone.

Peer support is a system where people give and receive help based on shared experiences. It complements 

 by offering emotional and practical support from individuals who have been through similar struggles.

This approach creates a sense of community where people feel seen, understood, and hopeful about recovery. Peer support can take many forms such as one-on-one mentorship, group discussions, peer-led workshops, or community outreach programs.

Ultimately, peer support is about human connection. It reminds us that we are not alone in our challenges and that recovery is possible through shared experiences and mutual encouragement.

Peer support helps people heal through connection, empathy, and shared understanding rather than professional expertise. 

When you talk to someone who has faced a similar situation, you do not need to explain every detail. They already understand, and that shared experience creates instant trust and reduces stigma.

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2. It encourages listening without judgement

Peer supporters focus on empathy rather than evaluation. They listen to understand, not to diagnose, which makes it easier for people to open up.

Peer support is based on equality, with no hierarchy or expert–patient relationship. Both individuals learn and grow together resulting in a sense of partnership.

Seeing someone who is doing well in their recovery journey inspires hope. It shows that healing is possible and provides motivation to keep going.

Peer supporters not only listen but also help with daily challenges. They may accompany someone to an appointment, check in after a hard day, or share useful resources.

Peer support helps people feel that they belong to a community. It reminds them that their struggles do not define them and that they are part of a larger circle of growth and healing.

Peer support does a lot of good, but it’s not without its challenges. One of the most common struggles is emotional fatigue. Listening to others’ stories, especially when they mirror your own, can take a toll over time. This is why 

 and having personal support systems are just as important for peer supporters as they are for those they help.

Another challenge is maintaining clear boundaries. When two people connect deeply, it’s easy for personal emotions to spill into the process. Clear communication and honesty about what each person can and cannot offer help maintain mutual respect.

Mismatched expectations can also appear when one person expects more than the other can realistically provide. The essence of peer support is walking alongside someone, not fixing their problems. When that understanding is established early, it prevents disappointment and keeps the relationship healthy.

Lastly, peer support can become less effective when it lacks proper structure or training. Learning how to listen carefully, respect privacy, and handle emotions helps both people in peer support. Training also empowers peer supporters to recognize when a situation requires professional help.

Peer support should be handled with care and awareness to ensure a balanced and sustainable form of healing for everyone involved.

Peer support can happen anywhere, whether online, in your local community, or during a casual conversation.

Look for local or online groups focused on your needs. Many NGOs, hospitals, and community centers host these groups. In Nigeria, for example, the Asido Campus Network (ACN) under the Asido Foundation and the Mentally Aware Nigeria Initiative (MANI) offer great peer support opportunities.

If physical meetings are not possible, join moderated online communities or apps that promote safe mental health discussions. Ensure you choose credible platforms that protect your privacy.

If you are on your recovery journey and feel ready, consider volunteering or mentoring others. Sharing your story can encourage someone else and strengthen your own growth.

Peer support is helpful, but it should not replace professional therapy. You can benefit from both when you combine peer connection for shared understanding with therapy for structured guidance.

Mental health recovery is not a straight path. There will be highs and lows, but having someone to walk beside you makes the journey easier. Whether you are giving or receiving support, peer support reminds us that healing is possible when we do it together.

And remember, peer support works best alongside professional help.

 Licensed therapists, counselors, and psychologists

 are available to provide personalized care while you continue to grow through connection and community.

Peer support helps mental health recovery by creating a safe space to share experiences, find understanding, and gain practical guidance for healing.

Peer Support in Mental Health Recovery

Wondering how much therapy costs in Nigeria? For a long time, therapy was seen as something only the wealthy could afford. In this article, we’ll explore the cost of therapy in Nigeria, the factors that influence pricing, and what you can expect whether you choose online or in-person sessions.

A long-standing myth that has been repeatedly challenged in mental health conversations is the accessibility and affordability of therapy. For years, many assumed therapy was a luxury reserved for the wealthy. Without verifying the facts, this assumption kept countless people from even considering therapy when their mental health was in crisis.

Today, the narrative is changing globally. In Nigeria, therapy is no longer hidden in the background. It is gaining visibility through organizations, platforms, and professionals who are committed to promoting mental health. Platforms like TranqBay have pushed therapy to the forefront, creating avenues for individuals to connect with licensed therapists and counsellors in a transparent and structured way. This has made it easier for people facing 

anxiety, depression, trauma, or everyday stress 

to finally seek support without feeling therapy is out of reach.

The cost of therapy in Nigeria is not fixed. It varies depending on several factors, including the professional involved, the type of service, the modality chosen (online or in-person), and even the location. Generally, therapy sessions in Nigeria can start from as low as ₦3,000 on some online platforms and rise as high as ₦80,000 or more for consultations with psychiatrists in private hospitals.

It is also important to emphasize that a lower fee does not equate to lower quality of care. Many therapists intentionally keep their rates affordable to reach more people, and platforms often provide options that balance expertise with accessibility. What matters most is finding the right professional who meets your needs.

as a case study. Tranqbay operates as a marketplace that connects clients to a wide range of licensed therapists, counsellors, and psychologists. On the platform, you can see each professional’s “starting from” price. Some therapists begin at ₦5,000 per session, while others list fees between ₦7,000 and ₦15,000, depending on their expertise and experience. Clinical psychologists and senior practitioners sometimes charge higher, with listed sessions reaching into the mid-teens or beyond.

This flexibility helps clients plan according to their budget and needs.

When deciding on therapy, it is important to know the available modes of engagement. Typically, there are three main options:

Online therapy: Sessions conducted via video or audio calls. These are often more affordable and convenient for people who cannot attend in person.

Physical therapy: Face-to-face sessions at a clinic or office. These usually cost more because of location and overhead costs.

Hybrid therapy: A combination of online and physical sessions, allowing flexibility and continuity of care.

Online Therapy vs In-Person Therapy: Answering Your FAQs

Several elements determine how much you will pay for therapy in Nigeria:

Type of professional: Psychiatrists usually charge the highest because they are medical doctors who can prescribe medication. Clinical psychologists and psychotherapists often cost more than counselors, while therapists may vary depending on their training and specialization. If you’re wondering about the difference between these professionals, check out this detailed 

Experience and expertise: Highly experienced or specialized therapists may charge higher fees.

Location: Services in Lagos or Abuja are often more expensive than those in smaller cities.

Mode of therapy: In-person sessions generally cost more than audio or chat-based therapy.

Session length and packages: Standard sessions are about 50–60 minutes, but shorter sessions and package deals may reduce the cost per session.

Sliding scale options: Some therapists offer reduced fees based on financial need, or provide discounts for students, young adults, or bulk bookings.

Online entry-level sessions: from about ₦3,000.

Marketplace options (e.g., TranqBay): from ₦5,000 to ₦30,000+ depending on the therapist.

Private practice with clinical psychologists: between ₦15,000 and ₦57,000.

Psychiatrist consultations: from ₦25,000 up to ₦80,000 or more for first visits.

Therapy in Nigeria is no longer an inaccessible dream. With platforms like TranqBay and others, people now have a clearer understanding of costs and can make informed decisions. While prices vary, the important fact is that therapy is not exclusively for the rich; there are affordable options available, especially if you explore online sessions, packages, or sliding scale offers.

The real step is to prioritize your mental health. If cost has been your main barrier, know that with a little research and comparison, you can find therapy options that suit your budget and still provide quality care. Whether you’re dealing with stress, relationship challenges, or more complex conditions such as anxiety, depression, or trauma, affordable therapy in Nigeria is possible.

Wondering how much therapy costs in Nigeria? This article explores prices, from affordable online sessions to private consultations with therapists.

How Much Does Therapy Cost in Nigeria?

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is built on the idea that our thoughts shape how we feel and act. We have over 60,000 thoughts each day, but how many of them are we truly aware of? More importantly, how many are harmful or limiting? Left unchecked, these thoughts can shape how we feel and act, often trapping us in cycles of anxiety, stress, or low self-esteem.

This is where Cognitive Behavioural Therapy comes in. it helps you unlearn negative thoughts and behaviours and adopt healthier thinking patterns and habits.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy is a type of talk therapy that focuses on the relationship between thoughts, emotions, and behaviours. It is based on the idea that our thoughts strongly influence how we feel and act. One core principle is that psychological issues are partly based on problematic core beliefs, which influence how we view ourselves and the world.

Imagine waving at a friend and they don’t wave back. One way to interpret it is that they simply didn’t see you, which you might easily shrug off. Another way is to assume they’re ignoring you or don’t like you, which could leave you feeling sad, rejected, or even angry.

CBT helps you identify these negative or distorted thoughts, test whether they are accurate, and reframe them into something healthier

CBT can help anyone who struggles with unhelpful thoughts or behaviours. You do not need a diagnosed mental health condition to benefit from CBT. It is useful for anyone who wants to learn how to overcome negative thinking patterns and improve daily functioning.

CBT can support people experiencing a variety of challenges, including: 

Eating disorders such as bulimia or anorexia

on these conditions to learn more about how CBT can help.

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Consider Sarah’s story to understand CBT better. Sarah went through a painful friendship breakup. Since then, she kept thinking that she was not a good friend. Each time she reflected on it, she felt sad and withdrawn. She avoided reaching out to new people and even her existing friends because she feared she would only hurt them.

Her mother encouraged her to seek therapy. In her sessions, her therapist introduced her to some common CBT techniques, which unfolded in four steps:

The first step is awareness. Sarah identified the thought that troubled her most, that she was not a good friend.

Next, she examined whether this thought was a fact or just an assumption. Sarah remembered friendships that lasted years and friends describing her as kind and supportive. Her therapist helped her see that one failed friendship did not define her as a bad friend. She realized she had been generalizing one experience into a permanent label.

Together, they created a more balanced perspective. One friendship might not have worked out, but that did not mean she was a bad friend. She had positive experiences before and could build new friendships in the future. This new way of thinking felt lighter and more hopeful.

Finally, Sarah took a small step by reaching out to an old friend for coffee. When she did, she realized she could maintain meaningful connections. Her actions began to reflect healthier thinking, reinforcing her new mindset.

Sarah ’s story shows that CBT is about noticing unhelpful thoughts, questioning them, reframing them into healthier perspectives, and taking small behavioural steps that strengthen a positive mindset.

Become more self-aware and recognise harmful beliefs

Develop coping skills for stressful situations

Manage symptoms of mental health conditions

Improve communication and manage relationship conflicts

Even without a mental health condition, CBT can help you manage everyday stress and improve how you respond to challenges.

Getting started with CBT does not have to feel overwhelming. Whether you are exploring it on your own or with professional guidance, there are simple ways to begin.

Books, podcasts, and online materials can introduce CBT techniques such as journaling or thought records.

A licensed therapist trained in CBT can guide you through a structured process. Sessions are usually limited in number and flexible. Using question-and-answer methods, the therapist helps you gain new perspectives.

CBT works best when applied daily. Writing down thoughts, questioning them, and trying small behavioural changes gradually rewires thought patterns.

To make your therapy successful, be open and honest by sharing your thoughts, feelings, and experiences, and be willing to try new approaches. 

Set clear goals to help you stay focused and understand what you want to achieve. 

Follow your treatment plan carefully, as skipping sessions can disrupt progress. 

Be patient, because change takes time, but consistent effort leads to results. 

Complete any homework your therapist assigns between sessions, as it reinforces what you learn. 

Communicate openly with your therapist if progress feels slow, and discuss possible adjustments to your approach or even consider changing therapists if needed.

Ultimately, the success of CBT depends on both the therapist and the person undergoing therapy.

Our thoughts hold power, either keeping us stuck in fear, guilt, and self-doubt or leading us toward growth and resilience. If negative thoughts weigh you down, CBT may be your first step toward clarity and healing. You do not have to take that step alone. With Tranqbay, you can begin your first session or schedule a consultation today.

How to Let Go of Negative Thoughts and Emotions

Try easy CBT techniques that support mental health, reduce anxiety, and help you build a healthier, more balanced mindset.

Cognitive Behavioural Techniques (CBT) to Improve Your Mental Health

Autism is often like living in a world that feels too loud, too bright, and difficult to decode. For many people on the spectrum, this is everyday life. Yet autism isn’t only about the struggles, it’s also about acceptance, inclusion, and celebrating the unique strengths each individual brings. That’s why in this article, we’ll explore what Autism Spectrum Disorder really is, and why understanding it matters.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a developmental condition that influences how a person communicates, behaves, and relates socially. 

 notes that while it can present challenges in interaction and daily living, it also comes with unique strengths, perspectives, and abilities that shape how individuals experience the world.

ASD occurs as a result of differences in brain structure and function, which affect how an individual thinks, learns, and perceives their environment. Signs usually appear in early childhood, though some people are not diagnosed until later in life.

Autism is experienced differently by various people, hence a spectrum and can range from high-functioning autism to low functioning autism. Due to their neurodivergence, autistic people are often asocial. They do not understand social cues and prefer their own company. They are more logical and often try to reciprocate this in their environment. However, due to the complexity of emotions, they may find it difficult to express them. Some autistic people are independent while some benefit greatly from assistance in daily functioning.

Signs and Symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

Certain signs and symptoms can be an indicator of autism but it is important to get a clinical diagnosis to be certain.

Avoiding eye contact: Autistic people generally avoid eye contact because they are socially distant.

Aversion to changes in routine: Autistic people love patterns and a disruption can make them overwhelmed.

Hypersensitivity: Autistic people have heightened senses and can be easily overwhelmed by sound, light, or touch. They usually engage in repetitive behaviours (stimming) such as spinning, making loud noises, tapping with their hands and so on to cope in such situations.

Difficulty expressing emotions: Generally, facial expressions depict emotions but autistic people think differently and typically express emotions with greater energy. For instance, when one is happy, one smiles while an autistic person might want to jump around. They realise this is abnormal and learn to mask their emotions.

Social Disconnection: Common body language used in communication proves difficult for autistic people to comprehend. As a result, they often go against the norm.

Fascination with logic: Autistic individuals love logic and always find ways to present this same logic in their environment. This also influences their interests as they are more drawn to fields that require thinking in a linear manner.

These are not the only signs and symptoms that can indicate autism. Note that autism is a spectrum and is expressed differently in various people. Early diagnosis is important to ensure autistic people are equipped with coping mechanisms to make daily tasks easier.

You might be wondering what causes autism and how to prevent it. Sadly, there are no known causes of ASD but researchers have discovered factors that can contribute to the development of autism. However, it is unclear how exactly these factors contribute to the development of autism.

Advanced parental age: Children conceived in old age can develop autism.

Exposure to certain medications: Medications such as valproic acid and thalidomide, when taken during pregnancy, have been linked with a higher risk of autism.

Genetic factors: A person with a family history of autism can develop autism. It is also possible for someone without a family history of autism to have autism due to changes in the individual's genes (genetic mutation).

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) affects how people see and connect with the world. Learn its signs, causes, and ways to support inclusion.

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