Nico Löffler, who has autism, and podcast host Olli Schmidt
Psyche
02.04.2026 Sabrina Ludwig 5258

Episode 47: Understanding Autism

What does autism mean in everyday life—and how does the diagnostic process actually work? In this podcast episode, Nico shares his personal experiences and explains what terms like neurodiversity, masking, and sensory overload really mean. The podcast offers practical insights into the symptoms, challenges, and support services related to the autism spectrum.

That's what this episode is about:

  • Neurodiversity and Neurotypical: An Overview of the Terms
  • Common Symptoms and Daily Coping Strategies for Autism
  • Masking, Overload, and Coping with Sensory Overload
  • Diagnosis: The Pathways and Challenges of Autism Diagnosis

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Excerpt from the Podcat interview with Nico Löffler:

Nico, what exactly is neurodiversity, and what does the term "neurotypical" mean?

Nico: The umbrella term "neurodiversity" refers to the fact that human brains function differently. There are neurotypical people—that is, the average. And then there are people whose neurology—that is, the way their brains function—differs slightly more. These people are called neurodivergent. This includes diagnoses such as autism or ADHD, for example.

What are the symptoms of autism?

Nico: Difficulty with change, a need for routine, a need for structure— , for example. It’s important to know that autism can occur with or without cognitive impairments. So you could say it affects all areas of intelligence.

It’s possible that someone has significant cognitive impairments and struggles as a result. But it’s also possible that someone has average or above-average intelligence and doesn’t really have any problems in their daily life—for example, with understanding things cognitively. That’s the case for me; I don’t have any cognitive impairments. Nevertheless, I face a lot of difficulties due to autism. These generally fall into the broad categories of communication, interaction, and repetitive behaviors.

You need to explain that briefly. It's repetitive.

Nico: Yes, "repetitive" means something that repeats itself. So , behaviors that are stereotypical— things that are done over and over again in the same way. For example, this includes having daily routines, because they provide a sense of security and are familiar, allowing you to plan your schedule precisely and minimizing your exposure to spontaneous changes.

But it also applies to special interests, for example. These are interests that are very intense and sometimes focus on very specific, niche topics. For me, for instance, it’s Harry Potter, or the universe—I find that totally fascinating too—and I can spend hours engrossed in it, to the point where I can lose myself in it and maybe even forget about important everyday matters for a while.

Are there any other symptoms that are important to consider when discussing autism?

Nico: Absolutely. So, of course, a major area is the social aspect—specifically, when it comes to communicating with other people. For example, when I try to use certain facial expressions and gestures myself, or when I try to recognize them in the person I’m talking to.

And then there’s interaction. That’s the ability to engage in back-and-forth conversations—conversations where people respond to one another. One person says something, the other person responds to it, and then the first person responds to that. These are exactly the kinds of things that people on the autism spectrum find difficult. 

Overwhelm, Overload, and Coping Strategies in Everyday Life. What Happens When It All Gets Too Much?

Nico: For example, when some people on the autism spectrum become so overstimulated that they experience what’s called an “overload.” This is sensory overload, where you become completely overwhelmed by the various environmental stimuli. Maybe people around you are talking really loudly, and then there’s a bright light, and then you catch a whiff of some unpleasant smell, and at some point it’s just too much. Then, under certain circumstances, you might experience a so-called overload, and your mind basically shuts down—you feel completely overwhelmed inside—and that can end up being a pretty rough experience.

What helps you in a moment like that?

Nico: The best thing would be to prevent that kind of overload. Make sure it doesn’t get to that point in the first place. Seek some space beforehand, maybe even warn the people around you and say, “This or that can quickly lead to me feeling overstimulated or overwhelmed.” I’ll make myself known and maybe step back. Small aids can also help, like headphones or sunglasses when there are stimuli. Then there’s the concept of “stimming”—which, by the way, also falls under these repetitive behaviors, these repetitive actions—where you do small things that stimulate the senses, but in a positive way.

Cheerful to stormy - the everyday podcast with Olli Schmidt 

Welcome to "Sunny to Stormy" – the everyday podcast. From the heights of joy to the depths of despair: life has its ups and downs. That’s exactly what we’re all about: the everyday crises, such as arguments with your partner, parenting issues, work-related stress, uncertainties, and anxiety. We talk to experts and provide you with practical tips to help you better cope with crises and challenges. 

You can listen to our podcast on all major podcast platforms (Spotify, Apple Music, Audible, etc.)! Questions, suggestions, feedback, or requests? Feel free to email us at: familienservice 

 

zero Child sick days in 2026 and child sickness benefit: What am I entitled to?

A miniature woman with a baby sits on a pile of coins next to a pile of bills and a miniature man with a baby next to them.
Parent & Child
09.02.2026 Sabrina Ludwig 82372

Child sickness days 2026 and child sickness benefit

 

A sick child is a major challenge, especially for working parents: they want to do their best at work and be there for their child at the same time. The law provides for children's sick days for these situations. We summarize what parents will be entitled to in 2025.

Verena Klein, pme consultant for "Parents & Children," has summarized the most important conditions.

Who is entitled to children's sick days and children's sick pay?

Parents are entitled to children's sick days under the following conditions:

  • You are employed.
  • You have statutory health insurance and are entitled to sickness benefit yourself.
  • Your child is also covered by statutory health insurance.
  • Your child is under 12 years old (there is no age limit for disabled children).
  • Your child lives in your household.
  • A medical certificate confirms that your child is ill.
  • There is no other adult living in your household who can look after your child.

How many children's sick days am I entitled to in 2025?

  • In 2026, every parent with statutory insurance will be entitled to 15 working days per calendar year for each child covered by statutory insurance.
  • If you have more than one child , each parent is entitled to a maximum of 35 working days per calendar year .
  • Single parents are entitled to 30 children's sick days for one child and a maximum of 70 days per year for several children.

Who pays my salary if the child is ill?

Children's sick days are a temporary leave of absence that you must register with your employer. Whether this leave is paid by your employer or not depends on your employment contract or collective agreement.

There is a legal basis for both variants.

According to Section 616 of the German Civil Code (BGB), paid leave is generally possible if you are prevented from working for a relatively insignificant period of time through no fault of your own. Paid leave can be limited in time; the limit is often 5 days per year, because according to current case law, a company would have to continue paying your salary for up to five working days.

However, the employer may contractually exclude paid leave in accordance with Section 616 of the German Civil Code (BGB).

If paid leave is excluded or the available paid days have already been used, § 45 SGB V applies. This provides for unpaid leave with the possibility of sick pay if you have to be absent from work to supervise, look after and care for a sick child.

How much is the child sickness benefit?

  • Child sickness benefit is generally up to 90% of net earnings, but is capped (see point 4).
  • It can amount to up to 100% of net earnings if taxable one-off payments (e.g. Christmas bonus) were made in the previous 12 calendar months.
  • The maximum rate is calculated based on the annually adjusted contribution assessment ceiling for 2026: €5,812.50 per month.
  • The gross child sickness benefit is 70% of the daily contribution assessment ceiling, which corresponds to €135.63 per day in 2026.
  • Contributions for pension, unemployment and long-term care insurance are then deducted from the gross child sickness benefit.
  • Child sickness benefit is tax-free, but is subject to progression.

Accordingly, the child sickness benefit is significantly lower than the parents' actual net earnings.

If the child is admitted to hospital, there is an unlimited entitlement to child sickness benefit.

How do I apply for child sickness benefit?

When you take your sick child to the pediatrician, you will receive a document called a "Medical certificate for the receipt of sick pay in the event of a child's illness."

On the reverse or at the bottom of the certificate you will find the application form for sickness benefit. Fill this out completely with your personal details. Then submit the certificate to your health insurance fund. Indicate whether or not you are entitled to continued remuneration from your employer.  

Inform your employer as early as possible that you will have to stay at home due to your child's illness. State how long you expect to have to stay at home. If this is still unclear, you can also say that you will continue to monitor the situation. In many cases, the employer will require proof of the child's illness ("Medical certificate for the receipt of sick pay in the event of a child's illness"), especially if you are staying at home for more than 3 days.

All documents must be completed in full and submitted to the applicant's health insurance fund.

This is what happens with children's sick pay

Your employer will send proof of the lost earnings to your health insurance fund. Once they have calculated your individual child sickness benefit based on this proof, you will receive the child sickness benefit in your specified bank account.

Further useful information on children's sick days and children's sick pay

Parents who work from home are also entitled to child sick days and child sick pay if they are unable to work due to caring for their sick child.

Entitlement to child sickness benefit can be transferred from one parent to the other if both parents are employed and have statutory health insurance. However, the employer must agree to this.

Parents with private health insurance are generally not entitled to child sickness benefit. However, there are insurance policies that can also include children's sickness benefit. If the child itself has private health insurance, there is no entitlement to child sickness benefit, even if one parent has statutory health insurance.

If a child has to be looked after due to an accident , the statutory accident insurance will cover the costs if the accident occurred in kindergarten, after-school care or at school or on the way there or back home.

Parents whose child is seriously ill and has a very short life expectancy can receive sickness benefit for an unlimited period of time . The child does not have to live in their household.

Parents who receive unemployment benefit I or citizen's allowance continue to receive their benefits if they are caring for their sick child and cannot be available to the office at this time. Unemployed persons are entitled to the same number of child sick days as employed persons.

A sick child can significantly disrupt everyday family and work life. The pme Familienservice offers working parents support and advice, for example by finding childminders, emergency caregivers and domestic help. We will be happy to provide you with further information!

Childcare placement