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This blog post will delve into a crucial topic that affects many individuals – the gender gap in autism diagnosis. Specifically, we’ll explore why autism is often overlooked in females. Autism, a neurodevelopmental condition, doesn’t discriminate based on gender. However, for a long time, it has been predominantly associated with males, leading to underdiagnosis and … Read more

Watch on BBC iPlayer from 16th March 2023 Eloquent, successful, engaging, intelligent, empathic. This is the female presentation of autism. This is an extremely insightful documentary and should be essential watching for all clinicians who think they know autism. The debilitating impact of continual masking and camouflaging in order to fit in and be who … Read more

For individuals with autism, the experience of burnout can be particularly overwhelming and intense. Autistic burnout is a state of physical, emotional, and cognitive exhaustion that results from prolonged and intensive efforts to cope with the demands of the environment, especially in the case of camouflaging or masking. Many people with autism may not be … Read more

Introduction Definition of neurodiversity Neurodiversity refers to the natural variation in human brain functioning, encompassing differences in how people perceive and process information, learn, and interact with others. Individuals who are neurodiverse may have conditions such as autism, ADHD, dyslexia, or other neurological differences that affect their cognitive and social functioning. The importance of understanding … Read more

There are potentially 700,000 autistic people in the UK and many of them are undiagnosed adults. We used to think that there were 10 times as many males with autism, however now we realise it is more likely a 2:1 ratio, 2 males for every 1 female. Many females that are autistic can go undiagnosed … Read more

Life can be challenging for autistic people who feel the need to mask their condition in order to fit into the social expectations of society Whether you want more insight about yourself or know someone else who masks and camouflages, understanding these phenomena and how they impact on the lives of autistic people is key … Read more

When an individual experiences issues, difficulties or needs, then it is imperative that we are able to formulate a correct and accurate explanation for the issue, difficulty or need. Failure to do so, results in the wrong support, help or intervention being given and also prevents the correct support, help or intervention from being identified. … Read more

This is a question I am often asked, however the answer to this always comes from a summary of comments made by adults recently diagnosed by myself. Greater Sense of Autistic Self The most common comments are statements that express value in developing a greater sense of autistic self. “to know myself better”, “to redefine … Read more

Is Asperger Syndrome still a valid diagnosis? The answer to both of these questions, in October 2019, is YES and will remain so until 1st January 2022. Explanation A clinical diagnosis can only be given by a clinician. A clinician must use an internationally recognised diagnostic classification system. There are two classification systems which are … Read more

Question: I am a self diagnosed autistic person. I require written confirmation of this diagnosis from a recognised diagnostician in order that accommodations can be made at my work place. Will a diagnostic assessment potentially take away my identity? Discussion: This diagram represents a concept of what autism is to an individual. X represents a … Read more