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autistic burnout signs causes reccovery strategies

Autistic Burnout: Signs, Causes, and Recovery Strategies

By Anne Marie Gallagher | March 15, 2023

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

understanding neurodiversity what is it and why is it important 1

Understanding Neurodiversity: What is it and why is it important?

By Anne Marie Gallagher | February 24, 2023

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

key lessons that autistic people can take from Inside Out Autistic Minds Episode 1

Key Lessons that Autistic People can take from ‘Inside our Autistic Minds’ presented by Chris Packham – Episode 1

By Anne Marie Gallagher | February 16, 2023

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

what is autistic masking

What Is Autistic Masking?

By Anne Marie Gallagher | January 11, 2023

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

Why is it important to have a formal diagnostic assessment?

By Anne Marie Gallagher | February 18, 2020

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

What are the Advantages of a Late Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Diagnosis?

By Anne Marie Gallagher | January 6, 2020

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

Does Asperger Syndrome still exist?

By Anne Marie Gallagher | November 1, 2019

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

Commonalities

By Anne Marie Gallagher | October 24, 2019

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

masking autism diagnosis scotland

Masking, Camouflaging, and Performing Explained

By Anne Marie Gallagher | October 7, 2019

Daily Situations Let me describe a situations that happened for me. It’s early morning, and I am having to battle the elements of the Scottish weather, trying to hold up my umbrella against the wind and rain. I arrive at the bus stop. Someone else is waiting in the bus shelter. Social Behaviour I turn … Read more

Every day’s a school day

By Anne Marie Gallagher | September 26, 2019

Autism has been my life’s work. For 20 years+ I have diagnosed autistic people Supported autistic people Helped others understand autistic people ———– Every client has taught me something different about what life is like for autistic people. There are many commonalities that exist in autism, but no two autistic people are the same. I … Read more