Navigating Audhd, Race, and Gender: A Personal Journey

Many autistic adults feel torn about revealing their diagnosis — a new study explores why A new study published in the journal Autism sheds light on how autistic adults navigate the complex and deeply personal decision to share their autism diagnosis with others. Researchers found that disclosure can serve meaningful purposes, such as accessing support, fostering self-acceptance, and engaging in activism, but also exposes people to disbelief, stereotyping, and emotional vulnerability. The findings suggest that many newly diagnosed adults in the United Kingdom lack adequate guidance on how to manage disclosure and would benefit from more structured post-diagnostic support. Source in comments.

Although I'm based in the UK, I am concerned about the potential impact of the upcoming US speech on autism will have on the autistic community in the USA & internationally. The focus on "causes" & "solutions" sends a dangerous & harmful message to the autistic community. It undermines the fundamental principle of neurodiversity—the idea that autism is a natural variation of the human brain, not a disease to be cured. When we talk about finding a "cause" for a neurotype, it leads to a discussion about "treatments" or "cures" - which is harmful & an attack on who we are. How many children will be put on a "treatment" in hopes to diminish traits, rather than a focus on support? The narrative is ableist and actively disregards decades of scientific research &, most importantly, the lived experiences of autistic people themselves. The real challenge is not to "fix" autism, but to create a world that is more inclusive & accommodating. This feels like a significant step backward. It risks legitimising harmful, pseudoscientific interventions & diverts resources & focus away from what the community truly needs: support for education, employment, & mental health. Not just for autistic people, but for those supporting or caring for them - families, carers, teachers, doctors, employers - effort & money should be going towards proper training, enhancing knowledge & understanding and supporting access to useful therapies like speech and language, or occupational therapy to provide tools like AAC devices or sensory swings. These kinds of conversations are exhausting for many of us in the autistic community & our allies, as we are forced to re-litigate our right to exist & be valued. I dread to think about the conversations that might be had after this speech. We must continue to advocate for acceptance, not eradication.

Last week I shared on “mild autism”. The response showed me something powerful: many autistic people and families are tired of being boxed into labels that don’t reflect reality. So, let’s go a step further. Instead of “mild, severe, high, or low functioning,” what if we started talking about: ✅ Support needs – What does this person need in order to thrive? ✅ Accommodations – What changes can be made so they can participate fully? ✅ Agency – How do we ensure their voice leads their care, not someone else’s assumptions? Because here’s the truth: 👉 Functioning labels measure how comfortable others feel around us, not how autism actually works. 👉 Support needs shift daily. What looks “easy” today may be overwhelming tomorrow. 👉 Every autistic person has the right to be heard, supported, and respected. This isn’t just semantics, it’s about access, dignity, and equality. 💡 If we want systems like the #NDIS (and schools, workplaces, healthcare) to work, they must be built on real needs, not labels. Autism is not about fitting into categories. It’s about creating a world that adapts to people, not the other way around. Let’s stop asking: “Mild or severe?” And start asking: “What support does this person need to thrive today?” 👉 Share this if you believe language should open doors, not close them.

Last week I shared on “mild autism”. The response showed me something powerful: many autistic people and families are tired of being boxed into labels that don’t reflect reality. So, let’s go a step further. Instead of “mild, severe, high, or low functioning,” what if we started talking about: ✅ Support needs – What does this person need in order to thrive? ✅ Accommodations – What changes can be made so they can participate fully? ✅ Agency – How do we ensure their voice leads their care, not someone else’s assumptions? Because here’s the truth: 👉 Functioning labels measure how comfortable others feel around us, not how autism actually works. 👉 Support needs shift daily. What looks “easy” today may be overwhelming tomorrow. 👉 Every autistic person has the right to be heard, supported, and respected. This isn’t just semantics, it’s about access, dignity, and equality. 💡 If we want systems like the #NDIS (and schools, workplaces, healthcare) to work, they must be built on real needs, not labels. Autism is not about fitting into categories. It’s about creating a world that adapts to people, not the other way around. Let’s stop asking: “Mild or severe?” And start asking: “What support does this person need to thrive today?” 👉 Share this if you believe language should open doors, not close them.

"Quality of life" is often cited as the ultimate goal in autism intervention, but how do we actually define and measure it for families? Traditional metrics have focused heavily on symptom reduction and skill acquisition. While important, research increasingly shows these don't fully capture family wellbeing. Emerging frameworks for autism family quality of life include: → Family cohesion and functioning - Can the family operate smoothly in daily life? → Parental self-efficacy - Do parents feel confident and capable? → Sibling adjustment - Are all children in the family thriving? → Community participation - Can the family engage in valued activities? → Financial stability - Are resources sustainable long-term? → Future optimism - Does the family feel hopeful about their trajectory? The most effective autism services are shifting toward these broader, family-systems outcomes rather than focusing solely on the individual child's deficits. This represents a fundamental paradigm shift: from compliance-based interventions to family-centered approaches that honor each family's unique values and priorities. When we measure success by genuine family wellbeing rather than just behavioral targets, we create more sustainable, meaningful outcomes for everyone involved. How do you define quality of life in your work with autism families?

Understanding and Celebrating Neurodiversity: A Look at Autism. In a world that often prizes conformity, the autistic community stands as a powerful reminder of the beauty in difference. Autism, a complex and varied spectrum, is a part of neurodiversity—the idea that there is a wide range of human brains and that these differences should be respected and celebrated, not seen as deficits. See full Article: https://lnkd.in/gt5Ex2zu

The autism industry's significant financial impact raises questions about the automatic prescription of ABA services following diagnosis. Concerns are emerging from individuals, particularly non-speakers, who express that these services can be ineffective or even harmful. It is important to consider a spectrum of experiences and approaches when addressing autism care and support. It is essential to listen to the voices of those who have directly experienced these therapies. What alternative perspectives should be explored? #AutismAwareness #ABAtherapy #Neurodiversity #Inclusion #AutismAcceptance

Autism and ADHD represent natural neurological variations, not deficits to be measured on a functioning scale. The real question isn't how well someone 'functions' - it's how well our environments, systems, and communities accommodate diverse ways of thinking and processing. When we shift our focus from 'fixing' individuals to creating inclusive spaces, we unlock potential. This means designing workplaces that honor different communication styles, learning environments that support various processing speeds, and communities that value the unique perspectives neurodivergent individuals bring. The barriers aren't inherent to the person - they emerge from the mismatch between individual needs and environmental design. When we address that mismatch, we don't just support neurodivergent colleagues and community members - we create more innovative, flexible, and human-centered spaces for everyone.

Almost 1 in 40 Australians are Autistic - that’s Aspect’s latest prevalence estimate, highlighted today on Sunrise (Channel 7, Seven Network). Aspect’s clinical psychologist Dr Fiona Aldridge and Professor Adam Guastella spoke with the Sunrise team about possible causes, persistent myths, and why more people are now receiving an autism diagnosis. The story highlights what many healthcare and education professionals already know: greater awareness, early detection and myth-busting make a real difference. Thank you to Fiona and our Assessment team for their daily work helping children and adults access timely, accurate diagnoses - opening doors to tailored supports, therapies and school or workplace adjustments, and giving families clarity about their strengths and needs. If you’re a professional supporting someone who may benefit from a diagnostic assessment, explore our process and resources 👉 https://lnkd.in/gCE_t6EV #Autism #UnderstandingAutism #AutismMyths #AutismDiagnosis