Open Society

Autism diagnosis and the double empathy problem

Helen Edgar of Autistic Realms looks at what really needs to happen in schools and at home to help neurodivergent children thrive.

Disability is not a dirty word

💫 If you're feeling stuck or lost with where to go and who to follow in Autistic Community, I have a growing list of Autistic-led organisations, groups ...

Have a look at the various autism tests and other psychometric tests (empathy, alexithymia, stimming, camouflaging, etc.) we compiled for you!

This research brief focuses on school- and district-level policy decisions that shape Algebra I pathways and outcomes, such as when students take the course, how they’re placed, and what supports promote success. While strong teaching and instructional leadership are essential for all Algebra classrooms, those topics are beyond the scope of this brief.

Shortcomings in web accessibility and other obstacles may disenfranchise 40.2 million eligible disabled US voters.

Autistic children and young people are at increased risk of experiencing mental health difficulties, but often face delays or barriers to accessing support. While evidence exists regarding parents’ experiences of supporting an autistic child, there is a lack of focus on parenting autistic children who are also experiencing mental health difficulties. This is despite the high likelihood of co-occurrence, the increased complexity this can bring, and the potential impact on the parents and their children. Thus, the present study aimed to explore parents’ experiences of supporting their autistic child with mental health difficulties in the United Kingdom (UK). Mixed-methods surveys were completed by 300 parents/carers of autistic children who had previously sought help for their child’s mental health difficulties. Qualitative data were extracted from open-text questions pertaining to parents’ perceived impact of their children’s mental health difficulties on all aspects of their life. Data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Three themes, along with associated subthemes, were identified, namely 1) Deteriorating parental wellbeing, 2) The knock-on effect on the whole family, and 3) A lack of support. Findings underscore the significant challenges faced by parents, as they were often left to manage their child’s deteriorating mental health without sufficient professional support. The emotional and physical toll on parents was thought to be exacerbated by long waiting times, inadequate support services, and a lack of understanding of autism within healthcare and educational systems. There is an urgent need for more neuroaffirmative, personalised approaches to supporting autistic children and their families, along with timely access to effective interventions. By ensuring earlier intervention and reducing systemic barriers, both the mental health of children and the wellbeing of their families can be significantly improved, ultimately fostering better outcomes for all involved.

Language is powerful. It reflects and shapes our understanding of the difficulties people face, the paradigms in which researchers and clinicians conduct research and practice while also influencing public perceptions and the expectations of people with lived experiences. Here, we aim to start a constructive dialogue around language use (ie, language that is respectful, not stigmatising, or discriminatory) related to ADHD, to encourage researchers, clinicians, and others to consider the potential impact of their words.

Jeffrey Moro's Blog

Fifty years after the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act transformed special education services for children with disabilities, it is important to both celebrate its legacy and confront the urgent work still needed to fulfill its promise.

Focused interests are characterised by high attention and focus, and are commonly experienced by autistic people. While some research frames these interests as ...

An Allegory of the Neuronormative Paradigm.

A new review of 15 years of studies on the connection between the microbiome and autism reveals widespread statistical and conceptual errors.

We are a group of volunteers dedicated to building, assembling and delivering top-notch beds to children and families in need.

Background: Neurodivergence refers to people with ways of behaving and thinking that diverge from the norm. Examples include Autism, Attention Deficit Hyperacti...

Applied behavior analysis is a widely used intervention for autistic youth, though its mental health impacts remain under-researched. This study aims to investi...

The Neuronormative Paradigm, conceptualised by Nick Walker, names the systems that define and enforce what society considers normal. This exploration piece ...

Recipients have become political pawns. They explained, in their own words, what Trump withholding funds has been like.

It’s remarkable, the people you’ll hear from. Teach for even a little while at an expensive institution—the term they tend to prefer is “elite”—and odds are that eventually someone who was a studen…

Measures of autistic traits are only useful – for pre-diagnostic screening, exploring individual differences, and gaining personal insight – if they efficiently...

Children born to mothers who had COVID-19 while pregnant face an elevated risk of developmental disorders by the time they turn 3 years old, including speech delays, autism, motor disorders, and other developmental delays, according to new research by investigators at Mass General Brigham.