Open Society

The Neuronormative Paradigm, conceptualised by Nick Walker, names the systems that define and enforce what society considers “normal.” This exploration piece contrasts the neuronormative paradigm with the Neurodiversity Paradigm, which recognises all ways of being as vital to human diversity.

Making sure the “winners” always win.

A speculative synthesis from a physician steeped in autism, sensory science, and the neuroscience of attention.

The RAADS–R is designed to assist clinicians with the diagnosis of autistic adults who often “escape diagnosis” due to a subclinical level presentation.

Short animation explains ADHD through the eyes of amazing ADHD'er Molly aimed at school children to help them understand the condition beyond the misconcepti...

This landmark volume for neurodiversity studies introduces a new, more inclusive field of scholarship for literary and cultural studies. Bringing together schol…

What is ‘critical neurodiversity studies’? Louise Creechan introduces the conference aiming to answer this question, and its Polyphony takeover.

Background. Adults increasingly self-identify as autistic without a formal diagnosis, yet little research has systematically investigated (a) the unique characteristics, experiences, and needs of self-identifying adults and (b) their preferences regarding diagnosis. Understanding the unique needs and preferences of self-identifying adults is necessary to better support them. Method. We conducted a cross-sectional, mixed-methods study of autistic adults who either self-identified as autistic (n = 147) or had a formal autism diagnosis (n = 115), recruited via the survey platform Prolific. Participants were compared on (a) demographic characteristics, (b) autistic traits and experiences, (c) psychosocial outcomes, (d) support needs, and (e) beliefs about autism. Moreover, self-identifying participants were asked whether they want a diagnosis, why or why not, and what barriers they face. Results. Self-identifying autistic adults were similar to diagnosed adults in autistic traits, including diagnostic traits (>93% of both groups scored ≥ 14 on the RAADS-14). However, self-identifying autistic adults differed from diagnosed adults in significant ways. Self-identifying adults were more likely to be cisgender female (53.5% versus 27.0%), experienced worse mental well-being (ds = -0.41), were more likely to experience unmet support needs (71.4% versus 47.0%), and faced unique barriers to receiving support (most frequently a lack of resources). The majority (68.7%) of self-identifying adults wanted a formal diagnosis, but faced barriers in doing so. Self-identifying adults named a number of reasons for wanting a diagnosis (e.g., validation, access to certain services), but also grounds for hesitation (e.g., fear of stigma and discrimination). Conclusion. Adults who self-identify as autistic are similar to diagnosed adults in their autistic traits, but face more barriers to accessing services and may be uniquely vulnerable to experiencing adverse psychosocial outcomes. Psychosocial outcomes in self-identifying autistic adults may be improved by increasing access to diagnosis and/or psychosocial services.

To investigate the protective effectiveness of various COVID-19 booster strategies against the Omicron BA.4/5 variant and examine the impact of vaccin…

Whether you’re an adult exploring your own identity or a parent/carer supporting your child, you may be wondering things like: Is this Autism? ADHD? Something else? Do I need formal identification,…

Why Wes Steeting's new inquiry is about more than just renewed austerity

DGH Neurodivegent Consultancy uses a six point framework to support Autistic people. This article explains the basic principles behind this framework that can be used by anyone who exists in and around the world of autism.

“Libraries embody everything that we need right now to fight back against fascism," says Sara Heymann.

Finally, a research study has addressed the question of whether kids are better off with or without a smartphone.

This animation was written and narrated by Kieran Rose (https://theautisticadvocate.com/) and animated by Josh Knowles Animation.

Uma is the world’s first strengths-based self-identification service that helps adult women, non-binary, and AFAB people safely self-screen for autism, ADHD, and CPTSD.

Rethinking Mental Health Beyond The Medical Gaze

Gentle, neuroaffirming resources created by and for Autistic adults.

Trigger Warning: This episode explores themes like death, substance use, and incarceration. Viewer discretion is advised. Episode 2: “Falling Through the Cra...

Cargo

This podcast is a discussion about our recent article: "Towards autistic flow theory: a non-pathologising conceptual approach". You can access the article h...

What if our previous teachings and beliefs regarding processing stimuli, reading emotions and understanding human behaviour is all untrue? In this book, Peter Vermeulen investigates new findings on the predictive brain and what these insights mean for autism and current interventions. Recent research has shown that the classic ideas about how the human brain first needs to process incoming information about the world before it can react are no longer tenable. Rather, to survive in the volatile

This paper explores the inequitable treatment of the Intellectually and Developmentally Disabled and Autistic (IDD/A) population in the criminal justice system. Although progress has been made over the past century with understanding the unique needs of this population, they still face challenges at all stages of the criminal justice system. Behavioral, social skills, and sensory challenges make it difficult for the IDD/A population to avoid criminal justice contact and to understand the criminal justice process. Insufficient training for police and attorneys harms both persons with IDD/A and criminal justice professionals. This paper examines current practices in place that are barriers to equitable justice to individuals with IDD/A and discusses the lack of knowledge criminal professionals have regarding this population. Changes to be implemented to prevent persons with IDD/A from making contact with the criminal justice system and systemic changes to interactions with law enforcement and attorneys, court proceedings, and sentencing are reviewed. This paper discusses where multiple stakeholders can make improvements so all persons can receive equitable justice.

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