A lot of the language around neurodiversity is rooted in deficit. Words and prefixes like disorder, deficit, hyper, dys all point to a deviation from a perceived “norm”. And language matters. It quietly shapes how we think, feel, and respond, often without us even noticing. So it’s worth pausing to […]
Lynne
9 posts
For a long time, autism and ADHD have been talked about as disorders or deficits, as if something is wrong or broken. When we grow up hearing this, it can shape the story we tell ourselves. We might start to believe we need fixing. But what if there is another […]
While much of autism research has focused on challenges and interventions, a groundbreaking autistic-led study offers a welcome shift in perspective. In the participatory research project Experiences of Autistic Joy (Wassell, 2025), 86 autistic adults, predominantly women and non-binary individuals, were asked not what they struggle with, but what brings […]
If you are wondering if you might have ADHD and are unsure about getting an assessment you might find the ADHD UK website and self screening tool useful. You know you want to get assessed for ADHD – what you need to do next There are a few different options […]
When my autistic young adult graduated with a first-class undergraduate degree and a master’s in Mathematics from one of Britain’s top universities, it was a proud and deeply meaningful moment. His qualifications reflected years of discipline, creativity, and resilience. Naturally, I expected the job market to welcome him with open […]
Ideas to support autistic graduates who are searching for their first job post-university. When my autistic young adult graduated with a first-class undergraduate degree and a master’s in Mathematics from one of Britain’s top universities, it was a proud and deeply meaningful moment, reflecting years of effort, passion, and perseverance. […]
In a world that values diversity and inclusion more than ever, we still often overlook one crucial aspect: communication. Not just what is said, but how it’s said, received, and interpreted. Today, I want to write about the “window of acceptance”—the often invisible threshold we each have for communication differences—and […]
Parenting a neurodivergent child provides opportunities for deep connection and growth but also presents challenges, particularly during moments of emotional dysregulation, such as meltdowns or shutdowns. Understanding what drives these responses can help foster an environment where both you and your child feel safe and supported. How the Nervous System […]
Key messages: Table of contents Autistic & ADHD Communication Strengths Many neurodivergent people relate to the concept of a ‘spiky profile’ when considering their strengths and challenges. Most neurotypical individuals experience a more gradual contrast between personal areas of strength and difficulty. In contrast, neurodivergent individuals often have a sharp […]