
OUR MISSION
We elevate the voices of Neurodivergent people to help them flourish and thrive


MEETUP GROUPS
Find your tribe
Explore our monthly online meet-up groups—spaces for Neurodivergent folk to connect and share experiences.

JOIN our campaign
We are against the use of Positive Behaviour Support and Applied Behaviour Analysis for Neurodivergent people and people with a learning disability. We believe better, more compassionate approaches exist.

-
Jill is one of those rare people who manages to combine wisdom, compassion and experience. She has a knack for speaking truth whilst sharing ideas and solutions at the same time. Put simply, Jill makes things better. If you ever get the chance to work with Jill, take it!
— Kate Mercer, Black Belt Advocacy
-
Working with this team has transformed how we think about sensory needs. Hearing about sensory and communication needs directly from people who experience and understand it has altered how we work with the young people in our service.
— CAMHS Inpatient Mental Health Team
-
One of the best training sessions I’ve attended. Thank you so much.
— Attendee of “Introduction to Autism” Online Training
-
The resources created by this team are brilliant. They’re really useful and should be applied in schools as well as hospitals.
— Children’s Occupational Therapist
-
Jill stands out for her methodical approach, as well as for her passion and depth of knowledge around things that impact the lives of neurodivergent people. She is dedicated to ensuring that those with lived experience are valued experts. This is at the centre of the work she undertakes.
— Nikki Henderson, Senior Adviser Building the Right Support, LGA
-
Jill ensures that true co-production is at the heart of all projects and brings a unique energy to everything she does. Jill is innovative and never dogmatic, turns ‘problems’ into opportunities, and you can trust that what is agreed will be delivered.
— Tom McGhie, Care and Treatment Review Programme Manager
NHS England -
I just wanted to let you know how impactful your report and your words in today’s meeting were. The work you are doing is giving a voice to autistic people who aren’t able to articulate their needs and it’s brilliant to see. I hope our paths cross again!
—Josie Saville, Co-CEO, Lets for Life
-
Individual support
-
Housing and Homes
-
Sensory environment
-
Public speaking
-
Bespoke consultation

OUR MISSION
We are here to support change that enables Autistic people to flourish.
We are here to elevate Autistic and other Neurodivergent voices. Our work is focused on sharing solutions, helping others understand, and promoting different ways of working.
-
Training Curriculum
-
Neurodivergent Wellbeing Approach
-
Development Support

OUR WORK
We believe that Autism is a difference, not a disorder.
There’s a lack of understanding about the challenges that Autistic people face, and what needs to be done differently to ensure they can thrive. Our work aims to change that.
NdC Journal
In this month’s research roundup, Ann Memmott explores a wide range of new studies on Autism, ADHD, dyslexia and dyspraxia. Topics covered include measuring Autistic burnout, photography as therapy for Autistic young people and dyslexia research priorities according to dyslexic people, plus reflections on how to navigate misleading stories in the press about Neurodivergence.
Guest contributor, Molly Siobhan Parker, an actor and writer, shares how her experiences of being a late-diagnosed Autistic woman inspired her to write her short, comedy film script.
In today’s blog, Molly Anderton, a Lived Experience Advisor at NdC, shares her experience of defining and holding boundaries within her role and how this enables her to share her passion and sense of purpose whilst protecting her own wellbeing.
Kay Louise Aldred, NdC’s Development Lead, shares her experience of defining boundaries and explores the need that inspired us to develop our Neurodivergent-affirming guide and training workshop on ‘Understanding Boundaries’.
In this blog, our Guest Contributor, shares a fascinating insight into their lived experience of being Autistic and working as a Researcher who studies Autism.
In this blog, Kay Louise Aldred, NdC’s Development Lead, shares an insight into core elements of our Neurodivergent Wellbeing Approach training and explores why nervous system regulation and trauma-informed approaches are essential to creating Neurodivergent-affirming organisations.
In this month’s research roundup, Ann Memmott explores a wide range of new studies on Autism and ADHD, with a particular focus on gendered experiences—highlighting research on parenting, menstruation, menopause, friendships, employment inclusion, and critical reflections on diagnostic and treatment approaches.
Guest contributor, Remie Colledge, shares a call to action to services, employers, educators and allies everywhere: what changes could you make to help lift the invisible load carried by Neurodivergent people, navigating a world that isn’t designed for Neurodivergent minds?

OUR VISION
We want to create positive change in society, not just in hospitals.
We recognise that opportunities for creation, connection, fulfilment and purpose help Neurodivergent people live happy, healthy and meaningful lives in the wider community.
Resource library
Holloway-George et al., 2025
This study explored how autistic people experience police custody and how their ability to participate in the process is affected. Participants described confusion about their arrest and distress in the custody environment, which negatively impacted their decisions and engagement. The findings highlight the need for tailored adjustments to support Autistic individuals during detention and ensure fair participation.
Kiera et al., 2025
Anxiety is common in autistic adolescents and may be influenced by how they perceive and interpret bodily signals like heartbeat or hunger. Interviews with 13 autistic teens revealed that both heightened and reduced awareness of these signals could contribute to anxiety, with negative interpretations often increasing distress. The relationship between bodily signals and anxiety varied widely between individuals and was influenced by context.
Wilde, J. 2025.
This thesis explores how systems of power and social expectations affect the identity, well-being, and belonging of neurodivergent people, specifically Autistic ADHD (AuDHD) adults. It highlights both the harms of masking and the power of authentic connection. Through case studies and thematic analysis, the research demonstrates how neurodivergent individuals resist dominant narratives and construct their identities in relation to others, advocating for more inclusive, lived-experience-led approaches.
B Fearon, A Pearson & SK Kapp
This study explored the lived experiences of puberty and adolescence among autistic people assigned female at birth (AFAB) through interviews with 17 participants. Three key themes emerged: the overwhelming nature of bodily and sensory changes, struggles with social belonging, and experiences of victimisation. Findings highlight that this life stage can be particularly distressing for autistic AFAB individuals, underscoring the need for more supportive and informed approaches. Disclaimer: Includes accounts of trauma and harm.
This article fills a gap in research by examining domestic abuse perpetration among neurodivergent men, using a psychoanalytic, psychosocial case study approach. It finds that neurodivergence does not cause abuse but shapes how it is expressed and addressed, highlighting the need for more inclusive interventions tailored to neurodivergent individuals.
Bruno et al., 2025
This editorial highlights the lack of Indigenous perspectives in Autism research, which limits culturally appropriate diagnoses and support. It brings together diverse researchers to share global Indigenous understandings of Autism and calls for more inclusive, collaborative, and meaningful research led by and for Indigenous communities.
KB Beck et al
The article discusses the development of guidelines aimed at enhancing informed consent processes in research involving individuals with autism and those with intellectual disabilities. Recognising that traditional consent materials are often complex and inaccessible, the authors propose strategies such as using checklists, participant-centred language, visual aids, and simplified authorisation language to improve understanding. These guidelines emphasise the importance of collaboration with community members and research institutions to create more inclusive and ethical research practices.
Aspasia Stacey Rabba et al., 2024
This study explored the experiences of 31 autistic mothers of autistic children in Australian schools, revealing that many felt they were in constant conflict with educators to secure appropriate support, often feeling dismissed and blamed. These struggles negatively impacted both parent and child mental health, though some mothers highlighted that mutual respect and advocacy led to more positive school partnerships.
This study looked at how well autistic and non-autistic people share information. It found that mixed groups didn’t share information any less effectively than same-neurotype groups, though non-autistic groups felt more rapport. Telling participants about each other’s diagnoses helped improve rapport, suggesting that communication challenges may be more about understanding differences than autism itself.
This study looked at how women’s awareness of their bodily sensations (interoception) relates to how often and how satisfying their orgasms are. Women reported more frequent and satisfying orgasms during solo sex than with partners. Certain aspects of body awareness, like noticing sensations, controlling attention, and trusting the body, were linked to orgasm frequency and satisfaction, showing that body awareness plays a role in women’s sexual experiences.
Jonkman et al., 2025
This study explored experiences with Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) in the Netherlands, finding mixed views among Autistic adults, parents, and professionals. While some reported benefits like improved communication, others, especially Autistic adults, expressed concerns about trauma and ethical issues. The study highlights the need for better training, ethical standards, and inclusion of Autistic perspectives to improve ABA practices.
Disclaimer: discussed ABA and experiences of trauma and harm.
M Doherty
This thesis presents the first series of publications by openly autistic medical doctors, exploring their experiences to improve healthcare outcomes for autistic people and advocating for greater recognition of neurodiversity in medicine. It introduces the Autistic SPACE framework as a practical educational tool to address barriers in healthcare and promote accessibility for both autistic patients and providers.
We’re joined on the blog by Guest Contributors, Katie Munday and Naomi Jacobs, sharing their experiences as Autistic researchers and their passion for research conducted with Autistic people, not just about Autistic people.