Wm-adass.org.uk, 2024

The Autism and Parental Blame research project investigates how parents of autistic children experience blame when seeking support from health, education, and care services. Led by West Midlands ADASS and the University of Birmingham, and commissioned by NHS England, the project collaborates with families to identify key concerns and develop recommendations to improve how services respond to and support these families.

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van Grunsven and Roeser (2021)

This paper explores how Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) technology can help shift perceptions of non-speaking autistic people, recognising them as individuals with rich inner lives. While AAC Tech can support more empathetic understanding, it may also hinder authentic communication if not designed thoughtfully. The authors suggest incorporating ideas from emotional design and embodied cognition, using behaviours like stimming as meaningful forms of expression to enhance empathy and communication.

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Delivered by El Dewar

Content Warning: Abuse, Child Abuse, Applied Behavioural Analysis, Electro-Shock Therapy, Dehumanisation of Autistic People, Gay Conversion Therapy, Physical Abuse, Grooming, and Coercive Control

This webinar explores the relationship between coercive control and ABA, through examining ABA’s history and current day positionality. The presentation explores issues surrounding common beliefs on ABA for Autistic people and the desire for, and damaged caused by, neuronormalisation. The latter part of the presentation focuses on the implications of compliance and control in ABA in the wider social and adult lives of Autistic people. Concluding with support methods to replace ABA, this webinar offers a Neurodivergent-affirming lens to the issues surrounding ABA outcomes and techniques with regards to coercive control.

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Disclaimer

At Neurodiverse Connection, we are committed to promoting the use of neurodivergent affirming language. However, please do note that in these webinars, as with any content that Neurodiverse Connection host or share that includes input from other organisations or parties, we cannot guarantee that the preferred neurodivergent affirming terminology is always used.

Our guide to neurodivergent affirming language is available here:

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Warda Farah (2023)

Early Years Educational Professionals need to be aware of the intersecting identities of the children they work with and their different needs and experiences. In this guide, the author explores what it means to approach teaching through an intersectional lens. The guide also provides a practical approach to integrating intersectional practices into a classroom or wider school environment. The author stresses that with greater understand of students’ lives and lived experience, the greater opportunity for collaboration between teachers and pupils. This work takes a positive, empathetic and inclusive stance to intersectionality in Early Years Education.

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Pellicano, Fatima, Hall, Heyworth, Lawson, Lilley, Mahony and Stears (2022)

Most research on autistic adulthood focuses narrowly on deficits and standard life outcomes, overlooking what truly matters to autistic people. This review applies Martha Nussbaum’s capabilities approach to highlight the broader social and systemic factors that shape autistic adults' quality of life. It calls for more inclusive, participatory research and support systems that empower autistic individuals to thrive on their own terms.

Disclaimer: brief reference without details to sexual violence, self-harm and suicide.

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Milton (2018)

Written by Dr. Damian Milton, originator of the Double Empathy Problem, this report critically examines the widespread use of Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) and Positive Behavioural Support (PBS). It highlights key criticisms of these approaches, particularly their lack of alignment with the values and lived experiences of neurodivergent communities. The report concludes with recommendations for shifting toward more neurodivergent-affirming practices that prioritise respect, autonomy, and genuine understanding over behaviour control.

Disclaimer: discusses ABA and PBS.

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Gov.UK

The Access to Work scheme provides support for people with additional requirements to stay in work. It can help people with a physical or mental health condition, Neurodivergence or disability. Through the system, you can apply for a grant to practically support you at work, support with managing your mental health, and funding to pay for communication support at job interviews. This website details what support Access to Work can give and the application method. 

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Pearson and Rose (2021)

This article explores autistic masking, behaviours like suppressing traits to fit in, and argues that current research overlooks the social pressures and trauma that contribute to it. The authors challenge the idea that masking is mainly a female trait and call for more inclusive, socially informed research that considers identity, exclusion, and unconscious behaviours. They hope this approach will improve understanding and support for autistic people who feel pressured to mask.

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Matzalas, Richdale and Dissanayake (2022)

Autistic burnout is widely reported by autistic people but remains under-researched. This study introduces a new model, based on lived experiences, that explores how different risk and protective factors interact to contribute to, or help prevent, autistic burnout.

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Generation Rent + NSUN

Generation Rent and the National Survivor User Network (NSUN) conducted a survey in mid-2024 with 814 private renters across the UK to explore how private renting affects mental health. The findings highlight serious concerns, including affordability issues, poor housing conditions, insecurity, and the threat of eviction, all contributing to negative mental health outcomes for tenants.

Disclaimer: includes accounts of trauma, distress and harm.

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Ashworth, E. et al

Autistic children and young people are more likely to face mental health challenges but often encounter significant barriers when accessing support through Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services. These include diagnostic overshadowing, high assessment thresholds, and limited professional understanding of autism. To improve care, services must adopt a neuroaffirmative approach, with better training, early support, and targeted funding for appropriate adjustments and therapies.

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Dance and Ballestero (2022)

This article explores how sound enables communication in classrooms and how it can be optimised for better learning. It explains how sound is measured, the role of acoustics engineers in designing effective learning spaces, and includes experiments to measure sound in various environments.

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