Autistic Men’s
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Holt (2023)

This article shares findings from interviews with UK parents, mostly mothers, whose neurodivergent children showed physical or emotional violence towards them. Parents often felt confused about the cause—whether it was due to their child’s neurodevelopmental needs, typical teenage behaviour, or mental health issues—and found that standard advice didn’t help. The study highlights the need for better understanding and support for families facing these challenges.

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Pearson, Rose and Rees (2023)

This study looked at how being hurt by someone they know affects autistic people and what helps them recover. Many participants shared that such experiences were common, leading them to hide parts of themselves to stay safe, which caused exhaustion and emotional harm. Support from professionals was often lacking, and participants felt that better help would come from autistic-led support groups and more autism awareness among professionals.

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Dr Alice Nicholls

This brief article explores the experience of Autistic Burnout, which can be overwhelming and difficult to manage for those currently affected. The author reviews research on how long Autistic Burnout episodes typically last and offers practical advice on using personal experience to better understand and predict the duration of burnout. The article also discusses how recovery strategies can support the healing process and includes a section with additional resources and support options.

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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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Pyne (2020)

In the 1960s and 70s, two behaviour modification programs were developed at UCLA—one aimed at eliminating feminine behaviours in boys, and the other at removing so-called problem behaviours in autistic children. The former evolved into conversion therapy, while the latter became Applied Behavioural Analysis (ABA). This article traces the intertwined histories of both practices in the context of Ontario, Canada, examining laws, case studies, media, and clinical literature. The author argues that legal bans on LGBT conversion therapy required a fundamental shift in how society understands what it means to be human—a shift not yet extended to autistic, and especially autistic queer, teenagers. The piece critiques how ABA continues to be rooted in the idea of constructing a person from a ‘shell,’ denying full personhood to many autistic individuals.

Disclaimer: discusses applied behavioural analysis, conversion therapy, child abuse, ableism.

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Memmott (2023)

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This report explores a wealth of current research with regards to Autism and the experiences faced by Autistic people. Through analysing and compiling multiple research articles this work in grounded in peer reviewed academia. The report details the various issues with ABA (Applied Behavioural Analysis) and the lack of quality research to support the practice. Within the report a wide range of areas are explored including double empathy, health, criminal justice, sexuality and specialist interests. The report calls on everyone to share in Autistic joy and to embrace a more neurodivergent affirming approach.

Disclaimer: some readers may find parts of this report challenging, especially discussion around practices like ABA.

Ward, Weir, Allison and Baron-Cohen (2023)

Autistic adults are more likely than non-autistic adults to have a wide range of physical health problems affecting many organ systems. This large survey found especially high rates of neurological and gastrointestinal issues, and possible links between autism and conditions like Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and Coeliac’s disease. The study highlights the need for healthcare professionals to understand better and address the physical health needs of autistic people.

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Hughes, Roberts, Tarver, Warters-Louth, Zhang, Southward, Shaw, Edwards, Waite and Pearson (2023)

Many autistic people with intellectual disability experience anxiety, which can show up as self-injury or avoidance, especially for those who speak little or not at all. Caregivers often struggle to get effective support from services and feel they must fight for help. They say it's important for researchers and services to work with families, offer peer support, and provide flexible, personalised interventions.

Disclaimer: discussed self-harm.

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Leadbitter, Buckle, Ellis and Dekker (2021)

The rise of autistic self-advocacy and the neurodiversity movement has sparked important debates in autism research, especially around ethics and goals of intervention. This paper argues that autism interventions should shift away from trying to make autistic people appear "normal" and instead focus on supporting their unique development, well-being, and priorities, in collaboration with autistic individuals.

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