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.

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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.

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Moseley, R. L., Druce, T., & Turner‐Cobb, J. M.

This qualitative study explored the menopause experiences of 17 autistic individuals, revealing that many faced significant challenges in daily functioning, mental health, and social engagement during this transition. Participants often had low awareness of menopause and limited confidence in healthcare support, with some reporting that autism made the experience more difficult. The findings highlight a critical need for better recognition and tailored support for autistic people during menopause.

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Gibbs et al., 2025

This study examined how educators in autism-specific schools in Australia learned about and implemented trauma-informed education. After a short training, staff showed better understanding and more positive attitudes toward supporting trauma-impacted Autistic students, though teacher well-being stayed the same. Teachers valued the training but noted some challenges, especially with limited resources and supporting students with intellectual disabilities.

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Heyworth et al., 2025

This study explored what both Autistic and non-Autistic parents value about raising Autistic children. Parents described their experiences as complex but often joyful, highlighting love for their child’s unique personality, the fulfilment they felt in their role, and the importance of acceptance and connection. The findings challenge negative stereotypes and suggest that parenting Autistic children can be deeply rewarding.

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Flower et al., 2025

This study aimed to define what “neurodiversity affirming” psychology practice means for supporting Autistic adults in Australia. Using expert input from both Autistic adults and psychologists, researchers identified seven key principles of affirming care, including ongoing learning, individualised communication, and genuine acceptance of autism. These findings offer a practical guide for therapists and empower Autistic adults to seek or advocate for respectful, tailored mental health support.

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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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