disability
Adulting is hard enough, parenting is hard enough. Together they come with a number of considerations for how we can be effective in our role as Autistic parents. In particular, we have to consider the impact of Autistic burnout, which can have a significant effect on not just us, but also our famil
Autism
TW: Restraint, Seclusion, Death Restrictive practice, meant to reduce immediate harm, has evolved into a behavior management tool, commonly seen in schools and mental health settings. Its most prevalent forms include physical restraint, chemical restraint, and segregation, each posing significant ri
disability
The impact of CAMHS failures extends beyond autistic children to their families. Parent carer blame, deeply rooted in history, is perpetuated by neoliberal ideology and institutional practices, leading to distrust and vilification of parents. CAMHS exacerbates this blame, causing detrimental effects
Trauma
This article delves into the persistent challenges faced by Autistic individuals in the UK, particularly in the domains of education and mental health. It highlights the shortcomings of the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities provision and the inadequacy of Child and Adolescent Mental Health
disability
I have talked extensively of the failures of CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services) to support Autistic young people. There have been a great number of tragedies at the hands of a service that is not fit for purpose. I have explored my own experiences, parliamentary evidence, research, and
Autistic Rhizome
When we consider the journey to getting an autism diagnosis, we can be forgiven for feeling a little overwhelmed. From start to finish the process can take many years, many disappointments, and enough paperwork to make it feel like you have fallen into a bureaucratic block hole. Some find the
Society
"Max Sumner, 17, took his own life on 13 May 2022 while he was under the care of Lancashire and South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (‘CAMHS’). The Coroner concluded today (23 January 2024) that the care he received by CAMHS contributed to his
Autism
Many Autistic students struggle with school attendance due to trauma from hostile staff attitudes and the school environment. The government's Moments Matter campaign aims to boost attendance, but neglects the trauma issue and lacks focus on students' well-being. Instead of focusing on attendance, r
Autistic Rights
There are many things about being Autistic that we can celebrate. However, we have to be careful that in doing so we don't inadvertently engage in the erasure of our struggles. Campaigns like #ItsNotOkToNotBeOk will only succeed if we commit to improving the things that cause our suffering.
Trauma
As of today a new campaign begins. This campaign, names as #ItsNotOkayToNotBeOkay is particularly pertinent to Autistic people. As a community, we have reached a point where psychological distress is treated as though it is a taken-for-granted part of our experience. While previous campaigns have tried to normalise opening up
Autism
Holidays can pose challenges for autistic people due to social, sensory, and schedule modifications. Crucial coping strategies include setting boundaries in social situations, curating a pleasing sensory environment, not overscheduling to please others, knowing in advance about gifts to reduce anxie
Society
Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) are known for failing to support the mental health of Autistic children. Unfortunately this is not the only issue with such services, they are often responsible for the assessment and diagnosis of neurodivergence such as autism or ADHD. Within the context of autism,