“Speaking as a usually stressed out autistic person, nothing energises my brain like an afternoon nap” Are you tired, and on the autistic spectrum? Then take a nap. Yes, the sleep experts are saying that having a nap during the course of the day is actually very beneficial for most people, whether you’re NT or on the autistic spectrum. This is really great news. From my experience, the Read More
How to achieve more as an autistic adult
Procrastination definition: “The action of delaying or postponing something.” From my observations, people on the autistic spectrum appear to procrastinate more than the average neuro-typical. Those of us with autism often struggle to get started on a task, to tidy our living space, make that phone call, write that essay, tackle that pile of paperwork. We are quickly overwhelmed, confused and stressed out by all the things we need Read More
Does everyone with Autism have Audio Processing Disorder?
Auditory Processing disorder (APD): “Inability of the brain to process sound in the normal way.” Does everyone with Autism have Audio Processing Disorder? This article will not be a scientific analysis, or academic view of Audio Processing Disorder, or it’s relationship with autism. What this article will be is a personal account on the effects of this condition. In 2008, I was diagnosed with High Functioning Autism. This diagnosis shed Read More
Autism: Is poor mental health the bigger problem?
“Mental health professionals need to get educated about autism” The sad truth is: In 2016 there are still very few mental health professionals with enough knowledge of autism, anxiety and depression, to administer effective treatment. In my experience, this is still a much overlooked problem. There is a knowledge gap between most mental health professionals and autism specialists. All too often, an autistic persons unhappiness or challenging behaviour, is attributed Read More
Autism and the Criminal Justice System research
Please take part in Shannon’s autism research project! This week I had this request from Shannon, a third year Psychology and Criminology student at Buckinghamshire New University. Please help Shannon learn more about this extremely important subject. “Hello, I am Shannon Dobson, I’m currently conducting research for my dissertation based on people’s experiences of the criminal justice system. I am most interested in discovering whether people with Autism have had a Read More
Autism self-help tips
Things that make my autistic life more enjoyable Self-help tips for people on the autistic spectrumListening to music takes away anxiety when travelling on public transport. Getting plenty of exercise eases the tension in my body. Taking long walks in the countryside, and smelling the different fragrances. Being by the sea. Listening to the sound of the waves and watching the motion of the water relaxes my mindAvoiding noisy places Read More
AUTISTIC! is the term offensive?
AUTISTIC! is the term offensive? Should you call someone autistic? When I was diagnosed with High Functioning Autism in 2008, I was told that I was definitely autistic by the psychologist. I don’t know why, but the word autistic sounded like a throw back to the days when the word retarded was acceptable for people with a learning disability. In fact words such as retarded, abnormal and maladjusted were used to describe children like me Read More
Important info for autistic drivers!
Important info for autistic drivers! Inform the vehicle licensing authority in your country Please note that if you are a car driver that is on the autistic spectrum. You may need to inform the vehicle licensing authority in your country that you have a diagnosis. Here in the UK it’s the DVLA. I checked on their website the other day, and Autistic Spectrum disorder is one of the conditions they Read More
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time review
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time The Gielgud Theatre, London July 2015 A review from an autistic perspective Is it possible to create a highly entertaining, educational, multi award winning show, enjoyed by people all over the world about a boy with autism? Well, the answer is yes. The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, and more specifically Sion Daniel Young, who on this occasion plays the show’s Read More
Autistic symptoms and the ageing process
As I approach my mid 50’s, It appears that some of my autistic symptoms are taking a greater hold of my life. I find that I have to work much harder to be aware of my surroundings, and being organised takes a lot more effort. Everyday tasks such as remembering my keys or paying bills on time now requires more concentration than it used to. Staying connected to my surroundings is also much harder. It feels Read More