Academic Journals & Research
Autism in Adulthood – Peer-reviewed journal on autistic adult experiences.
On the Ontological Status of Autism: The ‘Double Empathy Problem’ – Academic article exploring autism and social understanding.
Neurodivergence – Change, complexity and challenge – This article explores how understanding of neurodivergence is evolving, highlighting the complexity of autistic and other neurodivergent experiences. It also examines the challenges and opportunities in supporting neurodivergent individuals in society and professional settings.
The Foundations of Autistic Flourishing – Pellicano and Heyworth (2023) propose a framework for understanding autistic flourishing that prioritizes well-being, autonomy, and everyday experiences from the perspective of autistic people. The article emphasizes collaborative research and contextual approaches to support diverse, authentic autistic lives.
Autistic Voices & Personal Narratives
Neurodivergent Notes (Dr Megan Anna Neff’s Blog) – Personal reflections, insights, and psychoeducation.
From Burnout to Autistic Self-Accommodation as an Adult – Navigating burnout and building self-support strategies.
Alcohol: An Autistic Masking Tool? (Jesse Meadows) – Personal perspective on alcohol and masking.
Autism & Mental Health / Coping Strategies
Alcohol as a Masking Tool for Autistic People (Psychology Today) – Discussion of masking and alcohol use.
The Unbearable Heartache of Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria – Understanding RSD in neurodivergent people.
SPARK Research Match: What Might Explain the Link Between Camouflaging and Anxiety and Depression in Autistic Adults – Survey data shows that stress and emotion regulation difficulties may explain why camouflaging is connected to higher anxiety and depression in autistic adults.
Camouflaging in Autism May Not Drive Mental Health Problems – Discusses new findings that challenge the assumption that camouflaging always harms mental health, showing a more complex relationship over time.
Autism Theories & Frameworks
Autism and neurodiversity – Autism and neurodiversity
‘Neurodiversity’ is a way of saying everyone’s brain is different. A neurodiversity approach views autism and other forms of ‘neurodivergence’ as natural variations in people. Autistic self-advocates have been central to our understanding of neurodiversity.
The Double Empathy Problem: Why Autistic Communication is a Difference not a Deficit – Accessible overview of the double empathy theory.
Monotropism and the Monotropism Questionnaire – Exploring monotropism as an autistic cognitive style.
Spoon Theory for Autism and ADHD: The Neurodivergent Spoon Drawer – Applying spoon theory to neurodivergent energy management.
Identity & Self
Autistic identity: A systematic review of quantitative research – This article reviews quantitative studies on autistic identity, mapping out how researchers have measured it, what patterns emerge, and how autistic self-identification relates to mental health and well-being.
Camouflaging and identity development among autistic female and gender-diverse youth: A qualitative exploration – Explores how camouflaging shapes the self-identity of autistic youth, especially girls and gender-diverse young people, and its impact on well-being.
“My whole life has been a process of finding labels that fit”: A Thematic Analysis of Autistic LGBTQIA+ Identity and Inclusion in the LGBTQIA+ Community – This study explores how autistic LGBTQIA+ people experience identity, belonging, and inclusion within queer communities. Through thematic analysis, it highlights both the affirming and exclusionary dynamics autistic individuals face while navigating multiple marginalised identities.
Come as You Are: Examining Autistic Identity Development and the Neurodiversity Movement through an Intersectional Lens – This paper examines how autistic people develop their identities within the broader neurodiversity movement. Using an intersectional perspective, it considers how overlapping factors like race, gender, and sexuality shape autistic self-understanding and community belonging.
Guides & Practical Supports
Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) and Autism: A Guide for Allies – Practical guide for understanding and supporting autistic people with PDA.