Welcome to Autistic Realms Newsletter!
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Hurrah! The Neurodiversity Affirmative Child Autism Assessment Handbook by Dr Maeve Kavanagh, Dr Anna Day, Davida Hartman, Tara O'Donnell-Killen & Jessica K Doyle is now published!
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I am delighted to have contributed and played a small part in the writing of this book alongside Elaine McGreevy and Katie Kerley. It will be life-changing for so many young people and their families.
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​"Too many Autistic young people have been let down by services throughout their lives, battered from pillow to post in an endless bureaucratic dystopia because they do not fit the right box. Isn't it time that services start thinking outside the box?"​
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Read this extract from 'The Neurodiversity Affirmative Child Autism Assessment Handbook' in The British Psychological Society on moving away from deficit-based models and towards truly neurodiversity affirmative child autism assessments.
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Read about the book: Stories of Autism and how they shape us British Psychological Society

Click here to buy: The Neurodiversity Affirmative Child Autism Assessment Handbook ​ ​

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​New Blogs This Week
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​Monotropic Time?​
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I am considering whether being monotropic is not just about using attentional resources differently, but could also be about experiencing time differently due to how we use our attentional resources. The mismatch of ways of people experience the world is perhaps not just a communication gap and difference, as described in the Double Empathy Problem (Milton 2012) it may also be a
​Double Temporality Problem.

New E-BOOKS
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​Autism Awareness or Autism Acceptance? Autistic Wellbeing Series
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​“Autism Awareness or Autism Acceptance?” Part of our monthly Autistic Wellbeing Webinar Series by David Gray-Hammond, Tanya Adkin & myself.
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This short e-book marks the end of April's global Autism awareness/ acceptance month!

Are we really moving the needle on Autistic wellbeing, or just repeating the same old slogans every April? It’s time to challenge the status quo.

This e-book is a call to action and an invitation to shift from surface-level awareness to radical acceptance.

Inside you’ll find:
The roots of the neurodiversity paradigm and how it challenges ableism. A breakdown of awareness vs. acceptance and why the difference matters.
Insight into neurodivergent competency and Autistic cultural identity.
The dangers of “Neurodiversity Lite” and how to recognise authentic, neuro-affirming practice.
A powerful call for self-acceptance, true allyship, and systemic change.

This isn’t just a resource. It’s a movement.

Whether you’re Autistic, an ally, a professional, or someone just beginning your journey—this e-book offers a compassionate yet critical guide to building a world where Autistic people are not only accepted, but celebrated.

“We don’t need your pity. We need your partnership. We need a world where Autistic people can thrive—unmasked, unashamed, and undeniably ourselves.”

Download now and be part of the change. Visit www.autisticrealms.com or www.emergentdivergence.com to access the e-book and explore more from the Autistic Wellbeing Series.
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Click here for: Autism Awareness or Autism Acceptance? E-Book

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Also Available:

​Neuro-Affirming Glossary of Keywords and Terms​
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"This glossary is a fantastic resource—for Autistics and for anyone wanting to learn more about our neurotype and culture. It’s clear, informative, and includes just the right amount of resources for continued learning without feeling overwhelming. Helen’s passion, depth of knowledge, and understanding of Autism shine through. I’m so grateful for this educational and empowering work, which I’ll be recommending to clients and colleagues alike." -
​Gem Kennedy - Autistic Coach, Speaker & Podcaster​
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Click here for: The Neuro-Affirming Glossary E-Book

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Check out my other FREE E-Books -
Over 20 PDFs to instantly download!

FREE E-BOOKS

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​Upcoming Webinars​
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Host: SWAN Scotland​
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​Date: Tuesday 13th May 7-8:30pm
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​Title: A Parent’s Perspective: Barriers to Education & Embracing Monotropism
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If you're living or working in Scotland you can join SWAN & myself, for our May webinar discussing why many Autistic & neurodivergent families are struggling in the education system and how we can support ways forward.
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​Tickets: EventBrite​
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​Find out more: https://swanscotland.org/​

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Autistic Burnout Network

Conference 2025

Host: Viv Dawes Autistic Advocate​
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​Date: Saturday, May 17 th 2025 – 9am – 6:30pm GMT+1
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​Tickets: Eventbrite​

I will be delivering a presentation about supporting Autistic young people through burnout and school trauma alongside Viv Dawes.

This one day conference is for parents, individuals and professionals and will cover a range of topics including:

Supporting autistic teens experiencing burnout

Burnout and family life

Intersectionality

Being missed and misdiagnosed

The impact of shame

The double empathy problem

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​All sessions will be recorded and ticket holders will have access to all these recordings and bonus content after the conference.

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​Support ICARS and their
Call for Legislative Reform to End the Abuse of Disabled Children in England’s Schools

​ICARS (International Coalition Against Restraint and Seclusion)is formulating its response to the English government’s “Use of Reasonable Force” consultation.
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This isn’t just flawed guidance — it’s dangerous. No child should be harmed or at risk.
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​Submit your views before 29 April ​
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Share your thoughts about DFE: Revised use of reasonable force and other restrictive interventions in schools guidance consultation

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​ICARS have released an open letter, alongside a growing list of co-signatories, calling on the UK Government to take immediate action to end the abuse of disabled children in England’s schools.
'This is a direct call for legislative reform to stop the use of restraint and seclusion practices that continue to cause physical and psychological harm to disabled pupils across the country.It builds on the findings of the ICARS Report England, the largest global dataset of lived experience evidence on this issue, and calls for urgent amendments to law, oversight, and accountability.

If you or your organisation would like to add your name, you can do so here by clicking the button below.
If you’re signing on as a parent, please consider adding:
– Parent of child subjected to restraint/seclusion - after your name. This helps us show just how many children have been impacted by these practices'.
​Please read, share, and stand with us. Together, we will keep fighting to protect the rights, safety, and dignity of every child

Join ICARS and add your signatory: Call for Legislative Reform to End the Abuse of Disabled Children in England’s Schools

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National Neurodiversity Awards​
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It is soon time for the National Neurodiversity Awards. I am delighted to have been nominated for the second year. If you'd like to vote for me or anyone else please follow the link - many thanks!
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Vote Here

Looking forward to sharing more blogs, resources, research and upcoming events soon!
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If you find this news letter valuable please do share and encourage people to sign up and visit Autistic Realms.
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Best Wishes,
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Helen