Behavioural Health

This study highlights how social media – particularly TikTok – is helping to shape understanding, identity, and community for neurodivergent individuals. 👍

Read more here: https://doi.org/10.1089/aut.2025.0006
(Autism and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Content in Highly Viewed TikTok Videos – Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders)

Autism and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Content in Highly Viewed TikTok Videos | Autism in Adulthood Background: Social media allows users to connect with others’ experiences and points of view, with TikTok being the fastest-growing platform worldwide. Highly viewed videos related to neurodiversity on TikTok have an increasing role in understanding and acceptance of neurodivergent individuals. Ho...

This interesting article challenges the traditional binary approach to ADHD diagnosis, arguing that ADHD traits exist on a spectrum rather than being an all-or-nothing condition. With diagnoses rising, particularly among women, the healthcare system is struggling with long waiting lists. The article advocates for adapting environments—such as classrooms and workplaces—to accommodate neurodiversity instead of focusing solely on medical treatment. It highlights how tailored support, like flexible schedules and sensory-friendly adjustments, can help individuals thrive. Shifting societal attitudes towards neurodiversity, rather than increasing diagnoses, is presented as the best way to support people with ADHD traits.

ADHD should not be treated as a disorder Adapting schools and workplaces for it can help far more

Research Roadmap: What Should Autism Assessment Look Like in 2025?

What Autism Assessments Should Look Like in 2025: A Research Roadmap A look back at 2024 research findings can give us some direction in conducting autism evaluations going forward.

Very excited to present our work at ABAI, Philadelphia 2024😁

A very interesting podcast for ADHD

Home - The ADHD Adults Podcast Episodes You can listen to every episode of The ADHD Adults Podcast from the links below. The podcast is also available on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, Amazon Music, and Audible. James Brown Show Writer, Producer & Host and James writes, presents and edits The ADHD Adults Podca...

There is little research looking at the experience of individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder as adults. Adults diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder face different challenges than children, and more research is needed to better understand those challenges.
The three overarching themes expressed issues with identity and relationships before and after the diagnosis and identified that the diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder in adulthood impacted people’s adaptation to and assimilation (i.e. the making sense of and internalizing the diagnosis) of autism spectrum disorder. While the diagnostic process itself was confusing and disappointing for many, it often led to a sense of relief and clarity regarding past experiences and had effects on identity and self-esteem. It created opportunities to connect with other autistic individuals and to access services, though appropriate supports were widely lacking. Recommendations are made that the impact of the diagnosis on people’s identity and choices about telling others about their diagnosis, and whether and how people want to make adaptations, should be discussed and thought through in the process of diagnosis.

Ref:

The adult experience of being diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder: A qualitative meta-synthesis - Ingrid Kiehl, Ruby Pease, Corinna Hackmann, 2024 There is a dearth of research into the experience of adult diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder, and targeted research is needed to understand the needs of the...

This is a beatuful overview of how the diagnostic process for autism has changed through time. Highly recommended

Changes in the Concept of Autism - Francesca Happé CBE Enjoying our lectures? Please take a minute to answer 4 questions to tell us what you think!https://app.sli.do/event/1JonWUnuRtwjjMgcBM7LDQ/live/pollsOur und...

https://theconversation.com/a-senate-inquiry-says-australia-needs-a-national-adhd-framework-to-improve-diagnosis-and-reduce-costs-215798

A Senate inquiry says Australia needs a national ADHD framework to improve diagnosis and reduce costs After more than 700 submissions and evidence from 79 witnesses at three public hearings, the senate inquiry into ADHD diagnosis and treatment barriers has delivered its findings.

I have been thinking about masking a lot lately. It seems I am not the only one.
This is a very interesting read.

What Does It Mean to ‘Mask’ Adult ADHD? When you “mask” adult ADHD, it means you hide your symptoms from other people. Here are the pros and cons of doing that.

Doesn't this story resemble our situation here in NZ?
The burden of carrying out diagnoses has been put on the individual and the private sector. Why isn't the government assisting at least by funding these services?

Is it really too easy to be diagnosed with ADHD? | Mike Smith I’m the NHS psychiatrist on Panorama. The episode revealed NHS services that are no longer fit for purpose, says consultant Mike Smith

https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/no-such-thing-as-normal-new-podcast-by-sonia-gray-explores-the-world-of-neurodiversity/4IA45Q4LOJAVDGF54K6LVUMBEM/?fbclid=IwAR0g7tikz4u5vhjLWwPaj3_rbTfUIEhTTv9aqs161R3L64lqBG14SJd5Rto

New podcast by Sonia Gray explores the world of neurodiversity The podcast is a co-production between the NZ Herald and Team Umbrella