Certified Autism Spectrum Disorder Clinical Specialist (ASDCS) I have composed a series of resources that some may find useful. As a psychotherapist I do not diagnose, but I do tactfully speak about my concerns relating to the possibility of neurodiversity and discuss the impact a positive/negative diagnosis can have on clients.
``For Girls/Women: Tania A. Marshal's officialdetailed working screenerdocument consisting of the unique characteristics and traits of adult women with Asperger Syndrome, or Aspienwomen HERE
This is a great video for those thinking about seeking a diagnosis.
In my professional and personal journey I have yet to encounter a person who felt that discovering about their neurodiversity caused them more harm then healing. The main reason comes down to better understanding self. Seeing that what has caused much suffering was much related to how they did not understand how their neurology worked. Autistic people are for most part in a state of dysregulation and locked in states of fight/flight/freeze/withdraw (Porges, Autism Summit, 2021). Understanding that most of the difficulties they have encounter since birth are neither their fault or a choice is very healing.
Neurodiverse people are vulnerable to abuse, with research pointing out that they are 3.4 times more likely to be mistreated than neurotypicals (Sullivan & Knuton, 2000) and they are also two times more likely to suffer sexual abuse than neurotypicals (Mansell et al., 1998).
Collaborative Problem Solving: Dr. Ross Green webinar with Autism Ontario explaining ways to approach behavioural challenges
Irish Organisations: Autism Awareness and Support https://autism.ie/ https://asiam.ie/ https://www.sess.ie/categories/autismautistic-spectrum-disorders/aspergers/autistic-spectrum-disorder-links