Eyebrow Raisers: Neurodiversity in the News

This week, we bring you a roundup of the hot topics and content we’ve been reading, following and watching…

Reading

About the rocketing rates of AuDHD, the unofficial term for the dual diagnosis of autism and ADHD. Thought to be mutually exclusive conditions until 2013, this Guardian article deep dives into the latest scientific thinking and shares stories from people who have a combined diagnosis. We are starting to discover that the coexistence of autism and ADHD is “not just possible, but frequent”, with one study finding up to half of people diagnosed as autistic exhibit symptoms of ADHD, while two-thirds of people with ADHD have characteristics of autism.

Importantly, the way in which the two conditions interact mean that AuDHD presents as a distinct condition in its own right. By considering autism and ADHD separately rather than holistically, a lot can be missed. Moreover, at a time when diagnoses are increasing and support is more stretched than ever, organisations specialising in one condition alone can fail to fully meet the needs of people with AuDHD.

Are you aware that our organisation offers support for children and parents with autism, ADHD and AuDHD? Find out more by getting in touch with us at [email protected]

Following

The legal case of Peter Lacy, a former senior executive within Accenture. Mr Lacy has alleged he was discriminated against – and ultimately unfairly dismissed – due to his ADHD. His claim alleges that he was “frozen out, belittled and shamed” by senior staff.

Though his employment tribunal trial is not scheduled to take place until March 2025, this high-profile case blows open just some of the challenges employers can face in ensuring they make appropriate accommodations for employees with neurodiversity, who may in turn struggle to find acceptance in the workplace.

Read the full story @ FT here: https://on.ft.com/43M3w6E

Are you aware that our organisation offers corporate training on neurodiversity, support for neurodivergent individuals in the workplace, and assistance for parents affected by their children’s neurodiversity in their professional lives? Contact us at [email protected] to learn more.

Watching

The Assembly, a thirty-minute special that aired on BBC One on 5th April as part of Autism Awareness Week. Its unique interview format, adapted from the French show Les Rencontres du Papotin, involved 35 autistic, neurodivergent and learning disabled novice journalists firing questions at the Welsh actor Michael Sheen. No topics were off limits.

The result was magical, with questions ranging unpredictably from the light-hearted, such as his favourite Disney movie and thoughts on Scooby Doo, to the serious. For example, whether he could share any advice on coping with employment rejections, a common experience faced by the autistic community, based on his own experiences of being rejected for acting roles. Sheen’s charisma and warmth is evident throughout this “brilliant but terrifying” ordeal, and it makes for gripping, uplifting television – a stark contrast from typical polished, pre-prepared and PR-sanitised celebrity interviews.

Personally, we would love this format to be commissioned for a whole series so we can see more from these journalists, and more celebrities daring to face their questions. More please!

Catch The Assembly on BBC iPlayer here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m001xyj5/the-assembly

What have you been reading, watching or listening to this week? We would love you to send in any content that has interested or inspired you. Email us on [email protected] so we can share with our community.