Heather
@iamhthr.bsky.social
Gen X | autism specialist teacher | SEND parent | late-diagnosed AuDHD | knitter & crocheter | void cat owner | TV and film obsessive | they/she
But since waiting lists are so long, it's unacceptable for people to have to demonstrate proof of their needs.
Compassionate employers make adjustments all the time for many circumstances such as returning to work after illness, bereavement or childbirth.
Neurodivergent people just need the same.
Compassionate employers make adjustments all the time for many circumstances such as returning to work after illness, bereavement or childbirth.
Neurodivergent people just need the same.
December 7, 2025 at 9:40 AM
But since waiting lists are so long, it's unacceptable for people to have to demonstrate proof of their needs.
Compassionate employers make adjustments all the time for many circumstances such as returning to work after illness, bereavement or childbirth.
Neurodivergent people just need the same.
Compassionate employers make adjustments all the time for many circumstances such as returning to work after illness, bereavement or childbirth.
Neurodivergent people just need the same.
Those who meet me soon realise that I am several anxiety disorders in a trenchcoat. I first sought help for this in 2015. I've done several rounds of NHS talking therapy, and have had medication since 2019.
I had no formal diagnosis until 2021. I only found out about *that* two years later.
I had no formal diagnosis until 2021. I only found out about *that* two years later.
December 7, 2025 at 9:37 AM
Even then, it was another year before I was comfortable "coming out" to my employer and colleagues. It was scary.
December 7, 2025 at 9:35 AM
Even then, it was another year before I was comfortable "coming out" to my employer and colleagues. It was scary.
@bennewmark.bsky.social
To answer your earlier question about why people are seeking diagnosis, I would say that it gives them the confidence to ask for adjustments, having proof of a condition.
I suffered in silence for years in education until I finally got my autism diagnosis in 2019.
To answer your earlier question about why people are seeking diagnosis, I would say that it gives them the confidence to ask for adjustments, having proof of a condition.
I suffered in silence for years in education until I finally got my autism diagnosis in 2019.
December 7, 2025 at 9:34 AM
@bennewmark.bsky.social
To answer your earlier question about why people are seeking diagnosis, I would say that it gives them the confidence to ask for adjustments, having proof of a condition.
I suffered in silence for years in education until I finally got my autism diagnosis in 2019.
To answer your earlier question about why people are seeking diagnosis, I would say that it gives them the confidence to ask for adjustments, having proof of a condition.
I suffered in silence for years in education until I finally got my autism diagnosis in 2019.
I question the need to ask for evidence because the Equality Act doesn't require this.
I would also add a provocation here: would the adjustments people with epilepsy, diabetes or cerebral palsy be scrutinised for "evidence"?
Or is this more about autistic & ADHD people not being believed?
I would also add a provocation here: would the adjustments people with epilepsy, diabetes or cerebral palsy be scrutinised for "evidence"?
Or is this more about autistic & ADHD people not being believed?
December 7, 2025 at 9:32 AM
I question the need to ask for evidence because the Equality Act doesn't require this.
I would also add a provocation here: would the adjustments people with epilepsy, diabetes or cerebral palsy be scrutinised for "evidence"?
Or is this more about autistic & ADHD people not being believed?
I would also add a provocation here: would the adjustments people with epilepsy, diabetes or cerebral palsy be scrutinised for "evidence"?
Or is this more about autistic & ADHD people not being believed?
That's the idea! thispixiecreates.com/everything-y...
Everything you Need to Know about Crocheting a Book Blanket
Crochet a book blanket to track your reading this year. This post tells you everything you need to know about crocheting a book blanket.
thispixiecreates.com
December 6, 2025 at 8:00 PM
That's the idea! thispixiecreates.com/everything-y...
December 6, 2025 at 7:48 PM
Opposite of my experience as a parent and professional too.
December 5, 2025 at 9:09 PM
Opposite of my experience as a parent and professional too.
Yes, I think this rings a bell from Neurotribes! I think it's time for me to re-read.
Highly recommended for you since you're interested, @bennewmark.bsky.social
Highly recommended for you since you're interested, @bennewmark.bsky.social
December 5, 2025 at 8:37 PM
Yes, I think this rings a bell from Neurotribes! I think it's time for me to re-read.
Highly recommended for you since you're interested, @bennewmark.bsky.social
Highly recommended for you since you're interested, @bennewmark.bsky.social
However, there is evidence that medications reduce the risk of premature death for people diagnosed with ADHD:
jamanetwork.com/journals/jam...
www.bmj.com/content/390/...
jamanetwork.com/journals/jam...
www.bmj.com/content/390/...
Pharmacotherapy and Mortality in Individuals With ADHD
This cohort study investigates whether the initiation of medication to treat patients with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) was associated with mortality.
jamanetwork.com
December 5, 2025 at 8:26 PM
However, there is evidence that medications reduce the risk of premature death for people diagnosed with ADHD:
jamanetwork.com/journals/jam...
www.bmj.com/content/390/...
jamanetwork.com/journals/jam...
www.bmj.com/content/390/...
What's more risky is not making adaptations, given the statistics on outcomes for autistic people.
December 5, 2025 at 8:18 PM
What's more risky is not making adaptations, given the statistics on outcomes for autistic people.
Correct. So an autism/ADHD diagnosis in 2025 uses exactly the same criteria as were used in 2015.
December 5, 2025 at 6:18 PM
Correct. So an autism/ADHD diagnosis in 2025 uses exactly the same criteria as were used in 2015.