About - CARNABY AUTISM SUPPORT

Gender, Autism and ADHD

Historically autism and ADHD has been more commonly associated with boys and men. Lots of the research has overlooked women and girls and led to low rates of diagnosis. We know that women and girls can present differently and that this can often be associated with camouflaging and masking. We approach our assessments and support with this knowledge and tailor them accordingly.

Camouflaging and Masking

Camouflaging and masking are ways in which autistic people and those with ADHD may consciously or subconsciously learn to suppress and hide who they really are, as they try to fit into a neurotypical world. Camouflaging and masking has a detrimental impact on a person’s well-being. We work alongside people to explore the different strategies that people may have developed to manage. We bring this shared understanding into our diagnostic conclusions and recommendations for support.

What matters to us

Neurodiversity refers to the variation in the human brain regarding sociability, learning, attention, mood, and other mental functions. It is a perspective that appreciates neurological differences as any other human variation, such as ethnicity, sexual orientation, or gender identity.

Neurodivergent individuals bring unique perspectives and talents to those around them. Their different ways of thinking and solving problems can lead to breakthrough innovations and creative solutions.

By fostering an environment that supports and values these unique abilities, we contribute to a more inclusive and equitable society. Click on the interactive image to understand why this matters to us.

Neurodiversity affirming

We understand autism and ADHD (and AuDHD) to be a types of brain (or neurotype), with their own unique strengths, interests and support needs. Taking a neuro-diversity affirming approach means we better understand the differences that neurodivergent people face. We work with people to identify and harness their skills, abilities and talents.

Collaborative

Assessments will be bespoke to individual needs and circumstances. We work alongside people negotiate the process of seeking assessment and beyond.

Committed to excellence and quality

Comprehensive assessments with us meet every standard set by the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE). Our highly trained and experienced clinicians are required to stay up to date with developments in neurodiversity-affirming practice.

Sensory informed

We understand that autistic people and those with ADHD experience the sensory world in differing ways. These experiences may have significant impact on their well-being. For example, some people have particular sensitivities to sound or touch. The better we understand these differences, the better placed we are to enhance strategies for coping with the world.

Trauma informed

Trauma can affect every part of us. Autistic people and those with ADHD live with trauma exposure as part of their everyday lives. This can have significant implications for their mental and physical well-being. Trauma informed approaches are based on an understanding that extreme stress (trauma) can impact an individual's neurological, biological, psychological and social development. We work closely with people to better understand their social and environmental stressors exploring the best avenues for support.