Jacqui O'Riordan

Also: employment status didn't relate to quality of life in autistic adults. I'd like to see deep mixed methods study on that. What socio-economic resources (family, disability benefits, etc) did unemployed people have, & how related? Work may be stressful sciencedirect.com/science/articl…

I don’t mind people thinking autism and ADHD are overdiagnosed if they are able to tell me how much autism and ADHD there is supposed to be, explain why that’s the correct amount and show me evidence that diagnosis rates outstrip that

Patients ‘begging’ for help as leak reveals thousands die under community mental health services | The Independent independent.co.uk/news/health/nh…

Autistic people are criticised for catastrophizing. The problem is not that we are wrong; thanks to our pattern recognition abilities, our predictions are usually spot on. The real issue is that we typically highlight issues that are supposed to remain hidden.

CBT for anxiety is in essence, about exposure, exposure, exposure The same work for anxiety in autistic people will likely make them worse. They need first -understanding the sensory profile and finding soothing sensory strategies -environment adaptations -learning their “energy battery” and planning on what activities it's worth using to avoid overwhelm Then maybe exposure, if still needed PS: post inspired by seeing several autistic people who said that CBT didn't work for them Still learning on the topic, sharing of experiences is greatly appreciated

Since about 70% of autistic people have ADHD as well, it seems the predominant neurotype is actually AuDHD; autism without ADHD is a much rarer occurrence. This fact concerns me quite a bit with respect to the research literature.

Here’s to the neurodivergent women who were always told they were too weird or too loud. To those who dared to be themselves in a world that demanded conformity, your uniqueness is your strength. #InternationalWomensDay

@whattheforbes @OptimumSupport_ @autisticdoc @autsyinthewild @TicsnTatts @elliemidds @ItsEmilyKaty @ashleyann_atx @StimmingGal @LidsRodney @moontwerk @Autistic_Lia @_Abi_LSmith @IrisIsAutistic @charliclement_ @SarahMarieOB @Juliakatemitche @PixelxKittentv @AlexHarpin @1Schoolhouse @pot8um How lovely

@OptimumSupport_ @autisticdoc @autsyinthewild @TicsnTatts @elliemidds @JacquiOR @ItsEmilyKaty @ashleyann_atx @StimmingGal @LidsRodney @moontwerk @Autistic_Lia @_Abi_LSmith @IrisIsAutistic @charliclement_ @SarahMarieOB @Juliakatemitche @PixelxKittentv @AlexHarpin @1Schoolhouse @pot8um In moments of doubt, your posts remind me that I'm not alone. Thank you for all that you do 💗

@Julespg @ITimbrell @philsharrock There is really something lacking in these people’s lives if this is how they feel their (& the kids) time is best spent or that this is actually important and has a bearing on how well they will do in school (or life)

@JacquiOR @ITimbrell @philsharrock I came across a school that insisted the top edge of the top stripe on the tie must be exactly 2.5 cm from the knot. They actually had staff measuring them in the mornings. I think I can safely say that the majority of jobs requiring uniforms don't go this far!

If school uniform is soooo important why does it stop at College and University? Learning must stop there? Behaviors appallingly bad there? Never seen a silent corridor in a college or university...hmmm

@Pyritta @Julespg @ITimbrell @philsharrock Mine is definitely comfy (baggy and loose) with big pockets (practical) can be washed at high temps and does not require ironing. School uniform does not compare

@Julespg @JacquiOR @ITimbrell @philsharrock Many work uniforms are also designed for comfort, or are in fact a dress code or only partial (eg wear black trousers/skirt and white top, or branded top).

@AnnMemmott @philsharrock Definitely- so many of the rules re uniform schools make no sense. I wear scrubs (essentially pjs with useful pockets) and trainers to work - my kids would be happy with that - relaxed and comfy… uncomfortable and restricted by shirts, ties and dress shoes does not aid learning

@AnnMemmott @philsharrock I think for me it’s the unbending rules and punishments that schools attach to ‘uniform infringements’ that cause unnecessary anxiety - well for my kids anyway

@ITimbrell @philsharrock Yes but I don’t get detention for wearing the wrong shoes or have to take my coat off as I enter the hospital- it’s not just the uniform it’s the the way that often unnecessarily harsh rules around it are enforced

@philsharrock Nurses, consultants, restaurant staff, waiters, pilots, air stewards, refuse collectors, supermarket staff to name a few. Uniforms exist all through society.

@AnnMemmott @philsharrock And many nurses do wear civvies. I prefer uniform so I don’t have think (or iron) in the morning but it’s not compulsory

@niallpboyce @DrChloeBeale It is exhausting and damaging for patients and clinicians. And the main reason I am slowly coming to realise that after 20 years I cannot keep being part of this mess.

@helen_barnowl That sounds like a something that would be both amazing but also terrifying. Totally something worth doing

Am I brave enough to speak to the whole of GP land in my borough on being an #ActuallyAutistic woman?

The Trust involved here is not alone • Short term care • Poor recognition of the nature of SMI • Failure to engage *with* patients • Poor continuity between ward and community •Poor understanding of the MHA •Unrealistic expectations of GPs •And a lack of compassion

Being a perfectionist in a culture that surrounds you with examples of perfection and demands the same of you is normal, not a personality disorder. So disappointed that @AFNCCF @NHS put their names to this. Just awful 4/4