Understanding Autism Series: A Comprehensive Guide for Professionals, Families, and Autistic Adults
What Is Autism? Expert Insights from Lived Experience and Professional Research
Understanding autism is essential for healthcare professionals, educators, social care workers, families, and Autistic individuals seeking to better understand themselves. This comprehensive series provides evidence-based insights combined with authentic lived experience from David Gray-Hammond, an Autistic consultant, researcher, and author specializing in neurodiversity.
Whether you’re asking “Am I Autistic?”, seeking to support Autistic people in your professional practice, or wanting to understand the autism spectrum better, this resource hub offers practical, affirming guidance grounded in current research and neurodiversity-affirming practices.
What You’ll Learn in the Understanding Autism Series
Fundamentals for Everyone
This education series covers essential topics including:
- What autism is and how Autistic people experience the world
- The autism spectrum explained – moving beyond outdated linear models
- Autistic identity and self-discovery – answering “Am I Autistic?”
- Monotropism theory – understanding Autistic attention and focus
- The ecosystemic model of distress – how environments impact Autistic wellbeing
- Support frameworks – creating genuinely helpful accommodations
- Mental health and autism – addressing co-occurring conditions appropriately
Who This Guide Is For
- Healthcare professionals seeking autism training and clinical insights
- Educators and teachers working with Autistic students
- Social care workers supporting Autistic adults and children
- Parents and family members of Autistic people
- Autistic adults exploring self-understanding and identity
- Organizations implementing neurodiversity-affirming practices
- Researchers studying neurodevelopmental conditions
Featured Articles: Understanding In-Depth
Understanding Autism: Am I Autistic?
Discover how to explore Autistic identity with this comprehensive guide addressing the common question “Am I Autistic?” Written from the perspective of an Autistic adult with professional expertise, this article provides:
- Self-reflection frameworks for identification
- Understanding Autistic traits in adults
- Navigating the assessment process
- Self-diagnosis validity in the Autistic community
Understanding Autism: What Is The Autism Spectrum?
Rethinking the spectrum – This article challenges outdated linear models of severity and introduces the concept of a spiky profile. Learn why:
- Being Autistic is not a linear spectrum from “mild” to “severe”
- Autistic needs are dynamic and context-dependent
- Support requirements vary across different areas of life
- The spectrum represents diversity, not deficit
Read: What Is The Autism Spectrum?
Understanding Autism: The Ecosystemic Model Of Distress
How environments create or prevent Autistic distress – Building on Luke Beardon’s golden equation (autism + environment = outcome), this article introduces an ecosystemic framework for understanding Autistic mental health:
- Why distress is generated by human ecosystems, not person themselves
- The importance of environmental modification over individual “fixing”
- Creating sustainable, safe environments for Autistic people
- Ecological conservation approaches to support
Read: The Ecosystemic Model Of Distress
Creating Autistic Suffering: Failures In Identification
This installment of Creating Autistic Suffering explores the failurss of the doagnostic system and how we identify Autistic people through historical inquiry and contemporary autism theory.
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Why This Resource Is Different
Lived Experience Meets Professional Expertise
David Gray-Hammond brings a unique combination of:
- Autistic lived experience – authentic insights from being multiply neurodivergent
- Academic credentials – BSc (Hons) Forensic and Archaeological Science
- Published research – co-founder of the Autistic Substance Use Network (ASUN)
- Professional training experience – working with healthcare, education, and social care organizations across the UK
- Published author – Amazon bestselling books on neurodiversity
Neurodiversity-Affirming Approach
This series embraces:
- Identity-first language (Autistic person, not “person with autism”)
- Rights-based advocacy for Autistic people
- Strengths-based perspectives rather than deficit models
- Community-aligned values reflecting Autistic preferences and priorities
- Evidence-based practices grounded in current research
Additional Neurodiversity Resources
Explore More Autism Content
For further writing on neurodiversity, and related topics, visit:
- Emergent Divergence – David’s primary blog on autism and neurodiversity
- DGH ND Consultancy– Substack Newsletter
- David Gray-Hammond Personal Site – Personal Substack Newsletter
Related Services
- Autism and Neurodiversity Training – Professional development for organizations
- Autistic Wellbeing Support – Mentoring and consultancy for Autistic individuals
- Mindfully Divergent Program – Wellbeing program for Autistic adults
Get Professional Autism Training and Consultancy
Neurodiversity Training for Organizations
DGH Neurodivergent Consultancy provides training for:
- Healthcare settings (NHS, private practices, mental health services)
- Educational institutions (schools, colleges, universities)
- Social care organizations
- Charity sector organizations
- Corporate diversity and inclusion initiatives
Training formats available:
- Online training sessions
- In-person workshops and seminars
- Bespoke consultancy for organizational change
- Public speaking at conferences and events
Book an Consultation
Whether you’re seeking support as an individual, professional development training, or organizational consultancy, DGH Neurodivergent Consultancy offers:
- Initial consultations to discuss your needs
- Tailored training programs
- Research collaboration opportunities
- Expert advisory services
Book Your Initial Consultation
Frequently Asked Questions About Autism
What is autism? Autism is a neurodevelopmental difference affecting how people perceive and interact with the world. Autistic people may experience differences in social communication, sensory processing, and patterns of attention and interest.
How do I know if I’m Autistic? Many Autistic adults discover their identity through self-reflection, community connection, and professional assessment. Read our Am I Autistic? article for guidance.
Is autism a spectrum? Yes, but not in a linear way. The spectrum represents diversity in how autism presents, with individuals having varying strengths and support needs across different areas. Learn more in What Is The Autism Spectrum?
How can professionals better support Autistic people? By understanding Autistic experiences, creating accessible environments, and adopting neurodiversity-affirming practices. Explore our professional training options.
Stay Updated on Autism Research and Insights
New articles are regularly added to the Understanding Autism series. Topics include:
- Autistic experience and mental health
- Sensory processing in Autistic people
- Autistic communication styles
- Intersectionality and Autistic people
- Autistic experience and substance use
- Creating Autistic-friendly environments
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About the Author: David Gray-Hammond
David Gray-Hammond is an Autistic consultant, researcher, and author specializing in neurodiversity. With professional qualifications, published academic research, and authentic lived experience, David provides autism training and consultancy to organizations across the UK and internationally.
Professional credentials:
- BSc (Hons) Forensic and Archaeological Science
- Co-founder, Autistic Substance Use Network (ASUN)
- Lead Advisor for Autistic and Neurodivergent Rights, International Coalition Against Restraint and Seclusion
- Expert Advisor to the Care Quality Commission
- Published author of multiple books on neurodiversity
- Published reseatcher in the field of Autistic substance use
Learn more about David | Read testimonials
Ready to deepen your understanding? Explore the articles above or contact us to discuss training and consultancy for your organization.