Autism

Articles, Films and practical Guides on autism, part of Psyche’s coverage of disorders and difficulties.
Painting of a steam train with a red roof chugging along tracks at sunset with mountains and a moose in the background.
PAINTING AND SCULPTURE

An autistic artist searches for the ‘souls’ of machines

Directed by Leonard Kamerling

Illustration of a room with a person lounging on a bed, a pink dresser, a table with cups and a plant.
AUTISM
1

A mysterious black orb trails Mo, growing ever harder to ignore

A film by Gil Goletski

People in hooded jackets standing in a park with grass and trees, a rainbow in the sky and a building in the background.
NEURODIVERSITY
5

Why we should think of neurodiversity like we do personality

It’s a mistake to frame autistic and ADHD traits as either deficits or mere differences. There’s another way to see them

by Joshua May

Photo of people in winter clothing exiting a tram at a busy station.
AUTISM

Late autism diagnosis: it’s a relief, but who’s behind the mask?

By the time an adult learns they’re autistic, they have often been covering up for years. A period of self-discovery awaits

by Leonie Mercedes

Photo of a person in a wheelchair from behind. Shoes with red details are visible. Pedestrians walk nearby on a city street.
DISABILITY

Prejudice is more of a problem for some disabilities than others

It’s welcome that there’s more awareness of ableism, but further progress means digging into the varied ways it plays out

by Matt Huston

Photo of a busy underground train platform with people boarding and exiting a stationary train.
NEURODIVERSITY

Adapting to the neurotypical world is not the same as conforming

As an autistic person, this is how I draw the line between adapting in a way that’s good for me and simple conformity

by Jack Ori

Colourful abstract illustration of a person with closed eyes, featuring vibrant brushstrokes and line work in shades of orange, yellow, green, pink and blue.
AUTISM
1

Enter the sensory world of an overstimulated Autistic mind

A film by Miguel Jirón and Scott Mahoy

Photo of a kitchen with word magnets on a fridge and two people in the background at a table.
AUTISM
6

Autistic people challenge preconceived ideas about rationality

While cognitive biases commonly sway decision-making, Autistic people might be less susceptible to such biases

by Liron Rozenkrantz & Anila D’Mello

Photo of two people playing chess outdoors, seated on tyres near a graffiti-covered wall and blooming tree under cloudy skies.
NEURODIVERSITY
13

How to be a good friend to an Autistic person

Autistic and non-autistic people see the social world differently. But openness and empathy can foster a valuable bond

by Abby Sesterka & Erin Bulluss

Photo of pinned insects on display, with a magnifying glass highlighting a large yellow and black beetle.
NEURODIVERSITY

Why neurodiversity and entomology so often go together

Science has neglected to study the passions of autistic people like me. Here’s why so many of us are drawn to insects

by Alice Laciny

Photo of sunlight through trees with colourful light leaks creating red and white streaks across the image.
AUTISM
3

Feeling fearful? Welcome to my world, and let me help you with it

My experience of autism and my scientific expertise in photonics have given me a special insight into breaking down fear

by Camilla Pang

Photo of a child and adult blowing dandelion seeds in a green outdoor setting, both looking joyful and focused.
NEURODIVERSITY

Autistic people shouldn’t have to use ‘camouflage’ to fit in

If society were more tolerant and understanding of autistic people, they could ditch their camouflage and be themselves

by Francesca Happé