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Autism Is Not a Mental Illness: So Why Are We Treated As If It Is?
A History of Misunderstanding Autism has been wrongly viewed through the lens of mental illness. Historically, autistic people have been detained under the Mental Health Act. Yet autism is not a mental illness. It cannot be medicated or “treated away”. Autism is a different neurotype. A unique way of feeling, thinking, and processing the world… Read more
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Sharing Lived Experience: Driving Inclusive Change at the National Knowledge Exchange
On 8th January 2026, I had the privilege of speaking at the National Knowledge Exchange Conference, hosted by the National Association for Advancing Autism Education. It was a thought-provoking event, bringing together leaders to discuss personalised practice, inclusive policies, and building systems that truly work for neurodivergent learners. Sharing My Journey Standing on that stage… Read more
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A Room Full of People Who Get It: My Day at the Autistic Mental Health Conference
Arriving at the Conference On Saturday 16th August I went to the Autistic Mental Health Conference 2025, a local conference run by autistic people. It was my first time ever going to a conference, and honestly it was awesome. Have you ever walked into a room and immediately felt like you belonged? That’s exactly how… Read more
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From Powerless to Powerful: My Journey from Hospital Detention to the Houses of Parliament
Speaking Out for the First Time On Tuesday 29th April 2025, I spoke infront of the Houses of Parliament in relation to autistic people and those with learning disabilities being detained in hospitals. I sang a song about my hospital experience as part of the rally, and I delivered a speech to the Department of… Read more
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Too Complex for the System: Too Human for its Limits?
Imagine trying to thrive in a world that constantly tells you that you don’t fit. Not because you’re broken, but because the system refuses to bend. My name is Ava McAuley, I am the author of this blog, as well as an independent autistic trainer and activist with a deep-rooted passion for neurodiversity, shaped by… Read more
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