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Unhealthy Anger
Could Be a Symptom of Autism
It is my privilege to have helped a number of young people manage their anger more effectively over the past 20 years. Many of those young people displayed signs of autism, although those signs were not 'obvious' enough to warrant an autism assessment. As a result, they were identified as the 'naughty kid' and referred to me for anger management services. It is worth noting that many autistic individuals express their anger more aggressively than those without autism.
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The truth is, they are not exhibiting bad behaviour; they are often expressing their primal anger. Essentially, they are in survival mode and are attempting to cope with external stimuli, as well as integrate into their surroundings and process too much information.
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In order for an autistic young person to thrive in school and later in life, early intervention is essential. Most times, an autism diagnosis is received too late for a young person. In fact, there are millions of undiagnosed and misdiagnosed autistic adults, who were labelled 'problem' children.
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It is also common for many of us to mask our autism in order to fit in with others. This is another reason why so many autistic adults are undiagnosed.
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When I discovered that I am autistic, it was a liberating experience for me.
Even so, I believe that if I had been diagnosed earlier in my life, perhaps I would have found my tribe sooner and learned to manage my autism earlier.
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Autism assessments need to be readily available - therefore, I am now offering this service.​
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If you suspect you might be autistic, get an assessment, join autistic groups, and embrace this gift.
Autistic people who changed the world
Autism is a gift to the world and even more so to the individual. Although for some of us, it can be disabling; even then, we can positively affect the lives of others.
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If you have autism, be encouraged that you are gifted in ways that non-autistics are not.
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To acknowledge how autism can change the world - below is a small list of gifted change makers and influencers with autism.
Albert Einstein: Scientist & Mathematician
Andy Warhol: Artist
Barbara McClintock: Scientist and Cytogeneticist
Benjamin Banneker: African American almanac author, surveyor, naturalist, and farmer
Bill Gates: Co-founder of the Microsoft Corporation
Bobby Fischer: Chess Grandmaster
Charles Darwin: Naturalist, Geologist, and Biologist
Dan Aykroyd: Comedic Actor
Daryl Hannah: Actress & Environmental Activist
Emily Dickinson: Poet
Hans Christian Andersen: Children’s Author
Henry Cavendish: Scientist
James Joyce: Author of “Ulysses”
Jerry Seinfeld: Comedian
Lewis Carroll: Author of “Alice in Wonderland”
Ludwig Wittgenstein: Philosopher
Michelangelo: Sculptor, Painter, Architect, Poet
Nikola Tesla: Inventor
Paul Dirac: Physicist
Satoshi Tajiri: Creator of Nintendo’s Pokémon
Sir Isaac Newton: Mathematician, Astronomer, & Physicist
Stanley Kubrick: Film Director
Steve Jobs: Former CEO of Apple
Temple Grandin: Animal Scientist
Thomas Jefferson: Early American Politician
Tim Burton: Movie Director
William Butler Yeats: Poet
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: Classical Composer
How does the assessment work?
In line with best practice guidance from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) and the 'Gold Standard' for assessment tools, the assessment is in two parts:
The first part of the assessment is ADI-R (Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised). This is an interview conducted with a partner, parent, carer or someone who knows the individual well. The interview can last up to 2.5 hours (this can be conducted through video call).
The second part of the assessment is the ADOS-2 (Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule 2nd Version), used with the individual being assessed. This needs to take place face-to-face at either my office in South Norfolk or at a convenient location near the individual being assessed. The ADOS-2 is a series of activities that the participant and I will do together. This can last up to 60 minutes.
After the assessment, I will then combine the data from both assessments and provide you with the results. A full descriptive report from the assessment with be available up to 48 hours later.
Is my autism assessment recognised?
For Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs): Is a Private Autism Diagnosis Recognised?
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Parents who are considering a Private Autism Diagnostic Assessment for their child are likely to wonder if a diagnosis of Autism confirmed by a Private Autism Diagnostic Service outside the NHS can be recognised by the Local Authorities for the purpose of providing their child with additional support – such as an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP).
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Depending on your local authority, private diagnoses may or may not be accepted. You may need an NHS diagnosis before you or your child are able to receive services from them. With this in mind, you might prefer to join the NHS waiting list for an autism assessment.
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However, a local authority cannot dismiss a professional diagnostic report simply because it is privately sourced - the Special Educational Needs and Disability Code of Practice (2015) is quite clear on this point. You can seek independent advice from your local authority for guidance if you are unsure whether a private assessment will be accepted as evidence for an Education, Health and Care Plan (HECP). It is possible to file a complaint if the information provided contradicts the information given below.
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As part of the Special Educational Needs and Disability Code of Practice (2015), which is statutory guidance from the government, local authorities must factor in what they consider before undertaking an education, health, and care needs assessment. Paragraph 9.14 of this document states:
"To inform their decision the local authority will need to take into account a wide range of evidence and should pay particular attention to... Evidence of the child or young person’s physical, emotional and social development and health needs, drawing on relevant evidence from clinicians and other health professionals and what has been done to meet these by other agencies."
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According to the code of practice, there should be a consideration for the opinions of non-NHS professionals. Local authorities who disregard this advice, without good reason, are likely to be in violation of the code of practice for special educational needs and disabilities.
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Health and education should recognise that a good quality assessment and diagnosis are absolutely valid. I define a good quality assessment as one that follows guidelines for diagnosing autism. The National Institute of Health and Care Excellence, also known as NICE, provides the guidance that I use.
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Our standards of care and professional conduct are the same regardless of where I work.
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I follow the NICE guidelines when conducting assessments and use the 'gold standard' tools when collecting data. Therefore, my diagnosis is just as credible as the NHS's diagnosis.