For decades, autism was considered a condition that primarily affected boys. The diagnostic criteria were developed largely based on research into male presentation. The result is a generation — and more — of autistic girls and women who were missed entirely, misdiagnosed with anxiety or personality disorders, or told they could not possibly be autistic …

Continue reading “Autism in girls: why so many are missed, misdiagnosed, and left without support”

Autism is a lifelong condition — but for many adults, it was never identified in childhood. Whether you are in your twenties, forties, or beyond, recognising that you may be autistic and seeking an assessment is entirely valid and can be genuinely life-changing.

For a long time, autism and ADHD were treated as mutually exclusive — if you had one, you could not be diagnosed with the other. That changed in 2013 when the DSM-5 (the American diagnostic manual used internationally) removed the exclusion criterion. Research since then has made clear that autism and ADHD frequently co-occur.

The transition from primary to secondary school is one of the most significant challenges many autistic children face. A new building, multiple teachers, a complex timetable, hundreds of new peers, and the end of the close, predictable primary classroom — all at once, at an age when social demands are increasing rapidly.

If you have private health insurance, it is natural to wonder whether it will cover the cost of an autism assessment. The answer is: sometimes — but with significant caveats. This guide explains what most UK health insurance policies will and will not cover, which insurers are most likely to help, and what to do …

Continue reading “Does health insurance cover private autism assessment in the UK?”

The cost of a private autism assessment — typically between £900 and £2,200 for a full assessment — is out of reach as a single upfront payment for many families. The good news is that paying in instalments is more widely available than most people realise. This guide covers your options.

Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is the main disability benefit for adults aged 16 to 64 in the UK. For autistic adults — or for teenagers transitioning from DLA to PIP at age 16 — understanding how autism affects a PIP claim, and whether a private diagnosis strengthens it, is essential.