MHAPS: Theme Talk – Autism & Mental Distress

There are many misconceptions in society about what autism is. When seeking support, autistic people and those with a lived experience of mental distress often face stigma, discrimination, the lack of authentic peer support and the dominance of the ‘medical model.’ These factors make can it very difficult for people who are struggling to pursue and enjoy a full sense of ‘citizenship’ in today’s world.

Annie Southern PhD will outline the main features of autism and look at the ways in which it intersects with mental distress in general – using her own personal experience as someone with a later-in-life diagnosis of autism.