Autistic Consultant & Independent Researcher, Wenn, leading by example to empower autistic individuals and promote quality co-produced research

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are Dr. Wenn's responses to some common questions that people may wish to ask about autism. Please note that these are my own views and should not be construed as medical advice. Autistic individuals are all different and what works for one person may not be suitable for another.

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1. What causes autism?

2. What is it like being autistic?

3. Why are so many more people being diagnosed with autism now than there used to be?

4. Why do you call yourself autistic instead of a person with autism?

5. What is neurodiversity?

6. How do autistic people learn?

7. What should I do if I think that I might be autistic?

8. My child has just been diagnosed what should I do?

9. Can my child's autism be controlled?

10. Will my child be able to go to a mainstream school? Are specialised schools or home schooling better options?

11. Will my child become less autistic as they get older?

12. Will my child have a job, get married and live independently as an adult?

13. My child is being bullied what should I do?

14. How can I help my child to make friends?

15. When should I try to change my child's behaviours and special interests and how should I go about it?

16. How much "screen time" should I let my child have?

17. What are your thoughts about autism and medication?

18. I'm think about trying a particular treatment for my child? What do you think about this treatment?

19. How can I get my child the help and support they need?

20. Can autistic people make good parents?

21. Are autistic people capable of empathy?

22. Are autistic people more likely to engage in criminal behaviour?

23. What are some of the major myths and misconceptions about autism?

24. What is the connection between autism and gender variance?

25. Why do so many autistic people have mental health conditions such as anxiety?

26. Why are so many autistic people unemployed? How can we help?

27. What supports and services do autistic adults need?

28. What are the potential benefits of co-producing research with the autistic community?

Questions compiled by John Muggleton (1998) and Tori Haar (2017). Answers given or updated by Dr. Wenn Lawson in August 2017.