A Deeper Understanding of Autistic People

Understand the diagnostic process and barriers to accessing diagnosis

Recognising whether a person is autistic can be a key step in helping them access appropriate support and achieve self-knowledge.

On this four-week course from the University of Kent, you’ll explore the diagnostic process and the barriers many autistic people face in accessing diagnosis. You’ll learn what it means (and doesn’t mean) to be autistic to help you gain a deeper understanding of autistic people.

Examine the specificities of autism in women, girls, and other marginalised gender identities

We know that research has historically focused on autistic men and boys, and that this has impacted the way autistic people of all genders are viewed.

You’ll learn about the experiences of autistic women, girls, trans and/or non-binary people, and consider the impact that gender identity, and other inequalities, have on the accessibility of diagnostic and support services.

Unpack the social model of disability

The social model of disability holds that barriers within society are what make a person ‘disabled’, not medical conditions.

You’ll examine differences between the medical and social models of disability, and why these influence how autistic people are treated within services and society more broadly.

Discover new developments in research with and about autistic people

Over the four weeks of the course, you’ll be introduced to new developments in research with and about autistic people, as well as theories used to explain autistic differences.

Your learning will be guided by autistic and non-autistic academics at the University of Kent, who’ll share their expertise on what it means to be an autistic person.

This course is designed for anyone interested in developing a deeper understanding of autistic people.

It will be particularly valuable for autistic people, their family members, and professionals working with autistic people in education, health, social care, or other areas.

• An introduction to autistic differences
• Welcome and introduction
• Neurodiversity and social communication
• Similarities and differences
• Diagnosis
• Diagnostic pathways
• Current criteria
• Responses to diagnosis
• Gender and diversity
• The role of gender and diversity
• Barriers to diagnosis
• Support
• Theories
• Theories
• Practical impact of theories
• Conclusion