My name is Emily.

I am a young autistic woman with ADHD. I talk about neurodivergence and mental health, and am the Sunday Times Bestselling author of ‘Girl Unmasked: How Uncovering My Autism Saved My Life.’

I've struggled with my mental health since the age of 13, which led to me being sectioned aged 16 on a children’s mental health unit. I was diagnosed with autism and OCD just before my 17th birthday and with ADHD at the age of 21.

I began tweeting about my experiences shortly after my autism diagnosis, and discovered a whole online community of wonderful autistic people. I feel very grateful that people have decided to follow me.

Since being diagnosed, I have dedicated a huge amount of time to researching autism in order to help me to understand myself better. My blog is a collection of these rambles and thoughts.

Thank you for being here and for following along on my journey.

Hello

Love, Emily x

DISCLAIMER: Everything I write is based off of my own lived experience and personal views. They do not represent any organisations or professional bodies unless stated. What I say is no substitute for professional advice. Please seek professional advice where necessary.

Testimonials

  • Informative

    Could you thank Emily for her presentation and sharing her life story. It was very informative and moving and I wish her well in her continued good work promoting and educating professionals and society in understanding and supporting autistic people. It made me think about how I will support the young people I will be working with in the future.

  • Impactful

    I would like to pass on my gratitude for Emily coming to talk to us on Wednesday. Her ability to share so much important information in such a short time will have an impact on the work that I do both directly with young people and families and within the team. I wish her well for completing her nursing training and hope our paths cross again in the future.

  • Brave

    I found it hugely informative and loved hearing Emily’s personal story as it added context and depth to the presentation. Clear, concise, brave and thought-provoking. Thank you and wish you all the best in the next stage of your journey.

  • Inspirational

    Emily is inspirational in sharing her story and in helping and supporting Neurotypical Clinicians in understanding what they can do to support neurodivergent young people with their mental health, so valuable and so grateful. Thank you!

  • Role model

    I have just watched your talk on the NAS Conference and found it incredibly inspiring! It is not always easy to find female role models with autism that my students can identify with.

  • My talk fees vary depending on the place and length of the talk and preparation time needed.

    I am receiving an increased number of speaking requests at the moment and am not able to take on all of these. If I am able to meet your request, I aim to respond within one week.

    I have limited availability on some Mondays, but Autistic Girls Network also offers training packages.

Contact me

Publications

Media 

    • The Care Quality Commission (2018) - on the quality of CAMHS services

    • Marine Management Organisation (2023) - on neurodiversity at work and an overview of neurodiversity

    • Clinical Psychology Doctorate students (2018) - on engaging with young people in mental health crises.

    • Mental Health Nursing students (2023) - lecture on Autism and ADHD in mental health services

    • Training to lecturers (2023) - on supporting students with autism and ADHD on health and social care courses

    • CAMHS inpatient unit - on being an autistic young person in hospital

    • Early intervention CAMHS teams - on my journey and what autistic people need from mental health services

    • Consultation with early intervention services - on developing CAMHS services

  • CCQI Autism Special Interest day - on my experience of a CAMHS inpatient admission before and after an autism diagnosis

  • Webinar ‘Learning From the Literature’ - on being an autistic person in mental health services

  • Annual conference - on what autistic people need from mental health services

    • Newton Prep School, London (2023) - assembly and workshop for years 5-8 on autism/ADHD/acceptance titled ‘Embracing Difference’

    • JAGS Partnership (2024) - talk and Q&A with SENDCO's

  • Webinar on autism and mental health

  • Webinar for young people

  • Q&A on Girl Unmasked, autism and neurodivergence

  • For their women and neurodiversity ERG Collective

Talks  

  • A new charity set up to raise awareness and understanding of autistic girls and increase support in education and health-care.

  • Former member of my NHS mental health and learning disability trust’s CAMHS Young People’s Council (2018-2022)

  • Former Public Governor for my NHS mental health and learning disability trust (2018-2022)

Roles