As a psychotherapist with an MA in Autism, and numerous awards for my work with neurodivergent people, I mainly work with people who have had a autism late-diagnosis, including women misdiagnosed with an emotionally unstable personality 'disorder', who discover they are autistic. I intensely dislike the concept of 'disordered' and work with my clients to unravel their brilliance and struggles from a life position of "I'm-OK, You're-OK". In-session we explore what it means to be autistic, including masking, sensory processing differences, disordered eating, co-occurring conditions, communication approaches and so much more. I have an in-depth understanding of the Family Courts, Special Education and Disability Tribunals, and Social Care. I support people who have experienced discrimination and injustice where their 'difference' has been misunderstood.

Publications:

Community Care. (2017, May 15). Pathological demand avoidance: what it is and why do social workers need to know? Retrieved from Community Care: https://www.communitycare.co.uk/2019/05/15/pathological-demand-avoidance-social-workers-need-know/

The Transactional Analyst. (2021). Autism and Trauma: a personal perspective. The Transactional Analyst, 20-21.

Gullon-Scott, F. & Long, C. (2022). FII and Perplexing Presentations: What is the Evidence Base for and against Current Guidelines, and What are the Implications for Social Services? British Journal of Social Work, 1-17

BASW, Fabricated or Induced Illness and Perplexing Presentations – Practice Guidance for Social Work Practitioners, Long et. al., 2022

Long, et. al., PANS, PANDAS and Fabricated or Induced Illness: A Guide for Social Work, Healthcare and Education Professionals, PANS PANDAS UK, May 2023.

O'Nions, et. al., (November 2023). How can autistic adults be supported in primary care? British Journal of General Practice, 518-521

Eaton, J. (2023). Autism Missed and Misdiagnosed: Identifying, Understanding and Supporting Diverse Autistic Identities, (Chapter 9) Cathleen Long. Jessica Kingsley Publishers