LIFE IN COLOUR
COACHING
Resources & Research
Think of this as the cosy corner of my website — the place I’d point you to if we were sitting together with cups of something warm (or cold) and you said,
“… do you have anything that explains this in a way my brain won’t fight with?”
I’ve gathered the things I trust, the things that spark recognition, the things that make us both go, “Ohhh, that’s why.”
It’s a mix of evidence, lived experience, gentle frameworks, and the occasional nerdy / geeky delight — all chosen with you in mind.
Wander through, geek out, take what lands, leave what doesn’t, and come back whenever you like. I'll update this page as often as I can.
Video links
Why everything you know about Autism is wrong
Dr Jac Den Houting, 2019
Why everything you know about autism is wrong | Jac den Houting | TEDxMacquarieUniversity
What I like:
Jac said something that really resonated with me - I'm not a broken neurotypical person, I am a perfectly good autistic person! Whilst this is a little bit old, it's an oldy but a goldy!
Unlocking Potential: AI for Neurodiverse minds
Craig Smith, 2025
Unlocking Potential: AI for Neurodiverse Minds | Craig Smith | TEDxCooks Hill
What I like:
Craig is a whizz in the tech / AI space. I've taken on his approach of working with AI to reduce the load on my executive functioning by using it to help me organise my day.
What I like:
This is a short, easy to watch video. It gives a great explanation of some key aspects of Autism in a fun way.
What I like:
This is a short, easy to watch video. It gives a great explanation of some key aspects of AuDHD experiences in a fun way.
What I like:
This is a short, easy to watch video (15 mins). Alex gives real, relatable example of how Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria can present itself in neurodivergent people. Whilst Alex is ADHD, it also relates to autistic people.
Autistic Burnout
Autistic Young Expert, 2024
What I like:
This is a the first of a series of 4 videos. Four young autistic adults discuss their experiences of burnout, what may have prevented it and how they recovered. It's presented in a way that is easy to follow and highly relatable.
Books
By Leanne Maskell
What I like:
Right at the start of the book, Leanne stated it could be read in any way that works for you. No rules. No pressure. Just… permission.
That one sentence shifted something for me, and I ended up reading the whole book within a week.
What really stayed with me was the way she put words around experiences I know deeply — not because I couldn’t articulate them, but because hearing someone else name them with such clarity and honesty creates a different kind of resonance. It’s validating in a way that feels grounding rather than performative.
By Chloe Hayden
What I like:
Everything! Chloe is absolutely brilliant at authentically and generously sharing her experiences and offering real and practical advice.
By Kathryn Cave
What I like:
This is an oldy but a goldy! Published in 2011, this is a beautiful story about difference. It opens up the concept of difference and how we don't have to be the same to connect with someone else.
Websites
Monotropism
This site was put together by Fergus Murray, with support from Wenn Lawson and Panda Mery. It is designed as a resource for anyone interested in learning about monotropism.
https://autisticrealms.com/map-of-monotropic-experiences/
Created by Helen Edgar of Autistic Realms in collaboration with Stimpunks.
Inspired by the Map of Procrastination by Gemma Correll.
Pre-menstrual Dysphoric Disorder
Resources, templates, information
UK Based
Menstrual and Menopause Wellbeing Policy - Victorian Women's Trust
Policy template for menstrual and menopause wellbeing.
Project F - Menstrual Policy Guide
Autistic and ADHD Burnout
Autistic_burnout_information_sheet_March_2025.pdf
Information sheet developed by ASPECT, NSW
Burnout Resources & Signposting: Neuro-Affirming Support For Autistic People | Autistic Realms
Autistic Burnout resources for young people, families & educational settings colla
Project F - Menstrual Policy Guide
Journal articles
Research Behind NU‑CUES
Autistic Identity
Davies, J., Cooper, K., Killick, E., Sam, E., Healy, M., Thompson, G., Mandy, W., Redmayne, B., & Crane, L. (2023). Autistic identity: A systematic review of quantitative research. Autism Research. https://doi.org/10.1002/aur.XXXXX
Key findings
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Autistic identity is a powerful determinant of wellbeing.
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Positive identity and community belonging support mental health.
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Stigma — both internalised and external — undermines wellbeing.
Downloadable resources coming soon