Autism presents in a multitude of different and highly nuanced ways - particularly as it intersects with variance in class, gender, race and age.
Misunderstanding and misinformation around variant and differing presentations means that misdiagnosed individuals and those who do not receive a diagnosis at all are often failed by medical, education, social care and criminal justice systems. They are detained in inappropriate settings; don't receive beneficial therapeutic input; have their families accused of fabricated or induced illness (FII); are kept in prison or youth offending institutions longer than their original tariffs, and shockingly their life expectancy is often curtailed as a result.
This comprehensive resource will help multidisciplinary professions to understand, contextualise, and better identify diverse autistic presentations. It includes an overview of the autism diagnostic process, an exploration of controversial and commonly confused diagnoses such as PDA, ODD, CD, ASPD, and BPD; discussions of best practice for investigating FII; and analysis of the specific challenges of autism diagnosis in relation to women and girls, BAME communities, schools, and the criminal justice system.

Dr Eaton's wealth of knowledge and vast experience flows through this book which is full of excellent clinical insights and very valuable lessons learned along the way over her two decades of rich and varied clinical practice. Patients' compelling personal stories are weaved into the book, bringing the clinical information to life and providing priceless context. This book is essential to help any professional working with autistic people to avoid their being missed or misdiagnosed. -- Dr Gloria Dura-Vila, NHS and private Consultant Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist and author of The Amazing Autistic Brain Cards, the Panda on PDA, Me and my PDA and My Autism Book.

Dr Judy Eaton is a clinical psychologist. She has assessed and worked with many girls with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) with mental health issues in both in- and out-patient settings. She lives in Norfolk, UK.