Dr Punit Shah discusses why he published his novel research results in the Cambridge University Press journal, Experimental Results: https://cup.org/3Lz93DU

In this, our third annual Salvesen Lecture Dr Punit Shah of the University of Bath will ask "Are similarities just as important as differences in neurodiversity research?", drawing on a body of work with autistic adults. Dr Shah says: "The neurodiversity paradigm is an important and powerful mechanism to rethink ‘difficulties’ in neurodevelopmental conditions, like autism and ADHD, towards understanding and celebrating strengths among neurodivergent people. This approach, however, remains focussed on differences instead of similarities between “neurodivergent” and “neurotypical” thinkers. Drawing on examples of my research on autism in adulthood – much of which was co-produced with neurodivergent people within the GW4 Neurodevelopmental Neurodiversity Network – I report several findings of small and non-significant associations with autism. In view of these results, and ever-growing discussions about neurodiversity in (non)academic contexts, I propose that understanding and celebrating similarities between “neurodivergent” and “neurotypical” people may be just as important as finding differences. I speculate that this process might be useful in improving cohesion between different groups in society, in context of neurodivergence and beyond. To this end, I will reflect on i) improving statistical methods, ii) encouraging academic journals to prioritise null findings, iii) enhancing media promotion, and particularly iv) co-production, as important routes to advancing the neurodiversity agenda."

Neurodevelopmental conditions, such as ADHD, Autism, and Dyslexia, are some of the most costly conditions in the UK and US and have significant impacts on many people’s lives. There is a lot of overlap between these conditions, but they are usually researched and managed separately by clinicians. Neurodevelopmental conditions can also be conceptualised as 'neurodiversity', which aims to appreciate the strengths of ‘neurodivergent’ people – such as Richard Branson and Greta Thunberg – who have made some amazing contributions to our society in recent times. However, this can lead to tension; whilst there are many highly successful neurodivergent people, there are also parents of children who have severe neurodevelopmental issues who require support. The idea of ‘neurodiversity’ is poorly understood and is often used as a buzzword among academic and commercial organisations who increasingly use it without awareness of up-to-date scientific research on neurodevelopmental conditions and neurodiversity. Dr Punit Shah, Senior Lecturer in Psychology and an expert on neurodevelopmental conditions in adulthood, discusses his work on mental processing in neurodevelopmental conditions. Drawing on a growing collaboration of leading researchers in the South West’s GW4 Universities (Bath, Bristol, Cardiff, & Exeter) and the GW4 Neurodevelopmental Neurodiversity Network, he discusses the promise and pitfalls of the neurodiversity paradigm, working with the audience to consider ways in which it may inform their work in and outside of academic settings.

Neurodevelopmental conditions, such as ADHD, Autism, and Dyslexia, are some of the most costly conditions in the UK and US and have significant impacts on many people’s lives. There is a lot of overlap between these conditions, but they are usually researched and managed separately by clinicians. Neurodevelopmental conditions can also be conceptualised as 'neurodiversity', which aims to appreciate the strengths of ‘neurodivergent’ people – such as Richard Branson and Greta Thunberg – who have made some amazing contributions to our society in recent times. However, this can lead to tension; whilst there are many highly successful neurodivergent people, there are also parents of children who have severe neurodevelopmental issues who require support. The idea of ‘neurodiversity’ is poorly understood and is often used as a buzzword among academic and commercial organisations who increasingly use it without awareness of up-to-date scientific research on neurodevelopmental conditions and neurodiversity. Dr Punit Shah, Senior Lecturer in Psychology and an expert on neurodevelopmental conditions in adulthood, discusses his work on mental processing in neurodevelopmental conditions. Drawing on a growing collaboration of leading researchers in the South West’s GW4 Universities (Bath, Bristol, Cardiff, & Exeter) and the GW4 Neurodevelopmental Neurodiversity Network, he discusses the promise and pitfalls of the neurodiversity paradigm, working with the audience to consider ways in which it may inform their work in and outside of academic settings.

Sam Holness is a triathlete with autism. He is breaking down the barriers of athletes with disabilities one race at a time and considers autism as his ‘superpower’. He has partnered with Hoka One One to challenge the status quo and to push the boundaries of what being an means to be an athlete.

Erroneous NICE guidance on autism screening: Coverage of work on the incorrect interpretation of the AQ10 screening tool - Waldren et al. (2021)

An abstract painting (as nothing is more abstract than autism!) that celebrates neurodiversity as a difference and asks the viewer to look a little closer and appreciate the hidden layers. It is, essentially, an individual within whom the colours and sounds of the inner and outer world merge together. It encapsulates the colours of the spectrum and projects them back to us.