Neurodiversity, Autism & Recovery from Sexual Violence

Overview

Recovery and survival following sexual violence are unique to each individual, and this invaluable book provides a resource for those supporting autistic and neurodivergent women to take steps towards regaining control of their life. Written from the author's lived experience and expertise, there is a wealth of accessible guidance and practical activities that focus on making sense of events and taking time to do so. This resource provides a clear framework to explore the full range of issues arising from sexual violence, including identity, goal-setting, safety, mental and physical well-being, managing emotions, friendships, relationships and disclosure, memory, concentration, and sensory experiences. It includes printable resource sheets and details of available supports to introduce to individuals or groups. Whilst targeting neurodivergent/autistic women survivors, it can be adapted by others to suit their requirements. Above all, it encourages practitioners to work respectfully with clients in the context of their experiences and evolving situations.

Reviews

"We can best understand the impact of something from people with lived experience, and this book provides that understanding. The book is information rich and extremely useful. It will lead anyone to a better understanding of the needs of autistic people who have been subjected to sexual violence and abuse. In turn, this better understanding will then equip any reader with the ability to encourage, support and enable survivors to move more quickly to a place where they can thrive after trauma and live a future filled with hope and confidence. Well done Dr Susy Ridout and thank you for making this knowledge accessible to all." —Lisa Thompson, Chief Executive Officer – Rape and Sexual Violence Project (West Midlands)

"This inspiring and accessible book will help professionals – including those without previous experience with this client group – attend to the specific needs of autistic people as they try to make sense of their experiences of sexual violence." —Dr Anna Stenning, Wellcome Research Fellow, University of Leeds

"I'm so excited that this book exists. It should be in every bookshelf of every Rape Crisis and Women's Aid centre, and I'd recommend it to university support staff, too, along with counsellors, therapists and anyone else supporting neurodivergent survivors. It brings together a compassionate understanding of autistic experience with a truly sensitive approach to recovery from sexual violence, alongside extremely practical, structured yet flexible guidance for any support worker. There are so many useful ideas, and they're underpinned by lived experience alongside expertise in what someone neurodivergent might need from a support worker. I recommend the explanation of disempowering nature of medical model of disability which, in my experience, is knowledge that some support workers lack. This is knowledge that will enable person-centred support. I also enjoyed the talking points and ideas for using creativity. The themes of the book are all important areas of focus for recovery, starting with identity and the importance of environment and exploring physical well-being, sleep, emotions, routines and relationships. I can't recommend it highly enough." —Sara McHaffie, feminist activist

Author Biography

Dr Susy Ridout is an author, mentor, associate lecturer, and independent researcher working in the field of autism, neurodiversity, and sexual violence. As a neurodivergent victim-survivor of sexual violence, she has combined this insider experience with the knowledge and skills she has developed over a decade of mentoring in HE institutions to produce the material presented in this book. Her doctoral study at University of Birmingham (2016) focused on ways to bring the autistic voice to the fore in research, services, and resources impacting on them.