25/09/2025
Yesterday, I was reminded—again—how amazing this community is.
I’m an autistic psychologist, a supervisor, and a mum of neurodiverse children. I try to find the positive in every situation.
What was said wasn’t okay. However, the way autistic people, their families, allies, clinicians, educators, and researchers came together was powerful and connective. While the day-to-day realities of clinical practice—particularly as an autistic clinician working in this space—can feel isolating, moments like this, when people rally together, remind me that our community is present and steadfast.
I also sit with many mothers at the moment of diagnosis. I hear the same heartbreaking question: “Did I do this to my child?” The grief is real—and then comes the heavy burden of blame, especially when careless headlines suggest autism has a simple cause, or that a parent’s pain medication or one choice “made” their child autistic.
This narrative is not only untrue, but also cruel.
Autism is not a parent’s moral failing.
Our children are not a mistake.
We named the harm, centred human rights, and stood for evidence and high-quality care. Most importantly, we demonstrated that our strength lies in collaboration. Let’s use this experience to continue working side by side—across roles and perspectives—to push back on the tired causation narrative and refocus where it belongs: on support, dignity, accommodations, and thriving throughout the lifespan.
To every voice that spoke, wrote, signed, interviewed, hugged, and held space—thank you. Your courage tells our kids they’re safe, our adults they’re seen, and our systems that neuroinclusion is non-negotiable. To the parents crying quietly today: you did not cause this. You and your child deserve compassion, community, and practical support.
Let’s keep caring. Let’s keep listening. And let’s keep building, together.
Dee Gough, registered psychologist and supervisor.
Redefini Therapies. www.redefini.com.au.
