My name is Emily.

I am a young autistic woman with ADHD. I am the Sunday Times Bestselling author of ‘Girl Unmasked: How Uncovering My Autism Saved My Life’, a Trustee of the charity Autistic Girls Network, blogger and speaker. I am also a mental health nurse. I talk and write about neurodivergence and mental health.

I was sectioned on a CAMHS unit when I was 16 after years of high anxiety, OCD and low mood. I was diagnosed with autism just before my 17th birthday and ADHD at the age of 21. I began blogging about my experiences shortly after my autism diagnosis.

I am passionate about young autistic people understanding why they are different and knowing that they aren’t alone, and about raising awareness and understanding of autism, ADHD and mental health.

Thank you for being here and for following along on my journey.

“I talk about neurodivergence and mental health, while sharing stories about learning to navigate the world as a young autistic adult with ADHD.”

Hello

Love, Emily x

Please note: Everything I write is based off of my own lived experience and personal views. It does not represent any organisations or professional bodies unless stated. Please seek professional advice where necessary.

Publications

Media 

    • The Care Quality Commission (2018) - on the quality of CAMHS services

    • Marine Management Organisation (2023) - on neurodiversity at work and an overview of neurodiversity

    • Clinical Psychology Doctorate students (2018) - on engaging with young people in mental health crises.

    • Mental Health Nursing students (2023) - lecture on Autism and ADHD in mental health services

    • Training to lecturers (2023) - on supporting students with autism and ADHD on health and social care courses

    • CAMHS inpatient unit - on being an autistic young person in hospital

    • Early intervention CAMHS teams - on my journey and what autistic people need from mental health services

    • Consultation with early intervention services - on developing CAMHS services

  • CCQI Autism Special Interest day - on my experience of a CAMHS inpatient admission before and after an autism diagnosis

  • Webinar ‘Learning From the Literature’ - on being an autistic person in mental health services

  • Annual conference - on what autistic people need from mental health services

    • Newton Prep School, London (2023) - assembly and workshop for years 5-8 on autism/ADHD/acceptance titled ‘Embracing Difference’

    • JAGS Partnership (2024) - talk and Q&A with SENDCO's

    • Lord Wandsworth College (2025) - virtual assembly

    • Bickley Park School (2025) - assembly and workshop

  • Webinar on autism and mental health

  • Webinar for young people

  • Q&A on Girl Unmasked, autism and neurodivergence

  • For their women and neurodiversity ERG Collective

Talks  

  • I am very proud to be a Trustee of AGN since it was established in 2021 to raise awareness and understanding of autistic girls and increase support in education and health-care.

  • I work with children and young people in the NHS

  • Former member of my NHS mental health and learning disability trust’s CAMHS Young People’s Council (2018-2022)

  • Former Public Governor for my NHS mental health and learning disability trust (2018-2022)

Roles