A.U.T.I.S.T.I.C Conceptual Framework: Understanding Neurodiversity From First Principles
AUTISTIC 1st Principles Framework is a novel, adaptive solution to the double empathy problem, developed and tested by an autistic psychiatrist with the objectivity of a scientist and the sensitivity of an insider, with a dual objective:
Objective 1. Helping non-neurodivergents gain understanding of the neurodivergent reality - i.e., solving the double empathy problem.
Objective 2. Helping neurodivergent people into long-term employment by offering workplace rehabilitation, robust onboarding and thorough on-the-job training in the method, its application, and without jeopardising their modest disability payments.
A rapid systematic implementation of the Framework benefits society on multiple levels:
increasing economic activity of neurodivergent population;
Enabling the non-neurodivergent individuals to grasp the unusual uneven nature of neurodivergent abilities and the rich inner world of many neurodivergents, thus destigmatizing neurodivergence.
destigmatizing neurodivergence,
fostering mutual respect and interpersonal understanding;
arming neurodivergents with better tools for self-understanding;
helping NDs to learn manage their their weaknesses by leaning into their strengths,
Kate Fox's Watching the English (The Guardian's Top Ten popular books on Social Anthropology) makes understanding the inhabitants of the British isles as easy as reading the book.. Similarly, the A.U.T.I.S.T.I.C Conceptual Framework offers a clear and accessible "grammar" for understanding the culture of neurodivergent individuals. It is designed to make sense of the diverse experiences within the neurodivergent community, including autism, ADD, ADHD, and what sociologist Judy Singer termed the "dys"-abilities (dyslexia, dyspraxia, dyscalculia, etc.).
The Problem: Systemic "Othering" and its Consequences
Neurodivergent individuals, particularly those who are autistic, face significant systemic challenges and institutional discrimination. This "othering" stems from a fundamental misunderstanding of their behaviors, which can often seem incomprehensible to neurotypical individuals. The result is poor outcomes in education, employment, and overall well-being.
Our Mission: Destigmatizing Neurodiversity Through Empathic Understanding
Our mission is to dismantle the stigma associated with autism, ADHD, and related neurodevelopmental conditions. We achieve this by enabling anyone to develop a profound and empathic understanding of the autistic reality. A core component of our mission is the active training, employment, and mentorship of talented unemployed and underemployed autistic individuals, empowering them to become leaders and educators using our framework as a tool.
The A.U.T.I.S.T.I.C. Solution: A Unifying Systematic Approach
The A.U.T.I.S.T.I.C. Conceptual Framework is a novel, evidence-based approach that treats neurodivergence as a distinct culture. By learning the "grammar" and "vocabulary" of this culture, you will be able to recognize and understand the core patterns of neurodivergent thinking and behavior. This understanding allows for the crucial differentiation between voluntary (modifiable) actions, involuntary (automatic) responses, and semi-voluntary behaviors.
This framework makes it clear that the actions of neurodivergent individuals are perfectly reasonable and appropriate for our understanding and perception of the world. This is a key insight to foster genuine empathy in the non-neurodivergent individuals, while revealing the depth of our own empathic experiences.
Our Unique Strengths:
A Novel, Evidence-Based System: offers a systematic approach to understanding why the actions of neurodivergent individuals are logical and appropriate within their frame of reference.
Simplicity and Accessibility: Based on only eight key "First Principles" explained in plain English, requiring less than 24 hours of total study time over 8-12 weeks in short, 3-5 minute microlearning sessions.
Clinician-Approved: Tested and endorsed by neurodivergent mental health clinicians. (A peer-reviewed academic report coming soon.)
Expert-Guided Learning: Led by vetted and trained neurodivergent/autistic instructors through weekly live webinars: a sustainable, environmentally-friendly, cost-effective solution for the learners, live webinars are great for the neurodivergent instructors, too, allowing working from home and flexibility in work hours.
Practical & Adaptive: The Framework forms a basis for an ultimately adaptive autism/neurodivergence psychoeducation & training solution. Common scenarios of interest to the learners (appropriate to the learning needs of our clients) enrich the training material, engaging one of the most effective adult learning methods: Problem - Based Learning.
Strengths of the Author:
Professional relationships with leading neurodiversity experts such as Tony Attwood, Olga Bogdashina, and Wenn Lawson.
A rapidly growing online following on platforms like LinkedIn and Quora, demonstrating her popular appeal.
A holistic and multicultural perspective informed by her personal and professional experiences in Kazakhstan, the UK, the US, and Austria.
Strengths of Our Operating Model:
Our agile and lean business model allows for flexibility and reinvestment in our mission. By hiring instructors as independent contractors, we can adapt to fluctuating demand, while providing the instructors with valuable support and training in self-employment and metacognitive skills. We leverage an integrated online platform for course delivery, payment processing, marketing, and community engagement, minimizing ongoing costs.
Products:
Our Products and Services
Services:
A.U.T.I.S.T.I.C From First Principles Neurodiversity Training: Our core training program.
Neurodiversity Consulting: Expert guidance for organizations.
Job Coaching for Employees: Personalized support for neurodivergent individuals in the workplace.
A.U.T.I.S.T.I.C From First Principles Training Manuals: Comprehensive guides to our framework. Coming soon!
A.U.T.I.S.T.I.C Kindle Books Series: Accessible and in-depth explorations of neurodiversity. Coming early 2026!
A.U.T.I.S.T.I.C App: A tool for guided assessment for accommodations under the IDEA, ADA, and the Equality Act. Coming next month!
Market Opportunity: A Time for Meaningful Change
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 1 in 36 people in the US are autistic, with a significant number of undiagnosed adults in the UK. The "Autism Industrial Complex" is a multi-billion dollar industry, with a large portion spent on corporate and state-sponsored neurodiversity training.
However, the lack of sustained impact from existing training has led to "DEI fatigue," characterized by skepticism and disengagement.This presents a unique opportunity for a fresh, effective approach. Our framework stands in stark contrast to the competition, which is often either academically dense and irrelevant or anecdotally based and not generalizable.
The growing neurodiversity social rights movement, coupled with corporate and state drives to reduce spending and maximize talent, creates the ideal environment for the A.U.T.I.S.T.I.C Conceptual Framework to make a real and lasting impact. Organizations are increasingly aware that they must go beyond performative DEI to remain economically and socially relevant.
A Vision for the Future
The A.U.T.I.S.T.I.C Conceptual Framework offers a path forward, a way to build bridges of understanding and create truly inclusive environments where everyone can thrive. With no geographical limits to our online training, we plan to expand from the UK and the US to other English-speaking countries and beyond. Our vision includes lobbying local governments, training local teams, and even funding research into neurodevelopmental conditions in diverse cultures.
While we acknowledge the challenges of being a new venture, including the founder's health, the need for funding, and navigating a competitive landscape, we are confident that our unique strengths and the pressing need for a new paradigm in neurodiversity understanding will pave the way for success.