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Articles by William Mandy
Childhood attention deficit hyperactivity disorder traits, societal exclusion and midlife psychological distress
Abstract Most research on attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) focuses on childhood or early adulthood. Less is known about the impact of childhood ADHD traits across the lifespan. This study aims to test (1) whether childhood ADHD traits are associated with trajectories of psychological distress across adulthood up to midlife, and (2) the role of societal exclusion in the relationship between ADHD traits and midlife distress.
Differences in the Social Experiences of Autistic and Non‐Autistic Adolescents by Gender
Friendships become more important and complex during adolescence. However, experiences of friendship vary between autistic and non-autistic adolescents and between girls and boys. This study was designed to find out how social experiences may differ depending on whether someone is autistic or not, and their gender. We found that autistic adolescents typically report less positive social experiences and that different social struggles are reported by autistic girls and boys.
Effectiveness of psychological therapies for depression or anxiety in adults with intellectual disabilities: retrospective, matched, observational cohort study of primary care electronic healthcare records in England | The British Journal of Psychiatry |
Published online by Cambridge University Press: 04 July 2025 Céline El Baou [Opens in a new window] , Rob Saunders [Opens in a new window] , Joshua E. J.
Can we distinguish the consequences of early maltreatment on child behaviour from idiopathic autism?
http://orcid.org/0000-0001-6160-9731Jeanne Wolstencroft1, William Mandy2, Lucy Brown-Wright3, Marianna Murin4, David Skuse1, Margaret DeJong5 1 BRC Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK 2 Psychology and Language Sciences, University College London, London, UK 3 Psychological and Mental Health Services, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK 4 Anna Freud Centre, University College London, London, UK 5...
Can we distinguish the consequences of early maltreatment on child behaviour from idiopathic autism?
http://orcid.org/0000-0001-6160-9731Jeanne Wolstencroft1, William Mandy2, Lucy Brown-Wright3, Marianna Murin4, David Skuse1, Margaret DeJong5 1BRC Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK 2Psychology and Language Sciences, University College London, London, UK 3Psychological and Mental Health Services, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK 4Anna Freud Centre, University College London, London, UK 5Psychological...
Phenomenology of gender dysphoria in autism: a multiperspective qualitative analysis
Original Article Conflict of interest statement: There are no conflicts declared. Abstract Background Autistic people are overrepresented in gender clinic settings, but limited evidence is available to guide clinical decision making for this patient group. We aimed to generate a comprehensive understanding of the phenomenology of gender dysphoria in autistic people.
Avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder and severe food selectivity in children and young people with autism: A scoping review
Scoping Review Laura Bourne, Corresponding Author Laura Bourne laura.bourne.15@ucl.ac.uk orcid.org/0000-0001-5742-4603 Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, University College London, London, UK Correspondence Laura Bourne, University College London, Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, 1–19 Torrington Place, London WC1E 6BT, UK.
The lived experience of gender dysphoria in autistic adults: An interpretative phenomenological analysis
Autistic people are more likely to be transgender, which means having a gender identity different to one’s sex assigned at birth (Van der Miesen et al., 2018; Walsh et al., 2018). Warrier et al. (2020) found that that transgender adults were 3.03–6.36 times more likely to be autistic than cisgender people (i.e. people with congruence between their gender identity and sex assigned at birth).
Anorexia’s link to autism, explained
In 1983, psychologist Christopher Gillberg posed a provocative question to the readers of the British Journal of Psychiatry: Could autism and anorexia nervosa share underlying causes? Gillberg’s curiosity came in part from his observations of three autistic boys whose female cousins all had the eating disorder, which is characterized by food restrictions, low body weight, an intense fear of gaining weight and a distorted body image.
Commentary: ‘Camouflaging’ in autistic people - reflection on Fombonne (2020)
Commentary Meng‐Chuan Lai Corresponding Author mengchuan.lai@utoronto.ca orcid.org/0000-0002-9593-5508 The Margaret and Wallace McCain Centre for Child, Youth & Family Mental Health, Azrieli Adult Neurodevelopmental Centre, Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada Department of Psychiatry, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada Department of Psychiatry, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto,...
Beyond the bench: A conversation with William Mandy
William Mandy Professor, University College London Whether they mean to or not, just about everyone these days is taking William Mandy’s advice for a successful academic career: Find time to work from home. Mandy, a clinical psychologist and professor of clinical psychology at University College London, works in the United Kingdom’s most populous city but endures a train-bike-walk commute each day so that he can live in a quieter place — or at least he did pre-pandemic.
Trajectories of autistic social traits in childhood and adolescence and disordered eating behaviours at age 14 years: A UK general population cohort study
Abstract Background Some people with eating disorders have difficulties with social communication. However, no longitudinal evidence regarding the direction of this association exists. We investigated trajectories of autistic social traits across childhood and adolescence in adolescents with and without disordered eating behaviours in early adolescence. Methods We used data from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children.
Determinants of an autism spectrum disorder diagnosis in childhood and adolescence: Evidence from the UK Millennium Cohort Study
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by impairments in social relating, social communication, flexibility and sensory processing (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). People with ASD are at risk for significant social, emotional and economic difficulties across the lifespan, especially if their condition is undiagnosed and unsupported (Bargiela et al., 2016; Lai & Baron-Cohen, 2015).
Trajectories of autistic social traits in childhood and adolescence and disordered eating behaviours at age 14 years: A UK general population cohort study
Abstract Background Some people with eating disorders have difficulties with social communication. However, no longitudinal evidence regarding the direction of this association exists. We investigated trajectories of autistic social traits across childhood and adolescence in adolescents with and without disordered eating behaviours in early adolescence. Methods We used data from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children.
Behavioural and cognitive sex/gender differences in autism spectrum condition and typically developing males and females
Baron-Cohen, S (2002) The extreme male brain theory of autism. Trends in Cognitive Sciences 6(6): 248–254. Google Scholar | Crossref | Medline | ISI Baron-Cohen, S, Wheelwright, S (2004) The empathy quotient: an investigation of adults with Asperger syndrome or high functioning autism, and normal sex differences. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders 34(2): 163–175.
“Putting on My Best Normal”: Social Camouflaging in Adults with Autism Spectrum Conditions
Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders August 2017, Volume 47, Issue 8, pp 2519–2534 | Cite as Authors Authors and affiliations Laura Hull K. V. Petrides Carrie Allison Paula Smith Simon Baron-Cohen Meng-Chuan Lai William Mandy Open Access Original Paper First Online: 19 May 2017 Abstract Camouflaging of autistic characteristics in social situations is hypothesised as a common social coping strategy for adults with autism spectrum conditions (ASC).
Selection bias on intellectual ability in autism research: a cross-sectional review and meta-analysis
Ginny Russell,1 William Mandy,2 Daisy Elliott,3 Rhianna White,3 Tom Pittwood,4 and Tamsin Ford1 Ginny Russell 1College House, University of Exeter Medical School, University of Exeter, Exeter, EX1 2LU UK William Mandy 2UCL Research Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT UK Daisy Elliott 3College of Social Science and International Studies, Byrne House, University of Exeter, Exeter, EX4 4PJ UK Rhianna White 3College of Social Science and...
Should all young children be screened for autism spectrum disorder?
Should all young children be screened for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in primary care, regardless of whether their parents have expressed concerns about their development? This question encapsulates a key dilemma for those who believe in the importance of early identification and treatment of children with ASD and is currently the catalyst for vigorous public debate.
Autism Research Leaves Women Out and Ignores Their Symptoms
Including more women in research could transform scientists’ understanding of the condition. Emily SohnSpectrum 7:30 AM ET Andrea Mongia / Spectrum For the first 42 years of her life, Sharon daVanport assumed that everyone finds the lights at the grocery store overwhelming. As a child, she knew it was unusual that she rocked back and forth and banged her head on her bedroom wall after school, but she didn’t worry about it.
Autism Research Leaves Women Out and Ignores Their Symptoms
Including more women and girls in research could transform scientists’ understanding of the condition. Emily SohnSpectrum Mar 20, 2019 Andrea Mongia / Spectrum For the first 42 years of her life, Sharon daVanport assumed that everyone finds the lights at the grocery store overwhelming. As a child, she knew it was unusual that she rocked back and forth and banged her head on her bedroom wall after school, but she didn’t worry about it.
Righting the gender imbalance in autism studies
For the first 42 years of her life, Sharon daVanport assumed that everyone finds the lights at the grocery store overwhelming. As a child, she knew it was unusual that she rocked back and forth and banged her head on her bedroom wall after school, but she didn’t worry about it.
Book review: Meet one person with autism
The autism described in The Reason I Jump is quite different from the mostly social disorder that I, as a researcher and clinician, find in textbooks and journal articles. The new bestselling book, featuring the remarkable testimony of a Japanese boy who has severe autism, is a surprising and engaging memoir that’s full of paradoxes.
Selection bias on intellectual ability in autism research: a cross-sectional review and meta-analysis
Abstract Background Current global estimates suggest the proportion of the population with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) who have intellectual disability (ID) is approximately 50%. Our objective was to ascertain the existence of selection bias due to under-inclusion of populations with ID across all fields of autism research. A sub-goal was to evaluate inconsistencies in reporting of findings.
Autism's sex ratio, explained
Autism is significantly more common in boys than in girls. This skewed sex ratio has been recognized since the first cases of autism were described in the 1940s. The exact reasons for the ratio remain unclear. It could be rooted in biological differences between the sexes. Or, some experts say, it may be an artifact of the way autism is defined and diagnosed. Here’s how researchers estimate and explain the sex ratio in autism. What is the sex ratio for autism?
Autistic people at greater risk of becoming homeless - new research
There has been little focus on whether autistic people might be over-represented among the homeless population. Autism is a condition characterised by differences in the way the brain develops, with autistic people showing difficulties with social skills, unusual sensory processing, and a tendency towards inflexibility and restricted interests. Many autistic people, given the right support, live full and satisfying lives.
Autistic people at greater risk of becoming homeless - new research
Tony had lived on the streets for 45 years, and in recent years had become increasingly physically unwell. Despite this he refused all offers of help, and it became clear to his support workers that he found social engagement of any kind very distressing. It was only when it was recognised that he had autism that staff were able to adapt their approach to support him to move off the streets into a hostel.
In DSM-5, guidance on girls with autism is short but savvy
The current version of the “Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders,” the DSM-5, acknowledges how gender shapes autism more than any previous version of the manual has. ‘Gender-related diagnostic issues’ is its own section in the manual — but it is only two sentences long.
The development of autistic social traits across childhood and adolescence in males and females
Table S1. Fit statistics for latent growth curve models under different missing data conditions. Table S2. Parameters of chosen model (fully parameter variant/varying Q) for boys and girls under different missing data conditions. Table S3. Model‐estimated means by IQ and gender (all available data on SCDC and IQ, n = 6,872). Table S3. Model‐estimated means by IQ and gender (all available data on SCDC and IQ, n = 6,872). Figure S1.
The prevalence of autistic traits in a homeless population:
Anecdotal evidence suggests that autistic people experience an elevated risk of homelessness, but systematic empirical research on this topic is lacking. As a step towards filling this gap in knowledge, we conducted a preliminary investigation of the prevalence of Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed.) autism symptoms in a group of long-term homeless people.
To partner with autism community, welcome dissenting opinions | Spectrum | Autism Research News
It is rare these days to find an autism researcher who does not proclaim the value of advice from the autism community. In fact, consultations with people on the spectrum and their families are now the norm in autism research. This new normal reflects a growing consensus that these conversations can help generate knowledge that is useful and meaningful to autistic people and their families.
Protective effect or missed diagnosis? Females with autism spectrum disorder
The authors have no relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties. No writing assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript.
Investigating the cross-cultural validity of DSM-5 autism spectrum disorder: Evidence from Finnish and UK samples
The recent Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders–Fifth Edition (DSM-5) reformulation of autism spectrum disorder has received empirical support from North American and UK samples. Autism spectrum disorder is an increasingly global diagnosis, and research is needed to discover how well it generalises beyond North America and the United Kingdom.
The transition from primary to secondary school in mainstream education for children with autism spectrum disorder
The transition from primary to secondary education (hereafter ‘school transition’) is a major ecological shift that poses considerable social, emotional, academic and organisational challenges. It is commonly assumed that this school transition is especially difficult for children with autism spectrum disorder, but that idea is mainly based on anecdotal evidence and requires systematic investigation.
Easing the transition to secondary education for children with autism spectrum disorder: An evaluation of the Systemic Transition in Education Programme for Autism Spectrum Disorder (STEP-ASD)
In mainstream education, the transition from primary to secondary school (‘school transition’) is difficult for children with autism spectrum disorder, being marked by high levels of emotional and behavioural difficulties. The Systemic Transition in Education Programme for Autism Spectrum Disorder (STEP-ASD) is a new, manualised school transition intervention.
Women with autism hide complex struggles behind masks | Spectrum | Autism Research News
Gwen is a creative, successful and intelligent young woman, making her way in the world as an artist. As a child, however, she wished to hide away and go unnoticed. From an early age, she felt different from other children, and worked hard to cover up parts of her personality by pretending to be ‘normal.’ An unhappy childhood gave way to an even harder adolescence, as she struggled to manage increasingly complex relationships with peers.
The Experiences of Late-diagnosed Women with Autism Spectrum Conditions: An Investigation of the Female Autism Phenotype
Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders October 2016, Volume 46, Issue 10, pp 3281–3294 | Cite as Open Access Original Paper First Online: 25 July 2016 Abstract We used Framework Analysis to investigate the female autism phenotype and its impact upon the under-recognition of autism spectrum conditions (ASC) in girls and women.
Cross Talk: Debating the merits of 'autism' as a diagnostic category
Cross Talk: Debating the merits of 'autism' as a diagnostic category Cross Talk: Debating the merits of 'autism' as a diagnostic category In December, in an editorial published in the journal Trends in Neuroscience, Eric London brought a megaphone to a provocative question that has been whispered among researchers in the field for years: Does the term ‘autism’ really hold value?
The transition from primary to secondary school in mainstream education for children with autism spectrum disorder
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a lifelong, neurodevelopmental condition that affects approximately 1% of the population (Baird et al., 2006). It is characterised by core impairments in social reciprocity, social communication and flexibility, as well a constellation of associated difficulties, including problems with executive function, sensory sensitivity, emotional and behavioural regulation, language, motor control and eating (American Psychiatric Association (APA), 2013).
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