Abstract

In this episode, Professor Sarah Lonbay and Dr Lesley Deacon speak with experienced independent social worker Cathie Long about her professional and personal journey in the field of neurodiversity, and her research into the contentious and deeply impactful issue of Fabricated or Induced Illness (FII).

Cathie shares how her work with autistic and ADHD individuals evolved from her early career in child protection and mental health, alongside her own later-life diagnosis of autism and ADHD. The conversation explores the frequent misdiagnosis of autistic women with Emotionally Unstable Personality Disorder (formerly Borderline Personality Disorder), the stigma that follows such labels, and the critical need for practitioners to challenge assumptions and see the person beyond the diagnosis.

This conversation is an important listen for social workers, health professionals, and anyone interested in neurodiversity, safeguarding, and systemic change in practice.