Autism Learning Lab Podcast: Insights, Strategies, and Support
Join us as we explore the world of autism through expert interviews, personal stories, and actionable strategies to empower individuals and families.
Episode 29: Misdiagnosed and Misunderstood - The Harm of “Lazy Diagnosing” in Mental Health
In this special conference edition of the Autism Learning Lab podcast, recorded during the Autism Symposium in Georgia, host Chris Blankenship is joined by Tony Meiners and Trish Ruggles for a conversation about “lazy diagnosing,” autism misdiagnosis, and the long-term impact of mismatched mental health treatment—especially for autistic women and high-masking adults. Together, they discuss how autistic individuals are often misunderstood within traditional mental health systems, leading to misdiagnoses, burnout, masking, and medical trauma. The episode also explores the importance of neurodiversity-affirming care, adapting therapy to the individual, and rebuilding trust after harmful treatment experiences.
