#47 Let's Talk Fabricated or induced illness and Autism with Dr Fiona Gullon-Scott

<p>We were joined by Dr Fiona Gullon-Scott to discuss the concept of Fabricated or induced illness and Fiona&#39;s policy work advocating for Autistic families.Fiona is a Clinical Psychologist and Associate Fellow with the BPS. She is Programme Director for the Newcastle University Doctorate in Clinical Psychology, Director of the Newcastle University Neurodevelopmental Assessment Service, and Managing Director of a specialist clinical psychology consultancy company. </p><p>Fiona has 30 years&#39; specialist experience working clinically and researching autism and more recently wider neurodivergence such as ADHD, and as an International ADOS (Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule) and ADI-R (Autism Diagnostic Interview Revised) Trainer. </p><p>Fiona&#39;s current research focuses heavily on policy-related work linked to improving understanding and awareness of autism and neurodivergence, reducing discrimination, and improving wellbeing and mental health.</p><p>You can access some of Fiona&#39;s recent publications below:</p><p>Gullon-Scott, F.J. &amp; Long, C., (2022) Fabricated or Induced Illness and Perplexing Presentations: What is the evidence base for and against current guidelines, and what are the implications for Social Services? British Journal of Social Work. Open Access https://doi.org/10.1093/bjsw/bcac037</p><p>Lockington, D., &amp; Gullon-Scott, F.J. (2025) The Lived Experiences of Autistic Mothers : A Systematic Review and Thematic Synthesis of Qualitative Evidence. Autism &amp; Developmental Language Impairments, 7 (1), doi: 10.1177/23969415251343850</p><p>Lockington, D., &amp; Gullon-Scott, F. (2024), &quot;MY WHOLE ENTIRE BEING WAS QUESTIONED&quot;: UNDERSTANDING THE LIVING EXPERIENCES OF AUTISTIC MOTHERS. Advance. March 18, 2025.DOI: 10.31124/advance.174228960.08772277/v1</p><p>Wilson, A.C. &amp; Gullon-Scott, F.(2024b) &#39;It&#39;s not always textbook social anxiety&#39;: A survey-based study investigating the nature of social anxiety and experiences of therapy in autistic people. Autism, 28(11):2923-2936. https://doi.org/10.1177/13623613241251513</p><p>Bechlem, B., &amp; Gullon-Scott, F.J. (2025) &quot;Adapting CBT for social anxiety in autism: the feasibility and acceptability of a modified group intervention based on the cognitive model of Clark and Wells (1995)&quot; The Cognitive Behaviour Therapist, 18, e26. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/S1754470X25100147</p><p>Fiona also kindly provided a number of useful links you may wish to explore to find more resources, research and support information:</p><p>FII Campaign website - www.withdrawfii.org</p><p>Systematic Review about autistic motherhood - https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/23969415251343850 </p><p>To download the FII consultation report - https://www.stgeorgeshouse.org/past_consultations/ </p><p>www.hopegb.co.uk</p><p>www.asperger.org.uk</p><p>We welcome your feedback. Leave a comment below, connect with us on social media or email us at letstalkforensicpsychology@gmail.com.</p>