revtothelimit - motorbike forum

Horse wrote: Thu Oct 02, 2025 4:22 pm
Remember: ask here about squeaking brakes and you might be advised that a liberal application of WD40 will help

Good luck

You may not like the medicine, but WD40 DOES stop brakes squeaking.

Cousin Jack wrote: Thu Oct 02, 2025 7:14 pm

Horse wrote: Thu Oct 02, 2025 4:22 pm
Remember: ask here about squeaking brakes and you might be advised that a liberal application of WD40 will help

Good luck

WD40 DOES stop brakes squeaking.

You could have added, "but they will no longer stop you"

https://www.newscientist.com/article/24 ... ach-other/

Autism may have subtypes that are genetically distinct from each other

Autism may exist in multiple forms, with the condition's genetics and signs differing according to the age at diagnosis.

Signs of autism in children can include not talking much to other young people or finding it hard to make friends

The age at which children are diagnosed with autism seems to be partly influenced by their genetics, which may also affect how the condition develops.

“This really provides support for the idea that autism is actually potentially multiple conditions,” says Natalie Sauerwald at the Flatiron Institute in New York, who wasn’t involved in the study.

Autism is a neurodevelopmental condition, characterised by difficulties with social interactions, plus restricted behaviours and interests. The World Health Organization estimates that about one in 127 people are autistic.

“The key question that we were interested in was: why is it that there’s some autistic people who are diagnosed later on in life?” says Varun Warrier at the University of Cambridge.

To find out, he and his colleagues compiled data on people who were diagnosed with autism between the ages of 5 and 17. Their carers completed a questionnaire about their social, emotional and behavioural development, to help the team see if these factors were associated with their age at diagnosis.

The sex of a child, as well as their socioeconomic status, have previously been associated with age at diagnosis – with early diagnoses being more common among boys and those with affluent backgrounds.

Ok, this will be a long one.

@Count Steer it's not being over diagnosed, it's being recognised. I wouldn't have got an autism diagnosis 50 years ago. I am recognised as autistic now, and so much better for it.

Also, we're not 'all on the spectrum somewhere'. That's like saying that someone with a sprained ankle can relate to someone with an above the knee leg amputation. "Well, they're on the same spectrum of both having leg issues". Well, yes, technically true but practically meaningless and probably quite offensive to the amputee. Where i can agree is that everything an autistic person faces can be found to a lesser extent within the neurotypical population. The difference is how severe and how many traits there are. No-one likes a busy northern line train in summer time, but 99% of the population will still be able to get on. There have been times when i have been totally unable to get on despite knowing that if I don't get it I'll miss my train home and there's not another one for an hour, and I'll be getting home at 11, not 9.30 (later train is slower).

And trust me when i say that there is no easy diagnosis to get exam extra time. You are FAR more likely to find a total lack of support for a diagnosis from schools because they don't have the resources to do right by the child. The ethos is that if they don't admit the disability they can discriminate against it. Perhaps that doesn't work, but most parents don't realise. We are still under diagnosing.

Also, the distinction that is drawn between high and low functioning is artificial. The functioning scale is basically how good are you at pretending that you're not autistic, how much of a 'problem' are you for society. Even, when you look at Nazi eugenecist Asperger, are you a 'useful' one that we can work to death (or study) or should we just kill you now?

More later...

Re extra time in exams, I don't think cost or access to amenable medics is an issue Bobz. My local £umpteen/pa school has a very nice, modern medical centre.


'Part of the claim (in the article) of 'me too-ism' is the percentage of children 'diagnosed' with disfunctions in order to get permitted more time in exams. The figures quoted for private education are quite startling and look like 'gaming the system'.'

Ah, private education.

Still not convinced. I found the article through Google -there is no way in hell that I'm going to fund the cesspit that is the spectator. And to say that it is vile falls to properly do justice to the amount of effort that Mr Clark has put in to insult almost every type of neurodivergent person out there. And he had the cheek to use his daughter's name to justify it. It's like someone saying that their granddad was Chief Rabbi, so it's ok to recite mein kampf in public.

I know from it being in the spectator that it was going to be bad, but i tragically underestimated it. I feel deeply sorry for his daughter, knowing how he must see her based on this little diatribe.

I can't be accused of not reading a broad spectrum of opinion*.

I'm pretty much in agreement with your assessment of the Spectator and I don't necessarily agree with all that's in the article - it was posted as part of a discussion for, y'know, like, discussion. The stats on private schools was stated with a certain amount of confidence though.

* anyone slightly left of Ghengis Khan is usually tagged as 'a Guardian reader' so I like to confound that idea.

What proof is there than Genghis Khan was right wing? Any learned papers been printed? Just curious about what might just be received wisdom.

cheb wrote: Sat Oct 04, 2025 4:02 pm What proof is there than Genghis Khan was right wing? Any learned papers been printed? Just curious about what might just be received wisdom.

David Beckham was right wing. Ryan Giggs was left wing.

Count Steer wrote: Sat Oct 04, 2025 3:36 pm I can't be accused of not reading a broad spectrum of opinion*.

I'm pretty much in agreement with your assessment of the Spectator and I don't necessarily agree with all that's in the article - it was posted as part of a discussion for, y'know, like, discussion. The stats on private schools was stated with a certain amount of confidence though.

* anyone slightly left of Ghengis Khan is usually tagged as 'a Guardian reader' so I like to confound that idea.

I'm not seeing the stats on private school diagnoses in his article.

Bobzilla wrote: Sat Oct 04, 2025 4:07 pm

Count Steer wrote: Sat Oct 04, 2025 3:36 pm I can't be accused of not reading a broad spectrum of opinion*.

I'm pretty much in agreement with your assessment of the Spectator and I don't necessarily agree with all that's in the article - it was posted as part of a discussion for, y'know, like, discussion. The stats on private schools was stated with a certain amount of confidence though.

* anyone slightly left of Ghengis Khan is usually tagged as 'a Guardian reader' so I like to confound that idea.

I'm not seeing the stats on private school diagnoses in his article.

Private school students are significantly more likely to receive extra time in exams than state school students, a disparity that Ofqual is investigating, with nearly twice as many private school pupils (42%) granted extra time in 2023-24 compared to those in non-selective state schools (26.5%). This has led the UK's Education Secretary to express concern about fairness, suggesting potential advantages for private schools due to better resources for diagnosis and navigating the application process for access arrangements.
The Disparity
Higher Rate in Private Schools: In 2023-24, 42% of students in independent schools received extra time, compared to 26.5% in non-selective state schools.
Growing Gap: This gap in access arrangements has widened considerably, increasing from less than 10 percentage points in 2019 to almost 16 points in 2023-24.
Reasons for the Disparity
Increased Resources: Private schools may have more resources to fund private assessments and provide specialist support to identify and apply for extra time for students with conditions like dyslexia or ADHD.
Navigating the System: Independent schools may also be more effective at navigating the bureaucratic system for obtaining these access arrangements.
Funding for Assessments: The higher likelihood of private assessment can be a significant factor, as private schools' affluent parents are more able to pay for the necessary assessments that are needed to justify extra time.
Official Response
Ofqual Investigation: The UK's exam regulator, Ofqual, is investigating this growing disparity to understand the reasons behind it and its impact on exam results and university access.
Education Secretary's Concern: Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson is concerned about this trend and its fairness, calling for the investigation to ensure a level playing field.
Criteria for Extra Time
Documented Needs: Students are typically granted extra time if they can provide evidence of conditions such as dyslexia or ADHD that affect their information processing.
JCQ Guidelines: Applications are judged against the criteria set by the Joint Council for Qualifications (JCQ).
Conclusion
The disparity in extra time between private and state schools is a growing concern, with ongoing investigations looking into potential inequities in the system.

They're looking into it and, meanwhile have withdrawn the published figures while they investigate the data....

That says little to nothing about the why. It just says the what.

It also suggests that actually the issue isn't with private schools, it's with the state schools. I'm betting that it's mainly dyslexia, possibly ADHD, and not much at all autism.

There's also evidence that people with ADHD are more likely to be successful entrepreneurs as they struggle with more formal work environments.

Count Steer wrote: Sat Oct 04, 2025 5:13 pm Reasons for the Disparity
Increased Resources: Private schools may have more resources to fund private assessments and provide specialist support to identify and apply for extra time for students with conditions like dyslexia or ADHD.

Very few councils still have in-house staff teams to support schools.

The only option is private diagnosis. IIRC, it's over £600 for dyslexia testing.

Bobzilla wrote: Sun Oct 05, 2025 9:11 am That says little to nothing about the why. It just says the what.

It also suggests that actually the issue isn't with private schools, it's with the state schools. I'm betting that it's mainly dyslexia, possibly ADHD, and not much at all autism.

There's also evidence that people with ADHD are more likely to be successful entrepreneurs as they struggle with more formal work environments.

The more I read about ADHD (and autism) I do think that for many people it can be a superpower (my brother's word) - but only if people are encouraged to accept how they are is not a 'problem' but something to be worked WITH.

It was the big reason I asked the original question because for my friend, I feel that school and home have made their issues into a monster that is stopping them seeing their life positively. Firstly it was the dyslexia (caused by dyspraxia) and then the autism 'label'.

When I look at them I see someone with amazing skills and a huge heart - if they were encouraged to be positive about things, they could do so much. But they've been told that there is so much they can't do because of the autism. And that makes me so so sad.

Horse wrote: Sun Oct 05, 2025 10:10 am

Count Steer wrote: Sat Oct 04, 2025 5:13 pm Reasons for the Disparity
Increased Resources: Private schools may have more resources to fund private assessments and provide specialist support to identify and apply for extra time for students with conditions like dyslexia or ADHD.

Very few councils still have in-house staff teams to support schools.

The only option is private diagnosis. IIRC, it's over £600 for dyslexia testing.

The peril of private diagnosis is that some NHS and local authority professionals refuse to accept it, so the help for it either continues to cost you or isn't available at all. It's desperately unfair and is born from an attitude that is far too prevalent that if you pay for a private diagnosis then you get it whether you have it or not.

The recent Panorama programme said that, and used the refused NHS diagnosis as proof. However, the NHS clinician took the extraordinary step of writing an article published the following morning basically decrying the programme as dangerous. I reckon that the guy was autistic, not ADHD, but the NHS doctor couldn't say anything because of confidentiality.

Noggin wrote: Sun Oct 05, 2025 10:11 am

Bobzilla wrote: Sun Oct 05, 2025 9:11 am That says little to nothing about the why. It just says the what.

It also suggests that actually the issue isn't with private schools, it's with the state schools. I'm betting that it's mainly dyslexia, possibly ADHD, and not much at all autism.

There's also evidence that people with ADHD are more likely to be successful entrepreneurs as they struggle with more formal work environments.

The more I read about ADHD (and autism) I do think that for many people it can be a superpower (my brother's word) - but only if people are encouraged to accept how they are is not a 'problem' but something to be worked WITH.

It was the big reason I asked the original question because for my friend, I feel that school and home have made their issues into a monster that is stopping them seeing their life positively. Firstly it was the dyslexia (caused by dyspraxia) and then the autism 'label'.

When I look at them I see someone with amazing skills and a huge heart - if they were encouraged to be positive about things, they could do so much. But they've been told that there is so much they can't do because of the autism. And that makes me so so sad.

Autism absolutely can come with a superpower as well as a disability. I'm a very senior professional now, and i have my position because of my diagnosis, not despite it. The work i have put in, and the effort my wife has put in to help me, has enabled me to create a very strong value proposition that has got me where i am, but the start of it all, the move from failing junior to respected technician, was my diagnosis. It gave me the power to change the narrative and direct my career in the way i wanted and needed.

A key part of that is rejecting the narrative of development points and owning my weaknesses, but surrounding myself with the right team to support me.

The label doesn't define me, but it enables me to explain myself.

Bobzilla wrote: Sun Oct 05, 2025 10:57 am

Horse wrote: Sun Oct 05, 2025 10:10 am

Count Steer wrote: Sat Oct 04, 2025 5:13 pm Reasons for the Disparity
Increased Resources: Private schools may have more resources to fund private assessments and provide specialist support to identify and apply for extra time for students with conditions like dyslexia or ADHD.

Very few councils still have in-house staff teams to support schools.

The only option is private diagnosis. IIRC, it's over £600 for dyslexia testing.

The peril of private diagnosis is that some NHS and local authority professionals refuse to accept it, so the help for it either continues to cost you or isn't available at all.

No idea what other types are available, but those that Filly was qualified to assess were, AFAIK, accepted everywhere without question.

If she had done them privately (she didn't) they would have been to the same standard, using the same process and test battery.

In case you ever wondered why I'm a hyperactive fruit loop it's because I have ADHD (I don't like people hugging me either you may recall).
I was diagnosed in the early 80's when they thought it was caused by E numbers / food additives and too much sugar and before it became fashionable.

It's good that (genuine) people with it now have help available because I was never offered any, but without help most of us find ways to function in a chaotic world with a chaotic mind.

The first D for defecit should be changed to R for regulation though, because sometimes we can hyper focus and at other times be distracted very easily.

Bobzilla wrote: Sun Oct 05, 2025 11:01 am
The label doesn't define me, but it enables me to explain myself.

This is the bit I really relate to. With all the reading to understand more to support my friend, I'm seeing a lot of things that apply to me, at various levels.

It's not going to 'change' me as such, but damn the relief on a couple of points because now I know WHY ! It doesn't change much but bloody hell; understanding the why on some things is a major bonus !!

(My sister tried to push me to get tested a few years ago by sending me a load of links to various places, but I resisted, mostly because they were from her!! I just assumed she was trying to make me feel bad about my character - a theme for the last 20 years !!)


Like anything, I guess, if you know why everything is easier to deal with

FYI, I'm a neurodiversity advocate in my profession, both within my workplace and outside it. There's only a handful of reasons why i would recommend diagnosis as necessary for an adult. First is because they need access to medical intervention. That has to start with diagnosis. Second is if they are having trouble at work. Diagnosis puts them squarely into equality legislation. Third is if they are having problems outside of work, usually relationships of whatever flavour. Diagnosis can better help those around them understand them, and can be an impetus for couples counselling.

But if it's going to be of any benefit at all you have to be ready to learn and adapt.