Livingston et al.’s paper amply demonstrates the rich potential of qualitative methods to provide insight into the life-worlds of patients, and analysis of hitherto un(der)explored facets of mental and physical health conditions. The publication of their paper reflects increasing acknowledgement of the value of qualitative methods in medical research. At the same time as some medical publications have questioned the wider value and impact of qualitative research(1), health and social policy increasingly demand engagement with the voices and perspectives of patients (e.g. https://www.england.nhs.uk/blog/putting-patients-at-the-heart-of-all-we-do/) – something only truly understood through qualitative inquiry. Through Livingston et al.’s research, we gain a moving insight into the experiences of compensatory strategies for people on the autism spectrum, those diagnosed as well as people who may be, but are not, diagnosed. Their study demonstrates the way the successful utilisation of “deep” compensatory strategies can obscure diagnosis and hinder access to reasonable adjustments in contexts like the workplace
