The understanding of autistic lived experiences, abilities, and how they are perceived within the wider community continues to evolve within the research and clinical fields. It is important that research within Clinical Psychology does not contribute to the under-representation of certain autistic experiences, nor reinforce predominantly deficit-based perspectives that are known to contribute to stigma against the autistic community. This thesis aims to explore and amplify the lived experiences of autistic mothers, which is currently an under-researched area. It also aims to review existing research on the Double Empathy Problem, a concept which represents a paradigm shift, moving away from a deficit-based, blaming narrative and instead promoting a bidirectional understanding of communication difficulties. Part A of this portfolio presents an empirical study exploring how autistic mothers perceive their experiences of motherhood. The research highlights a range of complex experiences, such as navigating internal strain and balancing social expectations with authenticity. It also explores the potential for inclusive services to support them in their parenting, alongside the barriers that currently prevent this. Part B presents a scoping review which synthesises the current research relating to the Double Empathy Problem and cross-neurotype communication. Out of the studies that directly compared social interactions in mixed-neurotype groups with their same-neurotype counterparts, the majority found that interactional success, information transfer, and interpersonal rapport were significantly lower in the mixed-neurotype pairs. This review offers a comprehensive understanding of the literature currently available, spanning different methodological approaches and interactional contexts. Taken together, both projects highlight the importance of increasing our knowledge of autistic lived experiences to challenge deficit-based models, reduce stigma and foster a bidirectional understanding of communication. Ultimately, this work aims to improve mental health outcomes, reduce inequalities and enhance the quality of inclusive service provision for the autistic community.