iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Reposted by Dr Gavin R. Stewart

Rebecca Charlton @goldage.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

Very important work on experience of trauma among middle-aged and older autistic people.

Dr Gavin R. Stewart @gavrobstew.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

Our autism and ageing group has a new publication out on experiences of trauma and PTSD symptoms. We found higher rates of trauma and PTSD symptoms in middle-aged and older autistic adults, with stronger links between trauma and PTSD in the autistic group. doi.org/10.1177/1362...

doi.org

Sage Journals: Discover world-class research

Subscription and open access journals from Sage, the world's leading independent academic publisher.

081

Reposted by Dr Gavin R. Stewart

Re:Spect Lab KCL @respectlabkcl.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

We're starting the new academic year with a bang! We have two ARCH talks planned this October from Jessica Dark and @jwadhwabrown.bsky.social. More information below 🥳 Interested? Tickets available on our Eventbrite @ www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/arch-semin...

This is a poster advertising the Autism Research (ARCH) Seminar Series. This seminar is called "Inclusive Research and Organisational Design for Autistic Participation at Work: A Neuro-Cognitive Trait Interaction Approach" and is delivered by Jessica Dark (she/they), a PhD Alumni at Birkbeck, University of London. The talk takes place on October 2nd 2026 at 2pm BST on Zoom. The abstract reads "This talk traces my doctoral journey, from my initial research exploring autistic women’s experiences of disclosing an autism diagnosis in the workplace through to the development of the three published frameworks that now form the core contributions of my thesis. Drawing on this journey, I will explore epistemic justice, ethical practice and the resources and conditions required for inclusive research, alongside a brief overview of the frameworks developed. I will conclude by considering why meaningful inclusion of autistic people in work requires three shifts in perspective across research and practice: from adjustment to design, from diagnosis to neuro-cognitive trait interaction, and from individual responsibility to researcher, academic and organisational responsibility."

This is a poster advertising the Autism Research (ARCH) Seminar Series. The talk title is "The Embodied Experience of Masking in Autistic and Non-Autistic Women", and the speaker is Jagdeep Wadhwa-Brown (she/her), a PhD student from Birkbeck, University of London. The talk takes place on October 28th 2026, at 2pm GMT on Zoom. The abstract reads "I will present qualitative findings from a phenomenological study of masking in autistic and non-autistic women. Alongside these lived-experience narratives, I will outline how they feed into my wider PhD methodology, discussing how I plan to to explore the experiential, cognitive, and somatic dimensions of masking."

031

Reposted by Dr Gavin R. Stewart

Rebecca Charlton @goldage.bsky.social · 25/08/2026

We're still looking for people to take part in our study about #menopause. Working with Rachel Moseley-Braund @draimeegrant.bsky.social @gavrobstew.bsky.social and others ... You don't need to have started menopause yet! Find out more here: swanseachhs.eu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_...

033

Dr Gavin R. Stewart @gavrobstew.bsky.social · 27/07/2026

Also, the different patterns highlights the importance of understanding ageing in autism and ensuring support continues across the lifespan. We have more work going on in this area, hopefully out soon! doi.org/10.1177/2573... Open access version: kclpure.kcl.ac.uk/portal/en/pu...

030

Dr Gavin R. Stewart @gavrobstew.bsky.social · 27/07/2026

Our findings suggest that promoting social connectedness may be an important way of improving quality of life for autistic adults as they age, and reinforce the need for tailored, lifespan-focused support. doi.org/10.1177/2573...

140

Dr Gavin R. Stewart @gavrobstew.bsky.social · 27/07/2026

➡️ Higher social connectedness was linked with better quality of life in both groups. ➡️ However, this relationship was stronger for autistic adults, particularly for psychological and social quality of life. doi.org/10.1177/2573... #AutRes

120

Dr Gavin R. Stewart @gavrobstew.bsky.social · 27/07/2026

What did we find? ➡️ Middle-aged and older autistic adults reported lower connectedness and lower QoL than non-autistic adults. ➡️ Older autistic adults had lower QoL than those in midlife, but we didn't see this pattern in the non-autistic groups. doi.org/10.1177/2573...

120

Dr Gavin R. Stewart @gavrobstew.bsky.social · 27/07/2026

Improving quality of life and social connectedness has been identified by autistic people as a key research priority, yet we know relatively little about how these experiences change across midlife and older age. So we set out to address this! doi.org/10.1177/2573... #AutRes

120

Dr Gavin R. Stewart @gavrobstew.bsky.social · 27/07/2026

Our new study on social connectedness and quality of life in middle-aged and older autistic adults (aged 40-93) has now been published in @autisminadulthood.bsky.social! Journal article link: doi.org/10.1177/2573... Open access version: kclpure.kcl.ac.uk/portal/en/pu... #AutRes

42416

Dr Gavin R. Stewart @gavrobstew.bsky.social · 20/07/2026

Our findings highlight the need for tailored education for healthcare providers, as well as better access to personalised adjustments to improve reproductive care for autistic women/AFAB folk. doi.org/10.1177/1745... If you're interested in this topic, do keep an eye on Dr Miriam Martini's work!

doi.org

Sage Journals: Discover world-class research

Subscription and open access journals from Sage, the world's leading independent academic publisher.

000

Dr Gavin R. Stewart @gavrobstew.bsky.social · 20/07/2026

So what did we find? In a UK survey of 311 participants, autistic women/AFAB folk reported more reproductive health conditions and symptoms, greater challenges managing reproductive health and more negative healthcare experiences and higher healthcare inequalities. doi.org/10.1177/1745...

doi.org

Sage Journals: Discover world-class research

Subscription and open access journals from Sage, the world's leading independent academic publisher.

100

Dr Gavin R. Stewart @gavrobstew.bsky.social · 20/07/2026

Our new study is our on the reproductive health and healthcare experiences of autistic and non-autistic women/AFAB folk. The paper is available here, open access: doi.org/10.1177/1745... It's also part of a collection on menstruation and menopause for neurodivergent people.

120

Reposted by Dr Gavin R. Stewart

Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience @kingsioppn.bsky.social · 29/06/2026

Up to 97% of autistic people over 60 are undiagnosed. Dr @gavrobstew.bsky.social speaks with @theguardian.com on how family members can support and care for this 'neglected' generation as they age. www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle...

244

Reposted by Dr Gavin R. Stewart

Dr Becky Wood @thewoodbug.bsky.social · 25/06/2026

If you can't think of what to do in the heat 🥵 - do consider attending our webinar 4 - 6.30pm ➡️today⬅️on multi-modal communication, particularly in relation to autism. Free to attend, online, bring a cool drink 🍹@uofgsocsci.bsky.social www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/how-i-comm...

Poster advertising the How I Communicate event. Featuring Dr Rebecca Wood, Professor Vikram Jaswal, Dr Ashlea Cromby and Jessica Lofthouse.

132

Reposted by Dr Gavin R. Stewart

Jessica Agnew-Blais @agnewblais.bsky.social · 22/06/2026

Are you a UK-based clinician working w/ women who may present with ADHD symptoms during the menopausal transition? Pls consider taking part in our online focus groups on understanding barriers and facilitators to care. You can register your interest here: forms.cloud.microsoft/e/x8Gr6XwxZQ

021

Reposted by Dr Gavin R. Stewart

The Lancet Reg Health-Europe @lancetrh-europe.bsky.social · 18/06/2026

The largest gap between recorded diagnoses and prevalence estimates was observed in older adults, indicating many remain undiagnosed. An urgent need exists for diagnostic services that are adequately resourced and accessible across the lifespan.

021

Reposted by Dr Gavin R. Stewart

Re:Spect Lab KCL @respectlabkcl.bsky.social · 17/06/2026

Our last ARCH seminar of the academic year is here! Join us next week on June 24th to hear about care pathway outcomes for autistic people and others, presented by Celine El Baou from UCL. Interested? Tickets available at www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/arch-semin...

This is a poster advertising the ARCH, or autism research, seminar series. This edition takes place at 14:00 BST on the 24th of June 2026 on zoom. The speaker is Celine El Baou (she/her), a research fellow and PhD student at University College London. The title of the talk is "Autism, ADHD, and Learning Disability in NHS Talking Therapies: What Can Routinely Collected Data Tell Us about Outcomes and Care Pathways?" and the abstract reads "I will present findings from two studies using routinely collected data in NHS Talking Therapies for anxiety and depression (NHS TTad) services across England, between 2012 and 2022.
The first study examines therapy outcomes for Autistic people with co-occurring ADHD. The second study aims to quantify whether Autistic people and people with learning disabilities experience barriers in the care pathway prior to receiving therapy.".

042

Reposted by Dr Gavin R. Stewart

The British Academy @britishacademy.bsky.social · 17/06/2026

Interested in the wider conversation? Dr Gavin Stewart will be speaking at the British Academy's Ideas Festival on Saturday, where researchers and people with lived experience will explore how understandings of neurodiversity are evolving. Book your free ticket now 👇

thebritishacademy.ac.uk

The British Academy Ideas Festival - Saturday

The British Academy Ideas Festival returns on Friday 19 and Saturday 20 June. Celebrating bold thinking and unexpected discoveries from the histories that shape our identities to the forces influencin...

094

Reposted by Dr Gavin R. Stewart

The British Academy @britishacademy.bsky.social · 17/06/2026

New research suggests that ADHD may still be under-recognised and underdiagnosed in England. Co-authored by Dr Gavin Stewart @gavrobstew.bsky.social, a British Academy Postdoctoral Fellow, the study draws on data from millions of patient records.🧵

independent.co.uk

ADHD diagnoses soar in UK but adults over 65 remain overlooked, study finds

About 2.5million people in the UK have ADHD, NHS data shows. But researchers found cases are still under-diagnosed in older adults.

1126

Dr Gavin R. Stewart @gavrobstew.bsky.social · 16/06/2026

If you are interested in #ADHD and ageing, we have some longitudinal papers now out that might be of interest. Physical health in midlife: doi.org/10.1001/jama... Societal exclusion and psychological distress in midlife: doi.org/10.1038/s442...

061

Dr Gavin R. Stewart @gavrobstew.bsky.social · 16/06/2026

Diagnosis often acts as a gatekeeper to receiving timely help and support. However, the majority of people with #ADHD will not yet have received a diagnosis and be unsupported, which needs to be urgently addressed. doi.org/10.1016/j.la...

doi.org

Redirecting

261

Dr Gavin R. Stewart @gavrobstew.bsky.social · 16/06/2026

When considering whether #ADHD is over- or under-diagnosed, our findings provide strong evidence of under-recognition and under-diagnosis. While under-diagnosis was estimated across the lifespan, among people aged 65+, an estimated 93% may be undiagnosed. doi.org/10.1016/j.la...

A figure showing a breakdown of estimates of ADHD underdiagnosis in males and females by age group. In males, this was around 41.80% in people under the age of 18, 28.71% in people aged 18-24, 46.70% in people aged 25-34, 61.94% in people aged 35-44, 69.28% in people aged 45-54, 73.03% in people aged 55-64, and 93.51% in people aged 65+. The pattern is similar in females, with the gap estimated at 76.40% for people under age 18, 59.01% for people aged 18-24, 59.34% for people aged 25-34, 57.89% for people aged 35-44, 62.05% for people aged 45-54, 73.03% for people aged 55-64, and 93.51% for people aged 65+.

151

Dr Gavin R. Stewart @gavrobstew.bsky.social · 16/06/2026

We also found that #ADHD diagnoses have increased over time, particularly since 2020, but remain far below expected prevalence. doi.org/10.1016/j.la...

doi.org

Redirecting

100

Dr Gavin R. Stewart @gavrobstew.bsky.social · 16/06/2026

We found that 1.19% of people had an #ADHD diagnosis recorded in their healthcare record, well below international prevalence estimates of 3-5%. Diagnosis rates also declined sharply with age, with only 0.05% of people aged 65+ having a recorded diagnosis. doi.org/10.1016/j.la...

doi.org

Redirecting

111

Dr Gavin R. Stewart @gavrobstew.bsky.social · 16/06/2026

Really pleased that our new paper has been published in The Lancet Regional Health: Europe, looking at #ADHD prevalence and incidence over the past 25 years in England. You can find the paper (open access) here: doi.org/10.1016/j.la... ⬇️ More info below. @kingsioppn.bsky.social

doi.org

Redirecting

1209

Reposted by Dr Gavin R. Stewart

Dr Becky Wood @thewoodbug.bsky.social · 05/06/2026

📢 The How I Communicate project will be holding an online webinar focusing on supporting & valuing the communication of minimally/non-speaking autistic young people 🙌 ➡️ 25th June, 4 - 7pm ➡️ Free ⬇️ Register below

Poster of the How I Communicate project, including photos of Dr Rebecca Wood, Professor Vikram Jaswal and Dr Ashlea Cromby.

1105

Dr Gavin R. Stewart @gavrobstew.bsky.social · 01/06/2026

Anxiety is a pressing autistic community research priority. As chronic anxiety can impact health, our findings highlight the urgent need for increased, tailored support for autistic (or high autistic trait) people as they age. doi.org/10.1038/s442...

030

Dr Gavin R. Stewart @gavrobstew.bsky.social · 01/06/2026

We found 3 distinct anxiety trajectories. Two were low/stable, but the third increased into clinical concern. While middle-aged and older people w/ high autistic traits were found in all three trajectories, they were 4x more likely to be in the clinical concern trajectory. doi.org/10.1038/s442...

100

Dr Gavin R. Stewart @gavrobstew.bsky.social · 01/06/2026

We used annual follow-up data over an 8 year period from 5,270 people age 50-91 who took part in the PROTECT cohort. We used growth mixture modelling on the full sample to examine trajectories of anxiety symptoms over time, with follow-up tests related to autistic traits. doi.org/10.1038/s442...

100

Reposted by Dr Gavin R. Stewart

Prof Rosa Hoekstra @rosahoekstra.bsky.social · 15/05/2026

The @journalautism.bsky.social is 30! To celebrate this milestone the editorial team put together an anniversary issue with classic papers published in the journal. My pick is the first autism prevalence study in Africa. #AutRes Please find the full issue here: journals.sagepub.com/topic/collec...

journals.sagepub.com

083

Reposted by Dr Gavin R. Stewart

Thalia Eley @thaliaeley.bsky.social · 08/05/2026

Delighted to be hiring a new Clinical Psychology Lecturer in #childandadolescent #eatingdisorders to come and join our vibrant environment @SGDPCentreKCL @KingsIoPPN @KingsCollegeLon @MaudsleyNHS Please repost! my.corehr.com/pls/coreport...

eur03.safelinks.protection.outlook.com

011

Reposted by Dr Gavin R. Stewart

Re:Spect Lab KCL @respectlabkcl.bsky.social · 06/05/2026

Feeling the post-INSAR blues? Fear not - ARCH has just the thing for you! 🎉 On May 27th, we'll be hosting Mark Somerville, who will discuss his review on the lived experience of transgender autistic people. Interested? Tickets are available @ www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/arch-semin... ✉️ #Autism #AutRes

This is a poster advertising the autism research (or ARCH) seminar series. This seminar will take place at 14:00 BST on the 27th of May 2026, and will take place on Zoom. The speaker is Mark Somerville (who uses he/him pronouns), a PhD student from the University of Edinburgh. The talk title is "The Lived Experience of Transgender Autistic People - A Systematic Review and Thematic Synthesis" and the abstract reads "I will speak on the progress of a systematic review conducted to identify qualitative studies exploring the lived experience of transgender and gender diverse autistic people. A total of 26 studies have been included in the review and the data has been synthesized to develop analytical themes integrating the results of the different studies. Double marginalization, the intersection of minority identities, the value of the neuroqueer community, and multiple forms of dysphoria have emerged as prominent themes underlying the lived experience of transgender autistic people."

2117

Reposted by Dr Gavin R. Stewart

Lily Smythe @lilysmythe.bsky.social · 27/04/2026

Great time presenting my work at INSAR! Currently in the process of writing up the findings from my qualitative study I ran with autistic individuals with FND, and had some lovely chats with people at INSAR about FND

172

Dr Gavin R. Stewart @gavrobstew.bsky.social · 26/04/2026

Hi Mary, I can email you a pdf version that will be e-reader friendly - Gavin.stewart(at)KCL.ac.uk. I cant upload anything other than a picture on BlueSky unfortunately.

110

Reposted by Dr Gavin R. Stewart

Prof Rosa Hoekstra @rosahoekstra.bsky.social · 20/04/2026

Hello autism researchers #AutRes, looking forward to seeing you in Prague later this week for #INSAR2026! I'm really looking forward to this anniversary edition and to what I hope is a varied and rich programme of talks, workshops and posters

Welcome letter from the scientific programme chairs to the annual autism research conference INSAR, taking place in Prague 22-25 April

061

Reposted by Dr Gavin R. Stewart

Alanna Shand @alannajshand.bsky.social · 08/04/2026

Recruiting #ActuallyAutistic adults for a Community Engagement Board. Learn more about this #autism research opportunity below! Register your interest here 👉 forms.office.com/e/MvrA1zJp1r

123

Dr Gavin R. Stewart @gavrobstew.bsky.social · 01/04/2026

Thanks Becky! I hope you are well, hope to catch up soon.

100

Dr Gavin R. Stewart @gavrobstew.bsky.social · 01/04/2026

If you're interested in hearing more about the research we conduct in the @respectlabkcl.bsky.social, you can sign-up to our mailing list and/or participant database here: forms.office.com/pages/respon... #AutRes 11/end

220

Dr Gavin R. Stewart @gavrobstew.bsky.social · 01/04/2026

We hope that the findings of this paper and the upcoming resource will help inform more accessible, tailored support to promote financial security and meaningful post-retirement lives for autistic people. #AutRes doi.org/10.1177/1362... 10/x

110

Dr Gavin R. Stewart @gavrobstew.bsky.social · 01/04/2026

We’re in the process of creating an informational resource that will hopefully help with planning for retirement, including signposting to helpful information about pensions. #AutRes doi.org/10.1177/1362... 9/x

120

Dr Gavin R. Stewart @gavrobstew.bsky.social · 01/04/2026

There is still very little research on retirement in autistic populations, and this study highlights both shared and unique challenges in this life transition. #AutRes doi.org/10.1177/1362... 8/x

110