iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Reposted by Dr Aimée Fletcher (@aimee_speaks)

Steph Allan @eolasinntinn.bsky.social · 24/08/2026

Would anyone based in Scotland with experience of setting up a charity be up for speaking to a dear friend of mine who is wanting to do this? It would be to upscale access to a specific martial art for people living in Glasgow / surrounds to improve wellbeing.

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Dr Aimée Fletcher (@aimee_speaks) @aimeespeaks.bsky.social · 18/08/2026

I realise it has been a wee while since I posted, so hello! With the upsurge of dangerous misinformation about autism online & in the media, I made a one-take video explaining why questioning & challenging misinformation is important & some tips on what to question: youtu.be/AVVdyZJ2Zlk?...

youtu.be

Autistic Researcher Tips on how to Question Information Sources

YouTube video by Aimee Fletcher

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Dr Aimée Fletcher (@aimee_speaks) @aimeespeaks.bsky.social · 20/07/2026

Today's Monday Joys ✨️ - Celebrating a special wedding with friends over the weekend in the Scottish sunshine - Finishing the last of the wedding presents ahead of a celebration in 2 weeks time - Suggesting different ways to make autism research more accessible at work - Making exciting future plans

Aimee smiles in a formal summery powder pink dress with navy roses on it in front of a pond.

A completed stained glass piece by Aimee of a bothy in a countryside scene.

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Dr Aimée Fletcher (@aimee_speaks) @aimeespeaks.bsky.social · 29/06/2026

Today's Monday Joys ✨️ - Being busy with lots of nice plans with people - Finishing the first of two wedding presents I'm making and starting the next (both pictured) - Catching up with someone I haven't seen in 6+ years! - Wrapping up to go on holiday soon - Kindness of others encouraging me 😊

Aimee's current stained glass piece is a bothy design. All the pieces are cut out and she is ready to start leading her piece next time she is in the workshop.

Aimee's latest finished piece is inspired by a tulip design. It has mirrored petals pieces, red and purple flowered and clear but textured glass around it.

Aimee and Winnie smile in front of a redstone theatre building.

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Dr Aimée Fletcher (@aimee_speaks) @aimeespeaks.bsky.social · 15/06/2026

Return of Monday Joys ✨️ After a busy few weeks of living life, some highlights are: - Spending lots of time with people who bring joy - Feeling valued & supported to grow at work - Receiving really positive news about my PhD work - Making progress on a tricky glass piece - Doing what I love each day

Aimee's latest stained glass piece at the leading stage. Aimee is making a design called "tulips bud" with red, purple and clear glass making up the design. The grey pieces are actually the backs of mirrors.

Aimee and a group of friends smile in the sunshine at a picnic table with coffees on them.

Aimee smiles behind Mitch, a golden retriever holding an orange and black rope toy in his mouth.

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Dr Aimée Fletcher (@aimee_speaks) @aimeespeaks.bsky.social · 18/05/2026

Today's Monday Joy's ✨️ - Really positive time presenting on autistic advocacy & rights at my work's conference - Going for lunch with my parents, celebrating my sister's engagement - Catching up over coffee with friends and a walk in the sun - Peonies gifted to me by my parents when they visited 🌷

Aimee pulls the hair away from her face as she smiles up at the sky. She is stood in front of a pond with swans in it, wearing a floral dress with a denim jacket and her sunglasses.

A jug with peonies and purple flowers in it held up against a wall.

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Dr Aimée Fletcher (@aimee_speaks) @aimeespeaks.bsky.social · 17/05/2026

Sunday reflections ☀️ Mental wellbeing can be less of a priority in research when you are prioritising your projects. This week's one-take video is on ways of prioritising mental wellbeing as we approach the end of #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek Key point: breaks are essential, you are not alone.

youtu.be

Mental Wellbeing in research: reflections and suggestions this Mental Health Awareness Week 2026

YouTube video by Aimee Fletcher

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Dr Aimée Fletcher (@aimee_speaks) @aimeespeaks.bsky.social · 07/05/2026

Really helpful summary of the Scottish election - check out the rest of this thread too!

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Dr Aimée Fletcher (@aimee_speaks) @aimeespeaks.bsky.social · 04/05/2026

Today's Monday Joy's ✨️ - The sun keeps on shining, which as been lovely. - Positive feedback on work I've been doing. - Getting my first ever massage (a gift from friends), which has helped a lot - Spending time celebrating a friend's milestone birthday at an art studio 🎨 - the kindness of others

Aimee adds finishing touches to the acrylic painting she made on a canvas. The piece is of a series of flowers surrounded by a teal border to frame it.

Aimee proudly holds up her painting next to a whiteboard that says "Happy birthday Winnie' with a drawing of a cat in a party hat near it. Aimee smiles proudly while holding her piece.

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Dr Aimée Fletcher (@aimee_speaks) @aimeespeaks.bsky.social · 02/05/2026

Someone recently dropped (in all seriousness, not as a joke) the line: "obviously the autism is strong in you" to describe me. This may be my new favourite measurement (tested by carnival high striker). My autism is at its strongest when advocating and promoting autistic voices. 💪

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Dr Aimée Fletcher (@aimee_speaks) @aimeespeaks.bsky.social · 02/05/2026

Always a joy to join #AutINSAR and chat about what is happening in Autism research. There was a lot of reflection on current trends, what we want to see in the future & current concerns about the field. Check out @thinkingautism.com fantastic summary capturing both the in-person & online discussion

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Dr Aimée Fletcher (@aimee_speaks) @aimeespeaks.bsky.social · 28/04/2026

The night before #INSAR2026, and not long after I arrived on the Tuesday night, I decided to record a video about conference going with some of my tips for managing whether it be your first (big) conference or you are neurodivergent & need some tips. I hope it is helpful! youtu.be/h3WlvBUdEPo?...

youtu.be

Attending your first conference? Hints and tips from a neurodivergent researcher

YouTube video by Aimee Fletcher

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Dr Aimée Fletcher (@aimee_speaks) @aimeespeaks.bsky.social · 27/04/2026

Today's Monday Joys ✨️ - I had a great time in Prague at INSAR catching up with researcher friends & hearing about recent projects, as well as sharing what I've been up to - Managing some sightseeing amongst the busyness - Working on some post-PhD admin & feeling good about it - Having a good rest

Aimee smiles and looks at the architecture and painted details of the National Museum in Prague.

View over Prague from the National Museum in Prague. The sky is blue and the clouds are candyfloss-like.

Aimee stands next to her poster at INSAR. Aimee wears a colourful floral dress and lanyard with her name on it and two badges.

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Reposted by Dr Aimée Fletcher (@aimee_speaks)

Thinking Person's Guide to Autism @thinkingautism.com · 25/04/2026

Now: Last #INSAR2026 session: All about communication. How do autistic and non-autistic people navigate gaps in communication, including non-speaking autistics?

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Dr Aimée Fletcher (@aimee_speaks) @aimeespeaks.bsky.social · 25/04/2026

Last session I am attending at #INSAR2026 is "Expanding Partnerships: Community-Engaged Autism Research with Historically Underrepresented and Marginalised Groups. This panel has presentations by Hannah Morton, Teal Benevides, Micah Mazurek and Gala Morozova.

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Reposted by Dr Aimée Fletcher (@aimee_speaks)

Thinking Person's Guide to Autism @thinkingautism.com · 25/04/2026

Today is #AutINSAR, in which the #INSAR2026 community discusses autistic priorities in autism research! The chat will be IRL at 12:45-1:45 PM Prague time in the Club foyer on Level 1, but as we are also chatting on Bluesky you do not have to join in person. As for the questions we'll discuss… 1/

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Thinking Person's Guide to Autism @thinkingautism.com · 25/04/2026

#AutINSAR in 40 minutes! #INSAR2026

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Reposted by Dr Aimée Fletcher (@aimee_speaks)

Jamie Chase (she/they) @jamiechase.bsky.social · 24/04/2026

Tonight was amazing. The Autistic Researchers Committee social at #insar2026 was an opportunity to connect with other autistic researchers and feel safe to be yourself. I sat at a table full of amazing people who comfortably info dumped about all the things for hours and enjoyed it thoroughly. 💛

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Dr Aimée Fletcher (@aimee_speaks) @aimeespeaks.bsky.social · 25/04/2026

It was incredible how many Autistic Researchers were there last night, and lots joined on the night after registration opened up. With so many autistic researchers, it is crucial that #INSAR listen to our feedback about the conference in terms of accessibility and programme content going forward.

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Reposted by Dr Aimée Fletcher (@aimee_speaks)

Thinking Person's Guide to Autism @thinkingautism.com · 24/04/2026

Milton was asked if he would wave a "magic wand" to make his own life and his family's life easier. Sigh. (I personally am VERY TIRED of this question.) Milton doesn't want to change his high support son because he loves spending time with him, one of his most fulfilling relationships. #INSAR2026

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Reposted by Dr Aimée Fletcher (@aimee_speaks)

Thinking Person's Guide to Autism @thinkingautism.com · 24/04/2026

Now: #INSAR2026 keynote: Dr. Damian Milton, an autistic academic who originated the #DoubleEmpathy theory of mismatches in autism and communication and power dynamics. His talk is Bridging the Gap: Exploring the current empirical evidence relating to the double empathy problem.

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Dr Aimée Fletcher (@aimee_speaks) @aimeespeaks.bsky.social · 24/04/2026

Now attending the SIG "A Global Approach to Reducing Stigma and Enhancing Well-Being through Adopting a Capabilities Approach" Opening by explaining Nussbaum's 10 central capabilities and critiques of these. As this session is an active workshop, I won't be posting during this session. #INSAR2026

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Dr Aimée Fletcher (@aimee_speaks) @aimeespeaks.bsky.social · 24/04/2026

Great keynote by Damian Milton this morning! Today I am presenting my poster during the 12:30 slot at poster board 54C. The poster is Amplifying Autistic Voice through Inclusive Governance: Establishing and Co-Creating an Autistic Advisory Panel at Scottish Autism. I'd love to chat! #INSAR2026

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Dr Aimée Fletcher (@aimee_speaks) @aimeespeaks.bsky.social · 24/04/2026

Good morning #INSAR2026 I am at the morning keynote awaiting Damian Milton's talk. Damian will be presenting on "Bridging the gap: the current empirical evidence relating to ghe double empathy problem" Milton's introduction highlighted the impact he has had on research. Very excited for this one

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Dr Aimée Fletcher (@aimee_speaks) @aimeespeaks.bsky.social · 23/04/2026

Now attending Isolation and Solitude: autistic people's experienced of misunderstanding and (un)belonging. Chaired by Heather Brown, first talk is by Mirabel Pelton on Suicidal thoughts and feelings in autistic young people. #INSAR2026

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Reposted by Dr Aimée Fletcher (@aimee_speaks)

Thinking Person's Guide to Autism @thinkingautism.com · 23/04/2026

At the " #ProfoundAutism" SIG. #INSAR2026. The focus last year was on identifying barriers and opportunities for research participation, such as assessment challenges and solutions, training needs, externalizing behaviors, and caregiver and family needs.

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Dr Aimée Fletcher (@aimee_speaks) @aimeespeaks.bsky.social · 23/04/2026

Really important observation here about who attends sessions that focus on Autistic People's views. The sessions that we choose to attend and choose not to attend are often a statement of what we prioritise, what we deem important & what we are open to learning about. Positive sign for the future.

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Reposted by Dr Aimée Fletcher (@aimee_speaks)

Thinking Person's Guide to Autism @thinkingautism.com · 23/04/2026

Now: Dr. David Mandell, a very thoughtful man who has been attending INSAR since he was a "baby researcher" in 2002, the 2nd conference. He's talking about what we can learn from policy and services research and implementation research, and how these two branches inform each other. #INSAR2026

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Reposted by Dr Aimée Fletcher (@aimee_speaks)

Thinking Person's Guide to Autism @thinkingautism.com · 17/04/2026

The International Meeting for Autism Research #INSAR2026 is next week! We'll once again be hosting the #AutINSAR discussion on autistic priorities for autism research, since most research does …not consider those priorities. Join us Sat, April 25. 2025 recap: thinkingautismguide.com/2025/05/what...

Photo of Most of the IRL attendees of AutINSAR 2025, posing as a group. Text in a box in the center reads, "What Autistic People Want From Autism Research: AutINSAR 2025 Recap"

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Reposted by Dr Aimée Fletcher (@aimee_speaks)

Thinking Person's Guide to Autism @thinkingautism.com · 23/04/2026

Impressed by how quickly the entire #INSAR2026 community switched to flappause (silent applause) as a sensory accommodation, without even being asked (although later we were asked). Nice.

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Reposted by Dr Aimée Fletcher (@aimee_speaks)

Autism in Adulthood @autisminadulthood.bsky.social · 22/04/2026

Ask us about Autism in Adulthood at #INSAR2026! We would love to talk to you. Look out for our badges or msg us to discuss anything to do with our journal @AutismAdulthood 👇

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Dr Aimée Fletcher (@aimee_speaks) @aimeespeaks.bsky.social · 23/04/2026

I'm late sharing my "conference selfie" to help people to find and chat while at #INSAR2026 As always, I am super open & happy to chat about my research, work in the area of participation work in practice outside of traditional research spaces. I love to chat about methodology, history & museums.

Lift selfie of Aimee wearing a black dress with pink hearts and dots in different tones, a denim jacket and black docs with hearts. Aimee has brown hair past her shoulders and bracelets.

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Dr Aimée Fletcher (@aimee_speaks) @aimeespeaks.bsky.social · 23/04/2026

Once more with the right hash tag! #INSAR2026 Session summary from the Autistic People's Views on Autism Diagnosis and Intervention Panel:

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Reposted by Dr Aimée Fletcher (@aimee_speaks)

Brian Irvine @brianirvine.bsky.social · 23/04/2026

#INSAR2026 The Many Autisms: Past, Present, and Future Matthew Belmonte / Autism Research's Core Deficits: Weak Central Coherence and a Lack of Perspective-Taking Bonnie Evans/ The Long History of Autism and Classification

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Dr Aimée Fletcher (@aimee_speaks) @aimeespeaks.bsky.social · 23/04/2026

It is full day one at ##INSAR2026 The first session I am attending today is the Panel session on Autistic People's Views on Autism Diagnosis & Intervention. Steven Kapp is opening by sharing about the process of selection for this Panel session, highlighting the importance of autistic perspectives

Photo of the Autistic People's Views on Autism Diagnosis and Intervention. It mentions the names of the speakers and their presentations:
Melissa Black - is the optimal outcome really optimal
Hannah Morton - The Autistic Autism Collaborative
Jules Zeilke - identity based perspectives on the benefits and harms of early autism Interventions
Imane Kostet - Barriers to identification among ethnically and racially minoritised adults

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Dr Aimée Fletcher (@aimee_speaks) @aimeespeaks.bsky.social · 22/04/2026

Now attending the Past Presidents discussion at #INSAR2026 I arrived slightly late, so I missed the start of the session. First topic seems to be on onset of autism & the statement is that the controversy has been resolved on this as evidence shows it is predominantly pre-natal & not environmental.

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Dr Aimée Fletcher (@aimee_speaks) @aimeespeaks.bsky.social · 22/04/2026

Attending the Cultural Diversity Committee's pre-conference workshop today at #INSAR2026 Opening presentation provides an overview of the role that the Committee have at INSAR, the workshops and annual awards. Today's speakers and presentations in the image below:

Slide of the Pre-conference workshop as part of the Cultural Diversity Committee's pre-conference event.

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Dr Aimée Fletcher (@aimee_speaks) @aimeespeaks.bsky.social · 21/04/2026

To people attending #INSAR2026: I will be attending and presenting a poster on the Autistic Advisory Panel and the process of establishing it. Happy to meet to chat about the Panel, my work and all things research. I am also co-organising the Autistic Researchers meet-up with INSAR's ARC.

Sign in an app for a presentation:
POSTER ID 416.168
(54C) Amplifying Autistic Voice through Inclusive Governance: Establishing and Co-Creating an Autistic Advisory Panel at Scottish Autism

Poster
Aimee Fletcher Participation Coordinator (Alloa, United Kingdom),
Susan O'Reilly Practice Development Manager (Alloa, United Kingdom),
Joseph Long Director of Practice and Innovation (Alloa, United Kingdom)
Congress Hall Foyer B, C - Level 3
Friday, 24 Apr, 12:30 - 13:30 CEST

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Dr Aimée Fletcher (@aimee_speaks) @aimeespeaks.bsky.social · 18/04/2026

Dear Scottish folks, Monday is the deadline to register to vote in the election on 7th May. I was asked to provide an opening speech at a hustings event joint hosted by Scottish Autism & NAS Scotland. I spoke about the importance of listening to autistic people. My speech: youtu.be/J-qDllxLh7U?...

youtu.be

Aimee Fletcher - Hustings Speech - April 2026

YouTube video by Aimee Fletcher

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Dr Aimée Fletcher (@aimee_speaks) @aimeespeaks.bsky.social · 13/04/2026

Today's Monday Joys ✨️ - My cousin had her baby, making her the first of my generation to have a child. Mum & baby doing well! - I finished the bothy piece, which is an anniversary present for my parents - My friend's hen do was a beautiful, joyous day - My poster for INSAR is printed & looks fab!

Aimee's finished bothy stained glass piece. The roof is red, the white bothy has painted door and cross-hatch windows, there are mountains, a river and smoke from the bothy going in the wind. Aimee has pained 'J ♡ D' in the bottom corner.

Photo of banners saying "Hi it's me, I'm the bride, it's me" in pink above a table of photos of the bride.

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Dr Aimée Fletcher (@aimee_speaks) @aimeespeaks.bsky.social · 08/04/2026

A gentle (re?)-launch of my YouTube channel with a recording of a presentation on some of my PhD findings. I am hoping to create more videos. Some may be related to my research directly, others more broad reflections on autism, research methods & researcher experiences. Very much open to ideas. 😊

youtu.be

Creating Accessible Museums for Neurodivergent Audiences Presentation - Aimee Fletcher

YouTube video by Aimee Fletcher

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Reposted by Dr Aimée Fletcher (@aimee_speaks)

Steven Kapp @drstevenkapp.bsky.social · 06/04/2026

New arrival by @drrobertchapman.bsky.social & @suereviews.bsky.social, a brief authoritative text. As far as we know, 1st general academic introduction to neurodiversity studies as distinct field w/ its own body of scholarship. Recommended! Full disclosure: I reviewed it, applying my due diligence.

Holding the small book Neurodiversity: A Very Short Introduction by Robert Chapman and Sue Fletcher-Watson.

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Dr Aimée Fletcher (@aimee_speaks) @aimeespeaks.bsky.social · 06/04/2026

Today's Monday Joys ✨️ - Belated pottery painting & brunch with my sister to mark her birthday - Spending time celebrating a big family birthday & cuddling my parent's dogs - Splitting a delicious cake with my Dad - Launching an election toolkit I've worked on for months at work (will be shared soon)

Aimee holds up a house-shaped candle holder she has painted. On the table in front of her is a cup of water with paint brushes in it and a tub full of paints numbered to show what colour it is on a colour wheel. Behind is the workshop where the pieces will go in the kiln to be fired and shelves full of bags with other people's masterpieces.

Aimee smiles looking down at Gus, her parents tricolour Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, who is looking back and plotting to live her face. Aimee is wearing a Gorillaz band tshirt.

A delicious chocolate and hazelnut torte that was very rich and chocolatey, with one of two forks for splitting it

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Dr Aimée Fletcher (@aimee_speaks) @aimeespeaks.bsky.social · 30/03/2026

Today's Monday Joys ✨️ - Making progress on my Bothy glass piece (this one is an anniversary present for my parents) - Buying my favourite flowers as a treat after a presentation went well. - Craft night with my friends resulting in me making a Snoopy wall clock - Catching up with lifelong friends 😊

Aimee's current glass work in progress is a landscape with a bothy. Aimee has user different greens, browns and turquoise glasses to be the grass and hills, blues for a river, white for the cottage with a red roof and some off-white glass to represent the smoke.

A Snoopy clock that Aimee made at a craft night. Snoopy is sat on the grass listening to music, flapping his paws, wagging his tail and with his eyes shut with a big smile.

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Dr Aimée Fletcher (@aimee_speaks) @aimeespeaks.bsky.social · 27/03/2026

This time last year I was tracking my settling into a new role and transitioning out of my "PhD researcher" identity at the same time by capturing the growth of these daffodils. One year on, I feel like I have rooted, changed some soil and I'm helping other flowers to grow too. It's a nice feeling.

A wooden box bursting with yellow daffodils.

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Dr Aimée Fletcher (@aimee_speaks) @aimeespeaks.bsky.social · 09/03/2026

Today's Monday Joy's ✨️ - Finishing two stained glass panels over 3 sessions as presents for friends - Good news about a family member's health after a big scare - Seeing how Glasgow is wrapping its arms around people impacted by the fire - Spending time with loved ones - Sunshine & longer days ahead

Aimee's latest stained glass piece is inspired by a stained glass panel in the Tunnocks cafe in Uddingston. The colours in this piece are teal blue, purple, pink, iridescent lilac and clear striped textured glass. It sits on a stand with a lamp shone at it to help the colours to show how they would in a window.

Aimee holds up a piece of stained glass against a wall that she finished. It is a thistle in traditional colours with lilac iridescent pieces at the top, striped textured glass as a middle panel and clear iridescent glass at the bottom to make the thistle a rectangle shape.

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Reposted by Dr Aimée Fletcher (@aimee_speaks)

Fergus Murray @oolong.co.uk · 04/03/2026

Spotlight on @weirdpride.day: I wrote a piece for @jadefarrington.bsky.social's excellent newsletter. open.substack.com/pub/jadefarr...

open.substack.com

Spotlight on Weird Pride Day with Fergus Murray, AuDHD Writer, Community Organiser and Science Educator

Celebrating Weird Pride Day on March 4th

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Dr Aimée Fletcher (@aimee_speaks) @aimeespeaks.bsky.social · 04/03/2026

Weird Pride Day Part 2: I'm not someone who typically records videos like this, but this year I felt compelled to add a short, one-take clip about Weird Pride and why it is important. There is so much more that can be said about #WeirdPride. Check out the #WeirdPrideDay posts for more events!

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