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 · 28/08/2026

Hi Kiri, thanks for tagging me, unfortunately I can't think of anyone personally but I can share the post in the hopes it might reach someone who can help! 😊

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

Key points: everything is biased, there is no such thing as neutral, we need to question the sources of information we access and it is crucial we teach young people to be critical & ask questions about the info they consume so they can grow up feeling more confident in identifying reliable sources.

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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?...

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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

Somehow we are 6 months into the year: my friends have told me I have my spark back, I am enjoying the balance between work and adventures and I see the rest of 2026 as time to keep building on this. Lots to celebrate, adventures to take and opportunities I don't know are around the corner yet. 😊

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

I feel very fortunate about where I am in my life currently. 2026 has been a year about (re)-connecting with things that bring me joy that I haven't done in a long time, with loved ones, exploring new hobbies & adventures. I've loved what I've been doing at work, with my confidence growing each day.

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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.

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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 · 30/04/2026

Thanks Carol, it has been wonderful so far! 😊

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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?...

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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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Dr Aimée Fletcher (@aimee_speaks) @aimeespeaks.bsky.social · 26/04/2026

Great to see you too, sorry we didn't manage more of a chat this time round. Yes, chat soon via email. I hope you have been able to enjoy some sightseeing around the city!

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

South Africa and Russia are underrepresented areas in Autism research, project started in these areas. There were 15 points of Bloom's philosophy (key ones in slide attached) Team had 8 multilingual researchers, 2 designers + 2 translators, 14 South African & 17 Russian stakeholders #INSAR2026

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

Final presentation is by Gala Morozola, who will be presenting on tbe Bloom Autism Support Programme. Project spans South Africa, Russia & the UK Starting by highlighting that there is a gap in evidence-based support programmes for families of autistic children. Co-created programme. #INSAR2026

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

Now hearing from Micah Mazurek on autistic people in rural and under-resourced & marginalised communities. Highlighting the gaps in diagnosis, healthcare & support. Disparities vary depending on regions, lack of autism expertise in areas, long waiting lists, high cost for private support #INSAR2026

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

Engagement materials & how they create quality engagement: - compensation for prep & meetings; reflect on individual preference for how to be compensated when benefits are involved - clear advance agenda & 2 week notice of meeting - co-developed guidance, individual supports & hybrid meetings

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

Project relating to health priorities and what are ideal outcomes for people with IDD. Engagement approach to develop quality measures: - equal partners - human-centred design framework and area she will reflect on after last talk - quality approaches lead to more community engagement #INSAR2026

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

Now hearing from Teal Benevides on Promoting Engagement and Leadership of People with IDD for Improved Health (known as IDDEAL). IDDEAL stands for Individuals with Intellectual and/or Developmental Disability Engaged, Aligned & Leading. Trauma-informed, community Engaged approach. #INSAR2026

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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

This is a project that is very much about creating a comfortable space for autistic teens and working with the autistic teens to shape it to be what is needed. Hannah & Parker reflect on working & learning from each other to bring different perspectives into the project. #INSAR2026

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

Hannah and Parker have shared that they take a human-centred approach that promotes autonomy for teens to decide how they take part & shape future sessions. One example of an area that has evolved based on feedback has been to reflect on the activities at a session to be more accessible #INSAR2026

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

Hannah Morton & Parker Dreden are sharing about the ways that they make being involved in their research on bullying for autistic teens. Key things: - info shared in advance to ensure informed decisions - decisions made by teens on whether to take part & feedback opportunities to shape meetings

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

Thank you Carol, incredibly kind. It has been lovely to catch up at this #INSAR2026

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

7. Many (majority?) Of research is not published open access and in accessible formats. Often it is found at conferences, in journals & at academic events. More work needs to be done to make sure research is shared in more spaces, directly with communities in preferred formats (video, Easy Read etc)

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

4. Yes - but only if there is funding available to enable us to meaningfully develop the work for audiences beyond academia. My research on museums & cultural heritage could be sector-changing if it could be published in a toolkit, but to do that funding is needed to pay ND collaborators & designers

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

3. Concerns are about the silos in research, decrease in funding (particularly for qual/autistic led reseach) & I fear that academia/research is becoming more of a challenging & hostile space for ND people. Lots of ND researchers unemployed, unfunded & working for free due to commitment to progress

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

1. Enabling Autistic people with high support needs to access their human rights & be supported to make own informed life decisions. 2. Mental wellbeing & how to support people to thrive (moving beyond autistic people = bad MH to how we can improve this) 3. Interdisciplinary/Humanities approaches

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

A puzzling puzzle about what puzzles count as a puzzle. Does this puzzle count in the count? 🤔

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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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Reposted by Dr Aimée Fletcher (@aimee_speaks)

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

This photo does not include everyone as there was space behind and outside the official room space. It was the biggest Autistic Autism Researcher event at INSAR yet.

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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

Damian shares about his twin daughters and how their needs differs from each other and Damian's son as an example to explain why categorisation does not work for everyone. "What is really needed is a more dimensional, individualised approach. I am not convinced that sub-categories is the way to go"

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

Damian quotes Mills (in slide) that reflects on the need to mutually understand and respect autistic people. Damian highlights "profound interaction" & explains he is not a fan of the profound autism category as it does not help or add to his son's needs. There is a problem in categorical thinking

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

Damian shares about the impact of attending Autscape, a UK-based conference that is autistic-led and an autistic-majority space. "This is one of the first times I've seen my son at ease and comfortable in a group environment" - Milton reflects on the impact of environments like Autscape. #INSAR2026

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