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Caroline Hearst

@autismmatters.bsky.social
924 followers 349 following 465 posts

Escapee from the takeover of Twitter where I chatted about autism and things that grabbed my attention. Autistic. Jew. Old. www.autismmatters.org.uk

PostsRepliesMedia
Caroline Hearst @autismmatters.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
Our public services aren’t for a secretive profit-hungry US tech firm. Sign the petition to tell the Government to scrap all contracts with secretive US tech firm Palantir. you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/st...
you.38degrees.org.uk
Stop Palantir taking over our public services!
Our public services aren’t for a secretive profit-hungry US tech firm. Sign the petition to tell the Government to scrap all contracts with secretive US tech firm Palantir.
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Caroline Hearst @autismmatters.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
I've been listening to stuff about #AI . I don't understand the concept of reward in this context. How does a non-feeling entity experience reward? I wouldn't have thought they had the capacity for pleasure if they are not sentient.
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Jay Rayner @jayrayner1.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
On the BBC News Katya Adler has just described Germany, where the far right AFD keep winning elections, as entering 'uncharted political territory'. Hmmm. Where Germany is concerned I think that territory is pretty well charted.
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Caroline Hearst @autismmatters.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
I wrote this in response to this article which I forgot to post www.theguardian.com/society/2026...
theguardian.com
Plan to limit NHS diagnoses of ADHD attacked as ‘rationing’ healthcare
Review expected to say patients in England should be ‘triaged’ and offered support without formal diagnosis
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Caroline Hearst @autismmatters.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
I found this article very sad, the letter describes many common #autistic experiences it seems likely to me the writer could find self understanding and solace in autistic community. However the possibility of autism is not even broached by the advice columnist. www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle...
theguardian.com
I’m nearly 30, a virgin and feel lonely. The manosphere is trying to draw me in – where else can I seek assurance? | Leading questions
The manosphere says this type of suffering is targeted neglect, writes advice columnist Eleanor Gordon-Smith. But your suffering gives you the ability to make your part of the world better.
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Adam Bienkov @adambienkov.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
Time to deport all these fighting age men terrorising our patriotic lifeboat volunteers www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026...
theguardian.com
Lifeboat station in Portsmouth forced to temporarily shut after far-right action
RNLI facility had been targeted by activists trying to stop asylum seekers landing in boats from the Channel
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Caroline Hearst @autismmatters.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
Things would be improved far ore for #neurodivergent people if the money currently spent on administering the waiting list and paying for diagnosis was spent on appropriate support.
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Caroline Hearst @autismmatters.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
Much as I think that #autism should be removed from the DSM limiting diagnosis is a very bad idea. It would be better to abolish formal diagnosis, especially since they're saying everyone will get appropriate support. (What then is the point of a diagnosis if everyone is entitled to support)
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Caroline Hearst @autismmatters.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
This is an important issue - please sign: you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/ju...
you.38degrees.org.uk
Justice for victims of corrupt police officers
Winston Trew was framed by a racist and corrupt police officer in 1972. It took nearly 50 years to clear his name. Thirteen people framed by the same officer spent a combined 623 years wrongfully conv...
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Caroline Hearst @autismmatters.bsky.social · 08/09/2026
The Rabbi at the Reform shul I belonged to at the time also emailed the congregation not to vote Labour in that election. I objected strongly that it wasn't his domain to tell people how to vote, but it made no difference. The shul was in a Tory seat anyway.
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James Ball @jamesrball.com · 07/09/2026
Every time the Labour government does this, it not only suggests that the broad thrust of these direct far-right actions – led by thugs with convictions for violence – are legitimate, they explicitly suggest they are *more* legitimate than left-wing protests. It is as contemptible as it is stupid.
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Caroline Hearst @autismmatters.bsky.social · 07/09/2026
Sadly both uncritical supporters of Isreal and anti-semites are doing the conflating. As Owen says.
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Caroline Hearst @autismmatters.bsky.social · 07/09/2026
What is the point of this response? Pure whataboutery. Since when have 2 wrongs made a right?
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Caroline Hearst @autismmatters.bsky.social · 04/09/2026
Oh dear, I feel really bad about this post now. I reacted theoretically to a story rather than empathically to a human being who was experiencing an extreme pile on. I hope to take more care in future. I know its a minuscule part of the pressure but I think posting about this was unhelpful.
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Reposted by Caroline Hearst
furry hater @furry-hater.bsky.social · 23/04/2026
sphere with red paint on it with the caption: "There was no autism diagnosed before 1930. Pluto wasn't discovered until 1930, pluto causes autism."
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Caroline Hearst @autismmatters.bsky.social · 16/08/2026
This has brought me up short. On reflection I feel I'm as guilty of this as the next person.
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Caroline Hearst @autismmatters.bsky.social · 16/08/2026
I'm so sad about this. I think it's unhelpful that the news is framed as 'stories' and feels so distant that we can forget people in the centre of storms are human beings with feelings not simply characters for us to discuss without always noticing the framing or wider context.
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Caroline Hearst @autismmatters.bsky.social · 16/08/2026
So well put! I've noticed the same tendencies in Uta Frith and some other self-diagnosed NT's working in the neurodiversity field.
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Caroline Hearst @autismmatters.bsky.social · 07/08/2026
Microsoft wants to build three massive AI data centres in Leeds. It’ll drain thousands of litres of water from the River Aire and become the city's biggest carbon emitter. We can still stop the council's final sign-off, but we need more voices. Add your name: you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/pr...
you.38degrees.org.uk
Stop the Microsoft AI megasite in Leeds!
Microsoft want to build three huge AI data centres at Skelton Grange. It would drain the River Aire and become the city's biggest carbon emitter. We can still stop it - add your name to the petition.
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noam @noamchompers.bsky.social · 07/08/2026
i've been chewing on why i think this is so great, and i think at bottom it's that it's such *ordinary* speech. clearly she's thought about this, clearly she has values she's comfortable expressing, but she's not speaking as though she's Making A Political Statement. just plain, earnest language
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Caroline Hearst @autismmatters.bsky.social · 07/08/2026
Don't you think saying Farage will win makes that more likely. Why not talk up Binface?
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Caroline Hearst @autismmatters.bsky.social · 07/08/2026
re www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026... I wonder why no one seems to be querying his claims about #autism which are also unusually extreme.
theguardian.com
The rise and fall of Jason Arday: a full rundown of the questions being asked
From accusations of plagiarism to queries over his charity work, we list all the allegations against the academic
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Caroline Hearst @autismmatters.bsky.social · 06/08/2026
I'm suprised #JasonArday stated academic and sports achievements that are now looked at through a different lens (sadly one that is being weaponised by the right) while his #autism story is still being assumed to be true, I can't help wondering if that's another fantasy.
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Caroline Hearst @autismmatters.bsky.social · 06/08/2026
Hmm, not sure what you're suggesting - that the fact that Trump administration supports an idea provides it with hinges, or that Wolff is saying all sorts of things not because she believes them but to profit from being a convert to the far right (making her part of mainstream USA capitalism)
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Caroline Hearst @autismmatters.bsky.social · 05/08/2026
I just signed this, I think it would make a difference so please so sign: you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/fu...
you.38degrees.org.uk
Fund Councils to Buy the Supply of Council Homes
We urgently need to replenish our decimated council housing stock, and part of the answer is real funding for councils to Buy the Supply. Over 169,000 children are homeless and living in overcrowded ...
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Caroline Hearst @autismmatters.bsky.social · 18/07/2026
either way pride is not a negative, seems to me to have anger (rather than just despair or sorrow) there needs to be some pride. From what you have posted you seem to have pride, but that is somehow about part of you, sort of you without the disability.
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Caroline Hearst @autismmatters.bsky.social · 17/07/2026
I'd say almost the reverse, that maybe pride movements come before societal change, if people don't have pride and don't appear to think their needs should be considered, they're not.
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Caroline Hearst @autismmatters.bsky.social · 17/07/2026
Well looking at how the laws now allows same sex marriage (and cultural change meaning this is widely accepted, as well as discrimination against people on the basis of their sexuality being illegal) I'd say gay pride hasn't done any harm!
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Thinking Person's Guide to Autism @thinkingautism.com · 07/07/2026
"Do I need to wear sunglasses to the supermarket? Surely not. I could just be in pain the whole time and exhausted afterwards, like I used to be before I realised there was a choice!" On Needs vs. Wants in Disability, from @oolong.co.uk: oolong.medium.com/needs-vs-wan... #autism #neurodiversity
oolong.medium.com
Needs vs. Wants in Diets and Disability
A useful distinction, but a dangerous dichotomy
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Caroline Hearst @autismmatters.bsky.social · 17/07/2026
this idea seems to be almost the reverse of the concept of monotropism. I think things are somewhat more complex, although I agree your story about Judy Dench is basically disrespectful, but not sure neurodivergent people incapable of such duplicity.
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Caroline Hearst @autismmatters.bsky.social · 17/07/2026
Your first point is why we need pride events in relation to marginalised identities. To show that we can take pride in our humanity, regardless of whether aspects of ourselves are stigmatised or create difficulties and need courage to live with.
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Caroline Hearst @autismmatters.bsky.social · 17/07/2026
This looks to be brilliant
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Caroline Hearst @autismmatters.bsky.social · 17/07/2026
Absolutely agree. It seems to me that IQ tests simply measure how good a person is at IQ tests, this is not necessarily a skill that is transferable to everyday life.
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Caroline Hearst @autismmatters.bsky.social · 17/07/2026
Absolutely. I think some teachers are beginning to recognise this now.
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Caroline Hearst @autismmatters.bsky.social · 17/07/2026
Thanks for sharing
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Caroline Hearst @autismmatters.bsky.social · 17/07/2026
According to this article a major boss said “I can’t see how it would work” with Miliband at the Treasury because of his “personal ambitions in terms of net zero” . Categorising willingness to act to try to prevent climate as a "personal ambition" is just wrong. www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
theguardian.com
‘Bizarre choice’: business and Labour puzzle over Shabana Mahmood as future chancellor
The home secretary, favourite to take over at No 11, has minimal economic credentials and many MPs would prefer Ed Miliband
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Caroline Hearst @autismmatters.bsky.social · 17/07/2026
Did you know a barrister is facing prison just for reminding a jury they have the right to vote with their conscience? This historic right has existed since 1670. We can't let it be silenced in court now. Add your name to help protect Britain's juries: you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/sa...
you.38degrees.org.uk
Save Britain's Juries
Juries have had the right to acquit based on their conscience for centuries. Now, a barrister is facing jail just for mentioning it in court. Add your name to help save Britain's juries.
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Caroline Hearst @autismmatters.bsky.social · 09/07/2026
I notice the Met weather forecast has stopped flagging up current heat alerts on relevant days. Seems to be following a national strategy of pretending the climate catastrophe isn't happening so we can continue with enable business as usual. However, ignoring reality makes things worse not better.
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Caroline Hearst @autismmatters.bsky.social · 09/07/2026
I think it would be great if Count Binface left Nigel Farage with egg on his face. This could be the most impactful use of £3 possible ko-fi.com/countbinface
ko-fi.com
Support Count Binface
Support Count Binface
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Caroline Hearst @autismmatters.bsky.social · 25/06/2026
I waited outside hoping it was a false alarm, but 3 fire engines arrived. I went to collect my bike and could smell burning plastic. We aren't set up for this weather. The person who joined me in the cool room hadn't known about it but was directed by staff as she looked so hot. Low publicity.
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Caroline Hearst @autismmatters.bsky.social · 25/06/2026
I am fortunate to live near a council run cool space i near enough to brave the heat to get there. I was the only person there initially but after a couple of hours there was an alarm and the staff seemed panicked and everyone in the leisure centre had to leave.
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Caroline Hearst @autismmatters.bsky.social · 11/06/2026
This cause is close to my heart - please sign: you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/in...
you.38degrees.org.uk
Increase NHS patients access to innovative treatments for depression and bipolar disorder.
Depression and bipolar depression can impose heavy daily costs on the quality of life of those who experience these mental illnesses, as well as their carers and the communities in which they live.&nb...
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Caroline Hearst @autismmatters.bsky.social · 21/05/2026
To me its good news that Sadiq Khan is blocking deal with Plantir, www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026... compared bad news that Andy Burnham is supporting Shabana Mahmood on immigration.
theguardian.com
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Led By Donkeys @ledbydonkeys.org · 17/05/2026
Immigration make Britain brilliant
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Caroline Hearst @autismmatters.bsky.social · 07/04/2026
I feel conflicted when I am helped by a patient call centre worker and then their employer sends me this satisfaction survey. On the one hand I want to help the employee, on the other I don't want to be part of the constant surveillance on performance by employers.
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Caroline Hearst @autismmatters.bsky.social · 05/04/2026
This is very sad. (I seem to be skewing to sadness rather than anger about the state of the world these days - they're layered on top of the other)
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Caroline Hearst @autismmatters.bsky.social · 05/04/2026
That's interesting I felt that about Bush, but somehow I find Trump listenable to in a strange way (while dissociating from the havoc he's spreading which I find both terrifying and unbearably sad) I find his tone of voice and veering between playing the victim and making threats interesting.
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Chanda Prescod-Weinstein 🌌 @chanda.blacksky.app · 31/03/2026
🥴🥴🥴🥴🥴🥴🥴🥴🥴🥴🥴 chag sameach everyone
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Caroline Hearst @autismmatters.bsky.social · 31/03/2026
stoptrump.org.uk/petition-no-...
stoptrump.org.uk
Petition: As Trump fuels global chaos, King Charles should not pay him a Royal Visit
Stop Trump Coalition
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Peter Stefanovic @peterstefanovic.bsky.social · 25/03/2026
The Prime Minister’s plan for immigration will keep people working in key industries like care in temporary status for a decade or more, it will keep people in insecure work, make them more easily exploitable, poorer and marginalised - when did that become the policy of a Labour government?
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