iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

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Autism in Adulthood @autisminadulthood.bsky.social · 13/06/2026

We are excited to announce that you can now find us on LinkedIn! We will be sharing research updates from our journal on BlueSky, LinkedIn and our website. Please consider following us on LinkedIn here: www.linkedin.com/company/auti...

linkedin.com

Autism in Adulthood | LinkedIn

Autism in Adulthood | 137 followers on LinkedIn. The peer-reviewed journal for research & scholarship on the most pressing issues affecting the lives of autistic adults | Autism in Adulthood is a ...

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Ava Gurba (she/her) @avanicole23.bsky.social · 07/11/2025

Very excited to be part of the study team for this participatory research studying examining loneliness in autistic young adults.

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decolonize @dec0l0nize.bsky.social · 09/09/2025

"You interrogate your privilege, but never your abled privilege. You educate yourself about oppression, but never ableism." @miamingus.bsky.social

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Ava Gurba (she/her) @avanicole23.bsky.social · 12/09/2025

Please come join the @abctautism.bsky.social for their fall seminar series exploring neurodivergent partnerships in research. I am very excited to be presenting with my wonderful colleagues. I will be presenting TOMORROW Friday September 12th at 12 to 1 pm EDT Register: zoom.us/webinar/regi...

Unity in strength: cultivating harmony and camaraderie in partnerships with neurodivergent colleagues to enhance research. Visit the link in the tweet to register for our three sessions.

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Ava Gurba (she/her) @avanicole23.bsky.social · 25/08/2025

I'm excited to share that my team is recruiting a Postdoctoral Fellow for a new 5-year participatory, mixed methods longitudinal study focusing on accessing experiences of loneliness across life transitions among autistic young adults! For information & to apply: careers.drexel.edu/en-us/job/50...

careers.drexel.edu

Careers at Drexel - Human Resources

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Ava Gurba (she/her) @avanicole23.bsky.social · 21/08/2025

This is a neat paper continuing to build on important work on relationships & rapport for autistic adults in group settings, & continues to add to our understanding of autistic people's relationships & the double empathy problem. #AutismResearch #ActuallyAutistic

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Autism in Adulthood @autisminadulthood.bsky.social · 19/08/2025

A Multidimensional Model of Social Autistic Function and Its Effects on Quality of Life by Pieslinger et al examines the contributions of socail autistic traits and whether these dimensions affect the quality of life of autistic people. ‪ NEW FREE www.liebertpub.com/doi/10.1089/...

Abstract for the paper: "A Multidimensional Model of Social Autistic Function and Its Effects on Quality of Life". As summarized, it reads: this study aimed to examine the contributions of social dimensions to the autistic neurotype, and then use causal inference to identify which of them have adverse effects on quality of life. They looked at six social traits: social anhedonia, theory of mind, affective empathy, social anxiety, prosopagnosia, and alexithymia using questionnaires from 366 adults with a wide range of autistic traits, with 78 being diagnosed with autism. They found that five dimensions (all except affective empathy) explained most variation in autistic social traits. However, only alexithymia and social anhedonia were found to adversely affect quality of life. These findings suggest that autistic social function can be explained by variation across multiple dimensions that are specific, neurally and behaviorally, than broad autistic traits. This includes the transdiagnostic constructs of alexithymia and social anhedonia, which disproportionally affected quality of life. These may serve as markers for poor outcomes.

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Autism in Adulthood @autisminadulthood.bsky.social · 21/08/2025

Verbal Collaboration in Same- and Mixed-Neurotype Groups of Autistic and Non-Autistic Adults by @sarah-foster.bsky.social et al. examined verbal collaboration during a group tower-building task among autistic and non-autistic adults (1/) NEW FREE to Aug 28 www.liebertpub.com/doi/10.1089/...

Abstract for the paper: Verbal Collaboration in Same- and Mixed-Neurotype Groups of Autistic and Non-Autistic Adults by Sarah Foster et al. As summarized, it reads: Background: Research suggests that some autistic adults communicate more effectively and build stronger rapport with other autistic individuals than with non-autistic people. This suggests that outcomes for autistic people in group settings may depend on the diagnostic composition of the group. Here, we examined verbal collaboration among autistic and non-autistic adults in same- and mixed-neurotype groups during a shared task.
Methods: We assigned 136 adults (73 autistic, 63 non-autistic) to 34 four-person groups: all autistic, all non-autistic, majority autistic, or majority non-autistic. Researchers video recorded groups during a 5-minute Jenga tower-building task, and participants reported their rapport with the group. Researchers transcribed and coded the videos for collaborative speech using a validated coding scheme.
Results: Preregistered analyses revealed that autistic participants expressed more positive opinions about the group and their own contributions than did non-autistic participants. Non-autistic participants expressed more negative group evaluations and elicited more building ideas. Participants in mixed-neurotype groups directed more negativity toward others than participants in same-neurotype groups. Autistic—but not non-autistic—participants verbalized more negativity in mixed groups. Exploratory correlations revealed links between aspects of collaborative speech and rapport.
Discussion: Autistic adults expressed greater overall positivity but expressed more negativity in mixed group settings. These findings support evidence that autistic people often experience better rapport in all-autistic groups and may be more sensitive to mixed group environments than non-autistic people.

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Autism in Adulthood @autisminadulthood.bsky.social · 24/07/2025

“It Was a Completely Different Lens”: Autistic Adult and Parent Perceptions of Autistic-Led Autism Information Workshops by Waddington & colleagues examines perceptions of parents of autistic people who participated in autistic-led workshops. NEW FREE to July 30 www.liebertpub.com/doi/10.1089/...

Abstract for the paper "It Was a Completely Different Lens": Autistic Adult & Parent Perceptions of Autistic-Led Autism Information Workshops. It reads: Research shows that when autistic people mentor and share information about autism with other autistic individuals. It provides benefits. However, researchers are yet to determine whether parents of autistic children benefit from learning about autism directly from autistic people. Autistic people leading information workshops for parents of autistic children are an emerging practice. In this coproduced study, researchers used a mixed-methods approach to examine the perceptions of 12 parents of young autistic children and 7 autistic adults who participated in, or facilitated, three 2-hour autism information workshops. Quantitative survey results showed that parents were generally satisfied with the workshops, but some would have liked more time. The qualitative findings suggest that the workshops fostered a more positive narrative around autism. The workshops helped build connections both within and across groups for the autistic adults, the parents, and their autistic children. The workshop’s “cosy” nature helped participants to feel comfortable in sharing their experiences and questions. Participants expressed a preference or desire for a diverse range of facilitators. These results highlight the important role that autistic adults could play in supporting and sharing information with parents of young autistic children.

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Dr. Damien P. Williams, dread portent down from a mountain cave @wolven.blacksky.app · 24/10/2024

I wrote "How Heeding Disabled People Can Help Everyone Survive Crises" and for a second there it really looked like policymakers and government folks understood what i was poiting at. Guess not tho. slate.com/technology/2...

slate.com

How Heeding Disabled People Can Help Everyone Survive Crises

An expert on the social and cultural implications of technology responds to Aliza Greenblatt’s “If We Ever Make It Through This Alive.”

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Ava Gurba (she/her) @avanicole23.bsky.social · 14/07/2025

My colleagues in the Social Dynamics of Intervention Lab (SoDI Lab) at the Life Course Outcomes Program at the AJ Drexel Autism Institute is looking for a full-time Research Associate II ASAP! For more information and to apply: careers.drexel.edu/mob/cw/en-us... (1/)

careers.drexel.edu

Research Associate II

Dr. McGhee Hassrick, from the Life Course Outcomes Program of the A.J. Drexel Autism Institute is recruiting for a Research Associate II.

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Ava Gurba (she/her) @avanicole23.bsky.social · 14/07/2025

I am excited to share that my team here at the at the Social Connections and Treatment Lab at the Life Course Outcomes Program at the AJ Drexel Autism Institute, and we are looking for a full-time Research Associate! For more information and to apply: careers.drexel.edu/mob/cw/en-us... (1/)

careers.drexel.edu

Research Associate I

A.J. Drexel Autism Institute is seeking a full-time Research Associate I.

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E.A.R. @primateyell.bsky.social · 03/07/2025

This has surprised a few people when I mentioned it, so maybe it’s worth mentioning: Medicaid is what pays for many of the basic services for my child who has a disability, even though I have commercial insurance. Slashing Medicaid will hurt kids with disabilities and their families.

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Ava Gurba (she/her) @avanicole23.bsky.social · 15/06/2025

Join us at the AJ Drexel Autism Institute for a free special presentation that gives you expert guidance for your first-time Social Security funding request. Click on the link below to register for free bit.ly/SSI-Training #Disability #DisabilityBenefits #CommunitySupport #SSI #SSDI

A flyer from Drexel University’s A.J. Drexel Autism Institute offering free expert assistance for first-time applicants of Social Security Income (SSI) and Disability Insurance (SSDI), specifically targeting transitioned and late-diagnosed adults. The flyer advertises an online training session on June 17, 2025, from 1:00 to 2:30 PM US Eastern led by expert Dena Gassner, PhD, MSW. It outlines that attendees will learn strategies to improve approval chances, receive clarity on reporting forms and processes, build confidence in managing the application process, and gain insights from real-life experiences. Registration is available at bit.ly.SSI-Training, with a Zoom link provided upon signing up. Questions or need help with registration, Call (215) 571-3401 or email at sctl@drexel.edu. The bottom of the flyer features illustrations of diverse individuals seated in a row.

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Thinking Person's Guide to Autism @thinkingautism.com · 25/05/2025

In case you missed it: #AutINSAR is a much-needed discussion between autistic people, autism researchers, family members, and professionals about priorities in autism research. This year it happened during #INSAR2025. Recap at TPGA: thinkingautismguide.com/2025/05/what... #autism #neurodiversity

thinkingautismguide.com

What Autistic People Want From Autism Research: AutINSAR 2025

AutINSAR is a much-needed discussion between autistic people and autism researchers about priorities in autism research.

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Isaac Ahuvia @isaacahuvia.bsky.social · 19/05/2025

📢New preprint! Relative to autistic adults w/ a dx, adults who self-identify experience worse well-being and higher rates of unmet need. While most self-identifying adults want a dx, barriers to services go far beyond diagnostic gatekeeping. Read on: osf.io/preprints/ps...

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Ava Gurba (she/her) @avanicole23.bsky.social · 11/05/2025

Trying to make friends and even knowing where and how to make friends in a new city still feels impossible.

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Kelly @broadwaybabyto.bsky.social · 10/05/2025

The “crip tax” is exactly why many of us can’t stockpile or prep. We have no reserve funds. We spend every penny just trying to survive, and most of it on medically necessary supplies that we can’t go without. Tariffs and economic instability are terrifying when you’re disabled.

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Julia Métraux @juliametraux.bsky.social · 09/05/2025

There's something called the crip tax because it's more expensive to be disabled. Tariffs rising the costs of meds and other supplies will make the crip tax even worse.

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Mia Mingus @miamingus.bsky.social · 29/04/2025

"Isolation feeds into the oppressive systems that we’re seeking to dismantle...What happens at a larger scale is transmitted and manifests within our most intimate interactions, including the spaces that are seeking to dismantle violent systems." - Briana Perry www.soiltjp.org/blog/buildin...

soiltjp.org

Building Organizations by Building Community — SOIL: A Transformative Justice Project

[Image Description: A graphic of an illustration of bell hooks along with text. The illustration is of a photograph of bell hooks. She has brown skin and a large black afro is looking at the lens/view...

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Thinking Person's Guide to Autism @thinkingautism.com · 03/05/2025

A7: Dena Gassner says that there are a lot of people who have good hearts and then realize that they've done harm. And there's no support for them to be supported through growth. We need to be more welcoming and forgiving, and provide a safe landing space. #AutINSAR #INSAR2025

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Steven Kapp @drstevenkapp.bsky.social · 03/05/2025

There are still 48 hours (until 12:30 Pacific time Monday?) to complete to @thinkingautism.com’s #AutINSAR chat.

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Dr. Holly E.A. Sutherland @heasutherland.com · 04/05/2025

Another excellent and very thorough live-skeet of our panel today, for those who couldn't be there in person!

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Dr Aimée Fletcher (@aimee_speaks) @aimeespeaks.bsky.social · 03/05/2025

The point by @drmbothapsych.bsky.social really resonates. Academia places value on *specific* publication types. My own frustration is publishing about my research in non-academic spaces/formats to make it accessible, but being turned down for roles on the basis of not publishing *the right way*.

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Thinking Person's Guide to Autism @thinkingautism.com · 03/05/2025

Blasko and Jaswal: Many autistic people with the highest support needs have not been provided with appropriate AAC (augmentative and alternative communication). #INSAR2025

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John Marble @johnmarble.bsky.social · 03/05/2025

A3: I’ve seen research at #INSAR2025 moving in a generally positive direction. But I’m concerned about how some are using funding pressures and INSAR board influence to push incredibly outdated ideas, including the adoption of the term “profound autism,”. #AutINSAR

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ssmargon.bsky.social @ssmargon.bsky.social · 03/05/2025

Write in plain easy to read language. I am a psychologist and I still struggle.

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Dr Aimée Fletcher (@aimee_speaks) @aimeespeaks.bsky.social · 03/05/2025

Understanding & supporting nuanced autistic traits in different cultures. Organisations like @semascot.bsky.social are doing a brilliant job in Scotland in addressing these gaps to improve the lives of autistic ethnic minorities. How can we support & promote these incredible APOs with this work?

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Thinking Person's Guide to Autism @thinkingautism.com · 03/05/2025

A4: Dr. Botha @drmbothapsych.bsky.social IRL says that so much of the research is underpinned by ableism & dehumanization it is not going to return benefits. Sometimes discussions at #INSAR2025 are all about "wait and see," & there's a big discrepancy in tools we use to describe trauma. #AutINSAR

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Thinking Person's Guide to Autism @thinkingautism.com · 03/05/2025

Welcome to #AutINSAR, an IRL & BlueSky chat between #ActuallyAutistic people & autism researchers. If you can’t join live, you can continue to answer Qs. #INSAR2025 #INSAR Questions will be in the format Q1, Q2, etc. Please answer with A1, A2 if you can (we will be compiling an article for TPGA).

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Thinking Person's Guide to Autism @thinkingautism.com · 03/05/2025

#AutINSAR #INSAR2025: Re: to autistic people who are LGBT, we don't have enough supporters/providers who understand the LGBT experience. And this is crucial because the autistic community members are more likely to be LGBT. Also @avanicole23.bsky.social wants more on meltdowns from ND perspex.

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Thinking Person's Guide to Autism @thinkingautism.com · 03/05/2025

Q7: What are some barriers that make autism research results less accessible to #ActuallyAutistic people (cognitive, financial, etc), and how can we reduce them? #AutINSAR #INSAR2025

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Dr Aimee Grant @draimeegrant.bsky.social · 03/05/2025

Completely agree with Blasko and Jaswal: Access to AAC is a human rights issue for non-speaking and semi-speaking Autistic people. #INSAR2025

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Dr Aimée Fletcher (@aimee_speaks) @aimeespeaks.bsky.social · 03/05/2025

An excellent website full of Holly's excellent PhD work, presentations & publications:

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Thinking Person's Guide to Autism @thinkingautism.com · 03/05/2025

Dena Gassner says that when we have ND researchers, but the non-autistics listen, then autistic people can influence research direction and teach allies how to promote and support autistic researchers. Chloe: If you build it, they will come. #AutINSAR #INSAR2025

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Thinking Person's Guide to Autism @thinkingautism.com · 03/05/2025

Now: Neurodivergence-Affirming and Inclusive Research Practices for Autistic People with High Support Needs. Chaired by @drstevenkapp.bsky.social & @dianatan.bsky.social, featuring Drs. Teresa Girolamo, Aimee Grant, Jackie Ryan, Holly Sutherland. Discussants: Grant Blasko & Vikram Jaswal. #INSAR2025

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Thinking Person's Guide to Autism @thinkingautism.com · 30/04/2025

#INSAR2025 starts today, delighted to have already had a nice juicy chat with autism researcher @avanicole23.bsky.social. ;) [image: Selfie of two white woman, one taller with long wavy brown hair, one with short red hair and glasses. We are both smiling.]

Selfie of two white woman, one taller with long wavy brown hair, one with short red hair and glasses. We are both smiling.

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Julia Métraux @juliametraux.bsky.social · 21/04/2025

I view including accurate alt-text of a screenshot of an article as a way of saying that people who use screen readers deserve the same access of everyone else. The good thing about alt-text is you can try to get better at it at anytime.

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piranha4D @piranha4d.bsky.social · 20/03/2025

I think a lot of people on this platform still don't know about alt-text; certainly a number of people with whom I'm mutuals don't seem to. So, listen up! It's a good thing, it takes just a little extra time, and it makes life easier for a bunch of people who already have plenty to deal with.

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Dr. Lucky Tran @luckytran.com · 11/03/2025

The NIH is planning to cut grants related to vaccine hesitancy, a critical field of research focused on why some people are reluctant to be vaccinated and how to increase acceptance of vaccines. This move will increase distrust and disease spread.

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Julia Métraux @juliametraux.bsky.social · 08/03/2025

This International Women's Day, I'm thinking about how it wasn't required for NIH-sponsored trials to include women until 1993.

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Joe Katz @joekatz45.bsky.social · 08/03/2025

I am suggesting again that we start doing protests at Social Security offices. Or hell, just standouts for social media purposes. #SaveSocialSecurity

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David Niall Wilson @davidniallwilson.com · 08/03/2025

Trish: They're closing our Social Security office. Me: Trish: The closest one is Greenville and... Me: Trish: They're closing that one too. There are a lot of elderly folks, people who can't make long trips and are likely not goint to ZOOM with a Social Security agent.

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Kathleen Romig @kathleenromig.bsky.social · 08/03/2025

At 5 pm Fri, the Social Security Admin announced that it will withhold the *entire* Social Security benefits of overpaid seniors & people w/disabilities, even if not their fault—reversing a Biden-era reform that limited repayment to 10% of the monthly benefit. This will cause needless suffering.

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Eb @ebthen.bsky.social · 08/03/2025

OMG this is evil. www.ssa.gov/news/press/r...

ssa.gov

Press Release | Press Office | SSA

2025 Press Releases

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Pam Herd @pamherd.bsky.social · 04/03/2025

Reminder that the Census determines how federal dollars, and House seats, are allocated. This is, yet another, five alarm fire.

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Mia Mingus @miamingus.bsky.social · 24/02/2025

"Building a pod for ourselves and being part of pods for others is a critical kind of community infrastructure we can invest in creating. It is the kind of community infrastructure that is endlessly adaptable, hard to destroy and a kind of renewable resource we can draw from again and again."

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Mia Mingus @miamingus.bsky.social · 24/02/2025

Wrote about pods for my latest blog post. "The beauty of pods is that they are grounded in relationships and not bound to any specific location, demographic or issue. They can be used for long-term or temporary needs, shifting to adapt to whatever is most needed." www.soiltjp.org/blog/pods-fo...

soiltjp.org

Pods for Our Current Moment (SOIL Blog) — SOIL: A Transformative Justice Project

We are in a political moment that is exacerbating a deep contradiction: we will need each other more than ever before and we are still fully engulfed in a heavily-documented epidemic of loneliness tha...

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Gregory The A'ight @gregoryaight.bsky.social · 22/02/2025

Hi. This is a little communication re: using alt text for memes. Remember, the reason a meme is a meme is that it is communicating something different, more, and contextualized than the actual images presented.

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