Reposted by Kathy LeadbitterDr Katie Twomey @k2mey.eurosky.social · 24/09/2026I'm part of an amazing team looking at what autistic children want from their speech and language therapy. Nobody has asked them before! We're currently using some brilliant materials, developed with and by autistic people, to make interviews accessible to all children, not just those who speak 24718
Reposted by Kathy LeadbitterThriving Autistic @thrivingautistic.bsky.social · 26/05/2026Research Participant Request Would you like to be part of Research to Improve Cancer Care for Autistic Patients in Northwest England? Find out more: jennifer.kirton@liverpool.ac.uk 088
Reposted by Kathy LeadbitterThe M-WAY Study @mwaystudy.bsky.social · 05/06/2026When the data has already been collected by the time you start, can the research still be shaped by lived experience? 🤔 In the blog post below, we share how we approached this problem in the M-WAY study. & this is just part 1 - stay tuned for another post where we'll share more findings 📈 #AutRes 1142
Reposted by Kathy LeadbitterReesha Zahir @reeshazahir.bsky.social · 02/06/2026New blog post out with really interesting emerging findings from our study about mental health in autistic young people. Check it out below! 021
Reposted by Kathy LeadbitterThe M-WAY Study @mwaystudy.bsky.social · 02/06/2026Does having more friends mean better mental health? We found that the answer may be more complicated for young people with high autistic traits. We've also used cohort data to explore school engagement and mental health in autistic youth. Read more: 🔗 m-way24.blogspot.com/2026/05/m-wa... #AutResm-way24.blogspot.comM-WAY Phase 2: What have we found so far?The second phase of the M-WAY project is now well underway. This is the 'quantitative' phase of the study, in which we are using data from t... 053
Reposted by Kathy LeadbitterRobert Chapman @drrobertchapman.bsky.social · 28/05/2026Good news, the audio version of Neurodiversity: A Very Short Introduction is out now on Audible, Spotify, etc.! I also have three codes for free Spotify copies, so we can do a competition. Just share and like this and I'll pick three people at random to get the codes this weekend. 78636
Kathy Leadbitter @kathyleadbitter.bsky.social · 22/05/2026Please consider taking part in this important research 🙏 011
Kathy Leadbitter @kathyleadbitter.bsky.social · 28/04/2026Brilliant thought-provoking reflections on Love On The Spectrum "The question is why the world only seems to know how to love autistic people when we are edited into something easier to consume." 030
Reposted by Kathy LeadbitterAutistic Experiences of Breast Cancer research project @aebcstudy.bsky.social · 02/04/2026Call for participants! We are currently recruiting for participants to take part in a survey exploring autistic people and non-autistic peoples’ experiences of breast cancer diagnosis and treatment in the UK to see if there are any differences or similarities in their experiences. 249
Reposted by Kathy LeadbitterLaura Crane @lauramaycrane.bsky.social · 31/03/2026Such an honour to have been invited to deliver the 2026 CRAE Annual Lecture 🤩 I'll be sharing reflections from my time supporting the House of Lords Autism Act 2009 Committee, and discussing how we can build a future where autistic people’s rights, needs, and voices truly shape policy. #autres 3176
Reposted by Kathy LeadbitterDr Kelly Birtwell @kellybirtwell.bsky.social · 30/03/2026⬇️ Pleased to be co-hosting another Neurodivergent Mindfulness Network (NiMiN) session on 27 April. 🙏 If you are ND or neuro-questioning and want to try a little #mindfulness or see what it's all about, this might be of interest. Free to register using the link below ⬇️ #autism #adhd 🙏 041
Reposted by Kathy LeadbitterLucie🐈⬛Catnip @luciecatnip.bsky.social · 28/03/2026Felines Against Fascism #caturday (Image origin unknown) 611423
Reposted by Kathy LeadbitterSue Fletcher-Watson @suereviews.bsky.social · 24/03/2026Are you Trans? Autistic? Both? Please tell us about your experience of hiding aspects of your identity and the impact of that on your mental health Online survey study, takes about 15 minutes. edinburgh.eu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_... (replaces previous post with wrong link) #AutRes 35961
Reposted by Kathy LeadbitterAutistic Parents UK @autisticparentsuk.org · 03/03/2026📣 RESEARCH OPPORTUNITY 📣 Autistic Mothers & Children's Social Work Study We are looking for #Autistic mothers who can say "YES" to all: ✅ Are mothers, including birth mothers, stepmothers, same-sex partners, adoptive mothers, foster carers, or kinship carers, etc. 1/4 133
Reposted by Kathy LeadbitterAutism@Manchester @autismmanchester.bsky.social · 07/01/2026Happy New Year Bluesky peeps! Are you #autistic? Please see our latest call for survey volunteers for a PhD project exploring autistic #inertia. Interested? More information & the survey can be found here: www.qualtrics.manchester.ac.uk/jfe/form/SV_... 076
Reposted by Kathy LeadbitterBody Eyes and Movement (BEAM) Lab @beamlab.bsky.social · 02/03/2026Last chance to take part in this survey which closes at the end or March 022
Kathy Leadbitter @kathyleadbitter.bsky.social · 02/03/2026Last chance to participate in this important research. Survey closes end March 012
Kathy Leadbitter @kathyleadbitter.bsky.social · 14/01/2026Autistic people: please consider taking part! 021
Reposted by Kathy LeadbitterAutism@Manchester @autismmanchester.bsky.social · 12/01/2026Winter Blog post📢 #autism #research reflections including our December Cafe Autistique, an update on the research involvement toolkit & the new 2nd year Autism module co-developed with #autistic people for second year psychology students @fbmh-uom.bsky.social sites.manchester.ac.uk/autism-at-ma...sites.manchester.ac.ukWinter Roundup: Toolkit Evaluation, Café Autistique, and What’s Next 032
Reposted by Kathy LeadbitterDr Katie Twomey @k2mey.eurosky.social · 03/01/2026I've seen some posts about gestalt language processing in autism again. Just to say we have no evidence that autistic language learners process language in that way. Some of us do produce language in that way though. Important not to conflate processing with production. 1102
Reposted by Kathy LeadbitterDr Kelly Birtwell @kellybirtwell.bsky.social · 16/12/2025📢Are you #autistic and living in the UK? Would you like to provide feedback on our short films about autistic adults' experiences of #dance? We are running online focus groups in the new year to discuss the films and other resources. Email me for more info: kelly.birtwell@manchester.ac.uk 💃🕺 11614
Reposted by Kathy LeadbitterThe Guardian @theguardian.com · 10/12/2025Nnena Kalu’s embodied, sensuous art makes her a worthy Turner prize winnertheguardian.comNnena Kalu’s embodied, sensuous art makes her a worthy Turner prize winnerThe closer you get to Kalu’s endless sinewy trails of old VHS tape, the harder it is to know where their forms stop and the space around them begins 0245
Reposted by Kathy LeadbitterBody Eyes and Movement (BEAM) Lab @beamlab.bsky.social · 08/12/2025We are looking for clinicians who work with autistic people without Learning Disabilities to support their sensory motor needs to complete a survey asking experiences asssing and supporting autistic adults. www.qualtrics.manchester.ac.uk/jfe/form/SV_... 015
Reposted by Kathy LeadbitterDr Lucy Foulkes @lucyfoulkes.bsky.social · 26/11/2025Last month, I found out I have hypermobile Ehlers Danlos Syndrome, after decades of chronic pain and medical disinterest. I've decided to write publicly about this, not just about hypermobility and its health impacts, but about how it feels when doctors don't care: medium.com/p/4fea6398b8bamedium.comWelcome to my bodyAfter twenty years of pain and repeated medical dead ends, a stranger sent me a message on Instagram. It led to a diagnosis all the doctors… 2011831
Reposted by Kathy LeadbitterLaura Crane @lauramaycrane.bsky.social · 23/11/2025Today, @hlautismactcom.parliament.uk published their report, 'Time to deliver: The Autism Act 2009 and the new autism strategy'. Access the full report and recommendations (including easy read report, video from the Chair, and shorthand story) here: committees.parliament.uk/committee/77... [1/4]committees.parliament.ukNew autism strategy must deliver change for autistic people - Committees - UK ParliamentThis is the key conclusion reached by the House of Lords special inquiry committee on the Autism Act 2009 in its report ‘Time to deliver: The Autism Act 2009 and the new autism strategy’.&... 13113
Reposted by Kathy LeadbitterDr Kelly Birtwell @kellybirtwell.bsky.social · 19/11/2025📢Research opportunity for #autistic adults! We are running an online focus group about autistic adults experiences of #mindfulness, and opinions on the suitability of mindfulness outcome questionnaires. We have a few spots left, please get in touch if interested 🙏 1127
Reposted by Kathy LeadbitterThe Daily Tism @thedailytism.com · 19/11/2025The study found that the frogs from the book Tuesday, used in the standard autism assessment, appear to autistic people in their final moments. In these visions, they seemingly explain the story, allowing autistics to pass to the other side finally at peace.thedailytism.comAutism assessment frogs the last thing autistics see before they die, scientists confirmA groundbreaking study has reportedly discovered that the flying frogs from the ADOS assessment appear to autistic people before they die. The study found that the frogs from the book Tuesday, used… 37711
Reposted by Kathy LeadbitterCatherine Crompton @cjcrompton.bsky.social · 12/11/2025We are recruiting a fully-funded 3.5yr PhD student to examine the potential genetic relationships between autism and hypermobility. Full details of the project and how to apply here ⬇️ usher.ed.ac.uk/precision-me... Deadline Jan 12th! Within the Precision Medicine DTC at Edinburgh.usher.ed.ac.ukUnderstanding the relationship between autism and hypermobility | Precision Medicine Doctoral Training Programme | Usher InstitutePrecision Medicine Project - Understanding the relationship between autism and hypermobility 22119
Reposted by Kathy LeadbitterEmma Hayashibara (林原絵真) @ehayashibara.bsky.social · 08/10/2025📢 New Research Opportunity! Are you: ➡️ A neurodivergent (ND) young adult (18-25)? ➡️ A parent/caregiver of a ND young adult? ➡️ A mental health professional working with this group? We’re studying depression in ND young adults from diverse racial backgrounds. 📩 e.hayashibara@qmul.ac.uk 🔽 More info 155
Reposted by Kathy LeadbitterJournal of Intellectual Disability Research @jidr-wiley.bsky.social · 15/10/2025A reminder that Wiley is recruiting an Editor-in-Chief for the Journal of Intellectual Disability Research. The deadline for applications is 31st October 2025. onlinelibrary.wiley.com/page/journal...onlinelibrary.wiley.comJournal of Intellectual Disability Research is inviting applications for the role of Editor-in-Chief 113
Reposted by Kathy LeadbitterProf Rosa Hoekstra @rosahoekstra.bsky.social · 01/10/2025Are you interested in studying longitudinal developmental trajectories of children with developmental disabilities in Ethiopia and Kenya? Please consider applying for a PhD! More information about the project is here: kcl-mrcdtp.com/project/2026... #AutReskcl-mrcdtp.comLongitudinal developmental trajectories of children with developmental disabilities in Ethiopia and Kenya - MRC DTPEthiopian and Kenyan children with developmental disabilities (including intellectual disability and autism) and their caregivers experience severe challenges including financial difficulties, stigma,... 157
Reposted by Kathy LeadbitterWarda Farah @wardasworld.bsky.social · 30/09/2025After 5 yrs of writing, my book is here: White System, Black Therapist. I stopped many times , silenced, reported, harassed. Then I realised: white supremacy thrives on silence. So I kept writing. This book is the result. 📖 www.routledge.com/White-System...routledge.comWhite System, Black Therapist: Racism, Resistance and Reimagining Speech Language TherapyIn this book, Warda Farah brings a fresh perspective to the field of Speech and Language Therapy, challenging traditional approaches and opening crucial conversations about race, culture, and neurodiv... 031
Reposted by Kathy LeadbitterKristen Bottema-Beutel @kbottemabeutel.bsky.social · 30/09/2025I will be accepting a PhD student for Fall 2026 in our Curriculum and Instruction program. If you are interested in autistic sociality, caregiver influence on their autistic children's development, and neurodiversity in school contexts, please get in touch!bc.eduDoctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Curriculum and Instruction - Lynch School of Education and Human Development - Boston CollegeThe Lynch School's hybrid doctoral program in Curriculum & Instruction is designed to develop professionals who have the knowledge, intellectual disposition, professional skills, ethical sensibilities... 01417
Kathy Leadbitter @kathyleadbitter.bsky.social · 28/09/2025👇theguardian.comAutistic people could teach Donald Trump a thing or two about focus, facts and empathy | Rhiannon Lucy CosslettWhile not without its challenges, autism isn’t a curse to be cured of, as the likes of the President and RFK Jr want us to believe, says Guardian columnist Rhiannon Lucy Cosslett 163
Reposted by Kathy LeadbitterAutism: The International Journal of Research & Practice. @journalautism.bsky.social · 26/09/2025Neurodiversity is looking for a new Editor! The deadline for expressions of interest is October 5th. Full details are here journals.sagepub.com... 056
Reposted by Kathy LeadbitterThe Autism Books by Autistic Authors Project @autisticbooks.bsky.social · 27/09/2025Being Autistic (And What That Actually Means) by Niamh Garvey @niamhgarvey.bsky.social is EXCELLENT! The author is autistic and also has autistic children and the illustrator is also autistic. This is my go-to non-fiction recommendation for this age group. uk.jkp.com/products/bei...uk.jkp.comBeing Autistic (And What That Actually Means)You're autistic - but what does that really mean?Welcome to the ultimate guide to understanding who you are and what it means to be autistic!In this fully illustrated graphic guide to what it means to... 1257
Kathy Leadbitter @kathyleadbitter.bsky.social · 19/09/2025Roll up, roll up! Come and work with us on this important project! 011
Reposted by Kathy LeadbitterAutism: The International Journal of Research & Practice. @journalautism.bsky.social · 17/09/2025Neurodiversity is looking for a new editor! The deadline for expressions of interest is 5 October 2025. Full details are here journals.sagepub.com... 154
Reposted by Kathy LeadbitterKathy Leadbitter @kathyleadbitter.bsky.social · 15/09/2025👉Are you a post-doc? 👉 Passionate about improving care for people with learning disabilities? 👉Interested in communication? The ICALD study has 2 jobs: one based in London and one in Manchester. See links👇 Come and work with us! jobs.ac.uk/job/DOQ464/r... jobs.ac.uk/job/DOQ213/p...jobs.ac.ukResearch Associate on the ‘ICALD’ study at The University of ManchesterDiscover an exciting academic career path as a Research Associate on the ‘ICALD’ study at jobs.ac.uk. Don't miss out on this job opportunity - apply today! 066
Kathy Leadbitter @kathyleadbitter.bsky.social · 15/09/2025👉Are you a post-doc? 👉 Passionate about improving care for people with learning disabilities? 👉Interested in communication? The ICALD study has 2 jobs: one based in London and one in Manchester. See links👇 Come and work with us! jobs.ac.uk/job/DOQ464/r... jobs.ac.uk/job/DOQ213/p...jobs.ac.ukResearch Associate on the ‘ICALD’ study at The University of ManchesterDiscover an exciting academic career path as a Research Associate on the ‘ICALD’ study at jobs.ac.uk. Don't miss out on this job opportunity - apply today! 066
Reposted by Kathy LeadbitterDr. Heather M Brown @thriving-w-autism.bsky.social · 10/09/2025🌟 Calling Autistic Researchers! 🌟 We’re building a searchable database of Autistic researchers to celebrate Autistic excellence + connect researchers, students, allies & community. ✅ Learn more and join our database here: www.aidanlab.ca/autistic-res... Join us and be part of something bigger! 💙 22312
Kathy Leadbitter @kathyleadbitter.bsky.social · 09/09/2025📣 Post-doc position Are you passionate about improving care for people with a learning disability? Come and work with us! Details 👇 Feel free to dm to discuss. Please share! www.jobs.manchester.ac.uk/Job/JobDetai...jobs.manchester.ac.ukResearch Associate on the ‘ICALD’ study:ManchesterThe post requires experience of conducting recruitment and data collection in large studies and previous experience of working with or supporting people with learning disabilities and/or people that care for them and support them. 133
Reposted by Kathy LeadbitterAva Gurba (she/her) @avanicole23.bsky.social · 25/08/2025I'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.eduCareers at Drexel - Human Resources 1103
Reposted by Kathy LeadbitterReesha Zahir @reeshazahir.bsky.social · 18/08/2025Check out this blog post about our unconventional approach to co-producing research questions on the M-WAY study! If you'd like to stay in the loop about our research, give @m-waystudy.bsky.social a follow. We'll be sharing updates as the study progresses 🙂 061
Reposted by Kathy LeadbitterThe M-WAY Study @mwaystudy.bsky.social · 18/08/2025We recently completed the 'bridging phase' of the M-WAY study! We worked with autistic young people and adult stakeholders to move from qualitative findings to research questions ready for big data analysis. Read more in our blog post: m-way24.blogspot.com/2025/05/the-...m-way24.blogspot.comThe MWAY ‘bridging phase’: what was it like for our young stakeholders?We just reached the end of our ‘bridging phase’ – an exciting milestone for the MWAY project! This phase was part of our participatory appro... 051
Reposted by Kathy LeadbitterSue Fletcher-Watson @suereviews.bsky.social · 17/08/2025the latest special issue in @journalautism.bsky.social is out! The Social Model in Autism Research guest edited by @jopavlopoulou.bsky.social @dramypearson.bsky.social Hanna Bertilsdotter-Rosqvist plus @kbottemabeutel.bsky.social from the permanent editor team journals.sagepub.com/toc/auta/29/...journals.sagepub.comSage Journals: Discover world-class researchSubscription and open access journals from Sage, the world's leading independent academic publisher. 23418
Reposted by Kathy LeadbitterSarah Boon - Author @saraheboon.bsky.social · 12/08/2025The state of most autism research summarised by Wednesday Addams 😂 69421