iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Nathan Keates @keatesresearch.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

Taking part would entail making something creative of your choice in response to a prompt, and talking us through your creation in a recorded interview on Teams with one of us. If you’d like more information about taking part, please email Nathan at nathan.keates@sunderland.ac.uk.

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Nathan Keates @keatesresearch.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

Call for participants Please note that we are seeking a few people to pilot the study. Dr Krysia Waldock and I are looking for neurodivergent participants for a small study we are running, which explores how power impacts and shapes your wellbeing.

CALL FOR PARTICIPANTS

Are you neurodivergent and want to do something creative?

We are recruiting for a small study exploring how power impacts and shapes your wellbeing, specifically your 'mental health'.

You produce something creative of your choice in response to a prompt, and then we talk about it.

Email me today nathan.keates at sunderland.ac.uk

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Nathan Keates @keatesresearch.bsky.social · 18/09/2026

Thank you to all the teachers and those who came to the Inclusive Improv Pedagogy documentary screening and Q&A. #impactResearch

The three improv teachers sit before a screen with the welcome slide for the Inclusive Improv Pedagogy documentary screening event. Nathan is to the right behind a podium.

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Nathan Keates @keatesresearch.bsky.social · 16/09/2026

It is the last day to book for this as the venue needs to know who is coming. If you are interested in pedagogy and education, and/or improv and theatre, then this is for you. Book to see the documentary and be a part of the Q&A. www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/documentar...

eventbrite.co.uk

Documentary Screening: Inclusive Improv Pedagogy: Neurodivergence

Catch a cool short documentary exploring how improv can be taught well for neurodivergent folks learning and creating together.

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Nathan Keates @keatesresearch.bsky.social · 21/08/2026

Here I am seeing how their system works. It worked.

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Nathan Keates @keatesresearch.bsky.social · 21/08/2026

Just at the venue for the documentary screening. Checking how it all works and building the Access Guide. I am looking forward to you all coming to see the Inclusive Improv Pedagogy documentary and the Q&A with the improv schools. #academia #knowledgeexchange #inclusion #londonevents

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Nathan Keates @keatesresearch.bsky.social · 17/08/2026

The survey focuses on experiences like mental imagery and inner speech, which we know play a vital role in mental health. The study is open to adults aged 18 and over who are able to communicate in English If you have any questions you can contact the lead researcher, Ben Alderson-Day.

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Nathan Keates @keatesresearch.bsky.social · 17/08/2026

Researchers from Durham University, UCL, and UPF Barcelona are seeking participants. They are looking for autistic and non-autistic adults to take part in a new online study on inner experience in autism.

CALL FOR PARTICIPANTS

INNER EXPERIENCES IN AUTISM

Aim: To better understand autistic people's inner experiences.

We are looking for autistic and non-autistic adults to help us by taking part in a new online study.

WE ARE INTERESTED IN YOUR EXPERIENCES OF

Inner speech (the words or conversations you may have in your mind).

Visualisation or mental imagery (pictures, scenes, or images you may see in your mind).

These experiences can play an important role in mental health, but there has been very little research on them with autistic people.

Who can take part?

Adults aged 18 or over. Those able to communicate in English.

What's involved?

* Completing a survey for around 30 minutes.

How do I take part?

Using this link: https://durhamuniversity.qualtrics.co m/jfe/form/SV_OkWXOfdH8WbORBI.

Scanning the QR code:

If you have any questions, please contact:

benjamin.alderson-day@durham.ac.uk

Researchers:

Ben Alderson-Day, Amy Pearson, Georgia Pavlopoulou, Pol Herrero Castillo & Marta Jorba.

In collaboration with researchers at the University of Pompeu Fabra Barcelona and University College London.

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Nathan Keates @keatesresearch.bsky.social · 17/08/2026

Book to see the documentary and the Q&A with some improv schools involved. Friday 18th September, 7pm at the EdCity Screen. If you are interested in attending the screening, please book via Eventbrite. www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/documentar...

eventbrite.co.uk

Documentary Screening: Inclusive Improv Pedagogy: Neurodivergence

Catch a cool short documentary exploring how improv can be taught well for neurodivergent folks learning and creating together.

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Nathan Keates @keatesresearch.bsky.social · 17/08/2026

I gained some funds to create a short documentary about inclusive improv pedagogy based on my research. The documentary illustrates the practices in the UK aligning with my findings. youtube.com/playlist?lis... #academicchat #inclusive #pedagogy

youtube.com

Inclusive Improv - YouTube

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Nathan Keates @keatesresearch.bsky.social · 15/08/2026

Thank you to the Autistic Mental Health Conference for allowing me to speak. I enjoyed presenting and listening to all the fantastic presenters. #academictalk

Dr Nathan Keates at the Autistic Mental Health Conference in Brighton. They are standing in front of the screen.

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Nathan Keates @keatesresearch.bsky.social · 12/08/2026

If you are interested in attending the screening, please book via Eventbrite. www.eventbrite.com/e/documentar... Come to watch the documentary and participate in the Q&A with the improv schools in it. Friday 18th September, 7pm at EdCity, London.

eventbrite.com

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Nathan Keates @keatesresearch.bsky.social · 12/08/2026

In the run up to my London Premiere of the short documentary I made, I have clips being released. See "Inclusive Improv Pedagogy" not in a cinema outside of London (and only in the small screen I booked on one Friday evening). youtube.com/playlist?lis... #academicchat #inclusive #pedagogy

youtube.com

Inclusive Improv - YouTube

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Nathan Keates @keatesresearch.bsky.social · 12/08/2026

This weekend, I am talking at the Autistic Mental Health Conference. If you are interested, I recommend you attend this conference. There are many great speakers. I will see you there! #academicchat

2026 Autistic Mental Health Conference

14th - 16th Aug

DR. NATHAN KEATES

Dr Nathan Keates is a Lecturer at the University of Sunderland in London, focusing on autistic individuals, neurodiversity, and disability. Their research emphasises the lived experiences of neurodivergent people and aims to promote inclusivity and societal change through advocacy and Critical Neurodiversity studies.

Power and Meaning: Autistic Mental Distress

SATURDAY 15TH AUG 10:20AM

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Autistic Realms (Helen Edgar) @autisticrealms.bsky.social · 10/08/2026

Have you got your tickets to the Autistic Mental Health Conference 2026? 14th-16th Aug Hybrid event. Find out more here - a super line-up including @neurohubcommunity.org, @dr-nicky.bsky.social , @keatesresearch.bsky.social, Jessica Dark, Stacy Badon and more! autisticrealms.com/autistic-men...

autisticrealms.com

Autistic Mental Health Conference 2026: Ecosystemic Causes of Mental Health Issues | Autistic Realms

Autistic Mental Health Conference 2026: Ecosystemic Causes of Mental Health Issues

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Nathan Keates @keatesresearch.bsky.social · 10/08/2026

Taking part would entail making something creative of their choice in response to a prompt, and talking us through their creation in a recorded interview on Teams with one of us. If people would like more information about taking part, please email Nathan on nathan.keates@sunderland.ac.uk

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Nathan Keates @keatesresearch.bsky.social · 10/08/2026

Dr Krysia Waldock and I are looking for neurodivergent participants for a small study that we are running, which explores how power impacts and shapes wellbeing.

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Nathan Keates @keatesresearch.bsky.social · 10/08/2026

Recruitment to Research Can you please pass this to specific people you may know who either are likely relevant or might know people who are relevant? We only want three to five people for the pilot. This means I will delete this thread when we have recruited enough people

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Nathan Keates @keatesresearch.bsky.social · 10/08/2026

This is in 5 days now. You should come and listen to all the fantastic speakers. I am one of these, but whether I am fantastic is not for me to say. See you there.

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Nathan Keates @keatesresearch.bsky.social · 14/07/2026

Are you curious about improv and how it can be made more welcoming for everyone? Come watch a nice, informative documentary. I created a 15-minute documentary! It explores teaching improv in an inclusive way. The improv schools will be present for a Q&A! www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/documentar...

eventbrite.co.uk

Documentary Screening: Inclusive Improv Pedagogy: Neurodivergence

Catch a cool short documentary exploring how improv can be taught well for neurodivergent folks learning and creating together.

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Nathan Keates @keatesresearch.bsky.social · 09/07/2026

Dr Nathan Keates at the British Academy for a two-day conference on Young People and Mental Distress. I am very much looking forward to the event. #academiclife

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Nathan Keates @keatesresearch.bsky.social · 03/07/2026

Are you interested in improv? Are you interested in inclusive practices? I made a documentary (15 mins) of inclusive improv pedagogy. The improv schools in the documentary will be at the event for Q&A! www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/documentar...

eventbrite.co.uk

Documentary Screening: Inclusive Improv Pedagogy: Neurodivergence

Catch a cool short documentary exploring how improv can be taught well for neurodivergent folks learning and creating together.

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Nathan Keates @keatesresearch.bsky.social · 09/06/2026

True neuroinclusion isn't just about a policy; it's about shifting management styles to let everyone flourish. 🌟 Our Neuroinclusive Practice workshop explores how universal design can transform your team. www.sunderland.ac.uk/short-course... #ProfessionalDevelopment #Leadership #SunderlandUni

sunderland.ac.uk

Neurodiversity Research Collective: Workshops

Mix lived experience with research and practical knowledge. You’ll learn about key ideas such as neurodiversity, neurodivergent, and neurotypical. You can join a session delivered at your location.

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Nathan Keates @keatesresearch.bsky.social · 14/05/2026

@researchgate.bsky.social afternoon, I have been locked out my account for awhile now. I used the website to request help last week, and a couple of months ago too (I believe). Can you help?

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Sue Fletcher-Watson @suereviews.bsky.social · 24/04/2026

“there is absolutely no reason to deny people the social and political advantages of collective identity based on a narrow interpretation of what constitutes scientific validity” From my recent blog - relevant to invited panel on “many autisms” at #INSAR2026 medium.com/@suefletcher...

medium.com

The political role of the autism spectrum: a response to Uta Frith

The political role of the autism spectrum: a response to Uta Frith Last month, esteemed Professor emerita of Cognitive Development, Dame Uta Frith gave an interview to the Times Educational …

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Nathan Keates @keatesresearch.bsky.social · 26/04/2026

Great to see you! Chat via email etc. soon, no doubt.

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Steven Kapp @drstevenkapp.bsky.social · 24/04/2026

Fortunate to have suggested Damian Milton to keynote at #INSAR2026 about the double empathy problem. For 1st time he considered application to animal models (critiquing it) & also included the relevance to autistic people w/ severe intellectual impairment like his son (critiquing “profound autism”).

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

Though important to note that @drmbothapsych.bsky.social says a huge problem is that autistic people are never allowed to just be. And one of the most profound things we can do is provide autistic people space to just be, so they can follow their internal compass, and live well. #INSAR2026

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

Milton: "I may lack a social imagination, but I have a sociological one." Jim Sinclair, 1993: "Recognize that we are equally alien to each other, & my ways of being are not merely damaged versions of yours." Sinclair introduced Milton to Autistic Network International & autistic forums. #INSAR2026

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

Now: Mental health actions for autistic youth with depression. CN: Suicide Depression is a major concern for autistic youth, up to 14% of the population. We know this. It looks different for autistics. It can affect diet, focus, emotional regulation. It is a significant suicide risk. #INSAR2026

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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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Brian Irvine @brianirvine.bsky.social · 25/04/2026

#INSAR2026 @suereviews.bsky.social 1 It’s not just about translational tools, it’s also about an attitude shift 2 Researchers need to look at the pragmatic contexts of communication 3 Our samples need to be more diverse; there are many dispositions that can provoke the double empathy gulf.

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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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Naomi L. Jacobs @naomijacobs.bsky.social · 15/04/2026

Now hearing from @krysiawally.bsky.social & @keatesresearch.bsky.social on using iDocs (interactive documentaries) in two edited books on neurodivergence & education. Authors shared work interactively. Subjugated & disqualified knowledges (Foucault) - challenging knowledge hierarchies #CDS26

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Nathan Keates @keatesresearch.bsky.social · 20/02/2026

Understanding the 'Neuro' in Team. Ever wondered about the difference between neurodiversity, neurodivergent, and neurotypical? 🧠 Join me for our CPD workshop and move beyond the buzzwords to real, inclusive practice. #Neurodiversity #CPD #InclusiveWorkplace www.sunderland.ac.uk/short-course...

sunderland.ac.uk

Neurodiversity Research Collective: Workshops

Mix lived experience with research and practice knowledge in this interactive workshop. Gain knowledge of concepts such as neurodiversity, neurodivergent, and neurotypical. Benefit from a session deli...

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Nathan Keates @keatesresearch.bsky.social · 13/01/2026

If you love to understand disability and neurodiversity more, and wish to research and develop skills and knowledge, I’d love to hear from you. 📩 DM me for an informal chat! #PhDRecruitment #AcademicTwitter #ResearchOpportunities #CriticalDisabilityStudies #CriticalNeurodiversityStudies

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Nathan Keates @keatesresearch.bsky.social · 13/01/2026

Why join us? 🧪 Hands-on mentorship and a supportive research culture. 🌍 Opportunity to present at conferences and collaborate with peers and other scholars. ☕ We take our coffee* (and our work-life balance) seriously! *I don't drink coffee, though.

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Nathan Keates @keatesresearch.bsky.social · 13/01/2026

🚀 Passionate about Critical Disability/Neurodiversity Studies? I’m looking for a PhD student to join me! We can start diving deep into your interests and I’m looking for your curious mind to lead a new project in an interesting novel area of study.

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Nathan Keates @keatesresearch.bsky.social · 12/12/2025

You may be aware that some academics to be misguided about the Double Empathy Problem. Luckily, people have written about this. Livingston et al. (2024) has been addressed (thankfully), as "...problematic both from an ethical and philosophy of science point of view." psycnet.apa.org/doiLanding?d...

psycnet.apa.org

APA PsycNet

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Nathan Keates @keatesresearch.bsky.social · 17/11/2025

www.stalbanscathedral.org/event/but-th... I am sharing this in case it is of interest to anyone. If you are interested, do book on as I believe there is space available.

stalbanscathedral.org

‘But There Is Still Room’: Disability, Belonging and Theology - 14/01/2026 19:30:00

Explore how disability is understood and experienced within theology in this 5-week course.

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Nathan Keates @keatesresearch.bsky.social · 11/11/2025

This solidarity is evident in events and discussions within the autistic community. Ultimately, no one is "normal," and people are inherently social, even if they express that sociality differently. www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/autistic-r...

eventbrite.co.uk

Autistic Relations: Like-mindedness, Identities, and Community

The Learning Disabilities and Autism Research Group invites you to a hybrid seminar by Dr Nathan Keates

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Nathan Keates @keatesresearch.bsky.social · 11/11/2025

This suggests that shared interests may be more significant in the long term-such as in improvisational activities or similar philosophies and religions-but solidarity within the autistic community is also crucial, especially when facing disabling practices and prejudice.

eventbrite.co.uk

Autistic Relations: Like-mindedness, Identities, and Community

The Learning Disabilities and Autism Research Group invites you to a hybrid seminar by Dr Nathan Keates

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Nathan Keates @keatesresearch.bsky.social · 11/11/2025

Additionally, our learning about how to exist develops over the course of our lives. How we are permitted to exist impacts us in various ways, including our mental health.

eventbrite.co.uk

Autistic Relations: Like-mindedness, Identities, and Community

The Learning Disabilities and Autism Research Group invites you to a hybrid seminar by Dr Nathan Keates

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Nathan Keates @keatesresearch.bsky.social · 11/11/2025

Drawing from the work of several scholars and relating it to my previous research, I aim to illustrate the potential importance of different communities formed around shared interests. This leads to questions about how people engage in activities or community practices.

eventbrite.co.uk

Autistic Relations: Like-mindedness, Identities, and Community

The Learning Disabilities and Autism Research Group invites you to a hybrid seminar by Dr Nathan Keates

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Nathan Keates @keatesresearch.bsky.social · 11/11/2025

which is suggestive that you can be autistic without necessarily identifying with other autistic individuals in a social or community context. People relate to one another through their identities in various ways.

eventbrite.co.uk

Autistic Relations: Like-mindedness, Identities, and Community

The Learning Disabilities and Autism Research Group invites you to a hybrid seminar by Dr Nathan Keates

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Nathan Keates @keatesresearch.bsky.social · 11/11/2025

Autistic relationships are integral to how lives are lived. People's identities are multifaceted and evolve throughout their life course. We have personal identities, such as being autistic, role identities, such as being a teacher, and social identities, such as being socially autistic, ...

eventbrite.co.uk

Autistic Relations: Like-mindedness, Identities, and Community

The Learning Disabilities and Autism Research Group invites you to a hybrid seminar by Dr Nathan Keates

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Nathan Keates @keatesresearch.bsky.social · 11/11/2025

The Learning Disabilities and Autism Research Group invites you to a hybrid seminar by Dr Nathan Keates Please join us on Nov 12 from 12pm to 1 pm online or in person at Manchester Metropolitan University Autistic Relations: Like-mindedness, Identities, and Community

eventbrite.co.uk

Autistic Relations: Like-mindedness, Identities, and Community

The Learning Disabilities and Autism Research Group invites you to a hybrid seminar by Dr Nathan Keates

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