iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Dr Keren MacLennan @kerenmaclennan.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

Take part in our study on live music experiences! Please complete this ~30min online survey: redcap-2.bath.ac.uk/surveys/?s=A... We would especially like more representation in our sample from: - Neurotypical people - People who are global majority #neurodiversity #music #inclusion

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Dr Keren MacLennan @kerenmaclennan.bsky.social · 08/09/2026

We especially need more neurotypical people to take part so please get involved! We want all experiences represented!

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Emily @21andsensory @21andsensory.bsky.social · 08/01/2026

Thank you to everyone who has taken part so far! We are still recruiting for this study on Autistic sensory joy and would love for more parents and family carers to take part so we can get a diverse range of perspectives. Please share! @kerenmaclennan.bsky.social redcap.bath.ac.uk/surveys/?s=W...

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Dr 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 💃🕺

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Emily @21andsensory @21andsensory.bsky.social · 03/12/2025

Both @kerenmaclennan.bsky.social and I are excited to be working together again, this time on the autistic sensory joy study. Please take part!✨ In the study, we want to understand how Autistic people describe and experience sensory joy. More info here: redcap.bath.ac.uk/surveys/?s=W...

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Autism in Adulthood @autisminadulthood.bsky.social · 04/11/2025

This reflexive thematic analysis explores autistic adults' experiences of attending live music 🎶

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Dr Keren MacLennan @kerenmaclennan.bsky.social · 25/09/2025

New publication on Autistic adults’ experiences of attending live music! I am really proud of this study! You can read it for free here: doi.org/10.31219/osf...

New research: “It's like all of my senses and my body become more awakened”: Autistic adults’ experiences of attending live music. Herbet, G., Smith, A. & MacLennan, K. (2025). Autism in Adulthood Journal

Music matters for Autistic people: Live music can be deeply meaningful for many Autistic people - bringing both joy and social connection.

Barriers to live music: Autistic people encounter challenges at music venues and events. We investigated Autistic adults’ experiences to understand what could make live music more inclusive.

Planning is essential: Attending a gig can feel like a “military operation” - from mapping exits to packing earplugs, Autistic attendees prepare carefully to manage uncertainty.

Crowds are complex: Being in a crowd can be a positive experience (social connection, shared energy) but also stressful (noise, closeness, unpredictability).

Sensory duality: Live music can create moments of immersive joy (“the vibrations bring out the colours in my mind”), but also sensory overload (“my brain is screaming at me”).

Staff make the difference: Supportive, understanding staff can transform the experience - reducing stigma and creating safe, inclusive spaces.

Inclusion reduces isolation: Working together to improve inclusivity at live music venues and events would help Autistic people access the joy of live music - fostering social connection and belonging.

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Manuel Mello @mmellon.bsky.social · 25/09/2025

🤓 Here you can find the first article of the series, published in Autism: doi.org/10.1177/1362.... 🤓 And here is a collaborative effort together with @hleemasson.bsky.social, @kerenmaclennan.bsky.social, and Macy Li on a very similar project: doi.org/10.31234/osf.... Cheers!

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Dr Keren MacLennan @kerenmaclennan.bsky.social · 04/09/2025

We all still recruiting for this study! Please take part and/or share with your networks!

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Centre for Applied Autism Research @bathcaar.bsky.social · 14/08/2025

@kerenmaclennan.bsky.social from our centre was quoted in a recently published article by Jessica Furseth for Slate about the rise in use of ear protection. You can read the full article here: slate.com/technology/2... #autism #autistic #neurodivergent #neurodiversity #sensoryprocessing

Screen shot of the Slate website showing the article 'Ear protection is the new sunscreen' by Jessica Furseth. The image in the article is of a white man with short dark hair and a beard on a bus with headphones in.

Screenshot of a quote from Keren MacLennan in the Slate article saying "The neurodivergent brain takes in a lot more information,” Keren MacLennan, a researcher with the Centre for Applied Autism Research at the University of Bath, U.K., whose work focuses on sensory experiences and inclusivity, told Slate. “With the inability to filter that, it just stacks and stacks, until the point [of] overwhelm.”

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Centre for Applied Autism Research @bathcaar.bsky.social · 07/07/2025

Are you #autistic and gave evidence in Magistrates or Crown Court (or supported an autistic person who did)? Join CAAR online focus groups in summer 2025 to create resources for autistic court users and professionals. Find out more: tinyurl.com/2hbmr5x5

tinyurl.com

QuestionPro Survey

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Haemy Lee Masson @hleemasson.bsky.social · 26/06/2025

‼️ Preprint alert ‼️ Led by master's student Macy, with collaboration from @kerenmaclennan.bsky.social and @mmellon.bsky.social. Link: osf.io/preprints/ps... 1. Autistic adults engage in social touch as frequently as non-autistic adults, with similar satisfaction.

osf.io

OSF

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Centre for Applied Autism Research @bathcaar.bsky.social · 23/06/2025

Hello! We are the Centre for Applied Autism Research, based in @psychologybath.bsky.social‬ at @uniofbath.bsky.social‬. Follow us to keep up to date about our news, research, and other exciting things we are up to! #autism #autistic #research #university

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Department of Psychology, University of Bath @psychologybath.bsky.social · 23/06/2025

Continuing our Pride celebrations... Congratulations to Dr Catherine Butler who has been appointed the new University LGBTQ+ Lead. She shared with us how she will be bringing her incredible experiences and research to this role. #pride #LGBTQ #psychology #research

Image of Dr Catherine Butler, a White Woman with short blonde curly hair, with the text 'congratulations Dr Catherine Butler, new University LGBTQ+ Lead'.

'How do you feel about your new role as LGBTQ+ Lead and what do you have planned?' Catherine answered: 'As it is a new role, the first priorities will be to update current policies and documents in this area and conduct a wide scale survey to do a needs-analysis of LGBTQ+ students and staff.'

White text on a purple background, with an image of the pride flag: 'What experience do you have that will help you in this role?' Catherine: 'I have been working in the area of LGBTQ+ for 25 years, including clinically, as a trainer in the private sector, and at various universities.'

'What amazing research are you bringing to your new role?' Catherine: 'I was one of the authors on the BPS guidelines for working with LGBTQ+ clients and have published books, book chapters and articles on LGBTQ+ lived experiences.'

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Dr Keren MacLennan @kerenmaclennan.bsky.social · 19/06/2025

If you are Autistic and aged 16 years+ please take part in our online study! We would like you to tell us about your sensory experiences and your views on a couple of existing sensory measures. The survey will take around 20-60 mins to complete: This is the link to the survey: lnkd.in/d-bps77X

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Dr Keren MacLennan @kerenmaclennan.bsky.social · 17/06/2025

We are still recruiting for this study - please take part and share with your networks 🤗

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Georgia Harper @mindtheflap.bsky.social · 15/06/2025

I read the best-selling book on "overdiagnosis". I was not a fan. There are some really important ideas that don't quite stick the landing, but it gets very culture-war very quickly. A first attempt at YouTube by @ftw.bsky.social and I: www.youtube.com/watch?v=JDxV...

youtube.com

Is Autism Overdiagnosed? I Read "The Age Of Diagnosis"

YouTube video by Georgia Harper

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Dr Keren MacLennan @kerenmaclennan.bsky.social · 30/05/2025

Please take part in our study! Neurodivergent, neurotypical - all are welcome!

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Dr Keren MacLennan @kerenmaclennan.bsky.social · 14/05/2025

Such a lush day at the Community and Inclusion Celebration Event @uniofbath.bsky.social representing the Centre for Applied Autism Research at @psychologybath.bsky.social We shared our work related to making the University a more inclusive space for Autistic and Neurodivergent students.

Stand with the Center for Applied Autism Research banner and information

People mingling at the community and inclusion celebration event at the University of Bath

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Dr Keren MacLennan @kerenmaclennan.bsky.social · 13/05/2025

Follow our department's new social media accounts for exciting updates!

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Dr Keren MacLennan @kerenmaclennan.bsky.social · 02/05/2025

Our Neuroinclusion e-training website has had a little makeover! I think it is looking rather slick but would love to know what you all think 😊 If you've loved our training, please share with your networks! www.neuinsight.co.uk

neuinsight.co.uk

NeuInsight training

Evidence-based neurodiversity e-training

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Dr Keren MacLennan @kerenmaclennan.bsky.social · 01/05/2025

New study! We are looking for anyone (aged 18 years+) who attends live music to share their experiences so we can understand how to make live music more inclusive. Please complete this ~30min online survey: lnkd.in/e-52MrAr #neurodiversity #music #neurodivergent #inclusion #accessibility #EDI

Study flyer including the information that is in the accompanying post

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Dr. Lou Thomas @ljthomas1991.bsky.social · 27/03/2025

Two new NIHR funding calls announced today. To test behavioural interventions to treat anxiety disorders in children and young people, and adults with moderate to severe learning disability (including autistic and non-autistic). 2-stage process, stage 1 deadline 30/07. Links in comments.

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Dr Keren MacLennan @kerenmaclennan.bsky.social · 18/02/2025

In the Department of Psychology at University of Bath we are trialling these fantastic Nook Wellness Pods as a restorative space for staff and students. We are striving to make our department more neuro-inclusive by creating different spaces that provide a calming refuge for those who need it 🙌

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Dr Keren MacLennan @kerenmaclennan.bsky.social · 31/01/2025

Looks like I’m off to Seattle in May 🥳 Really looking forward to presenting our study on Autistic adults’ experiences of attending live music!

Screen shot of abstract submission approval email

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Autism: The International Journal of Research & Practice. @journalautism.bsky.social · 05/12/2024

New video with Meghan Carey talking about the recently published paper on Methods to reduce fraudulent participation and highlight Autistic voices in research. Watch the full video on our YouTube: youtu.be/1sWH-tC1hkw Paper: doi.org/10.1177/1362...

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Dr Keren MacLennan @kerenmaclennan.bsky.social · 04/12/2024

Preprint now available for our study: “It's like all of my senses and my body become more awakened”: Autistic adult’s experiences of attending live music, co-authored with Gemma Herbert and Abbie Smith. Thanks to the Autistic adults who shared their experiences with us 💖 doi.org/10.31219/osf...

doi.org

OSF

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Dr Keren MacLennan @kerenmaclennan.bsky.social · 25/11/2024

Reviewing a paper that has used deficit language related to autism, which is already depressing to read, but then in the discussion they refer to autism as a disease... Reviewing papers like this honestly ruins my day and I don't think we talk about this emotional burden enough

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Eating Disorders and Autism Collaborative @edaceatingautism.bsky.social · 19/11/2024

We are super proud to have worked with this with Phaedra Longhurst, @dr-liz-evans.bsky.social @kerenmaclennan.bsky.social @karri-g-smith.bsky.social @fionaduffy.bsky.social and Emy Nimbley 👇

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Autism: The International Journal of Research & Practice. @journalautism.bsky.social · 19/11/2024

New video with Katherine Ardeleanu talking about the recently published paper on Why Some Autistic Adults Lack a Clinical Diagnosis and Why This Matters for Inclusion. Watch the full video on our YouTube: youtu.be/ogLmdCAlnvU?... Paper: doi.org/10.1177/1362...

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Autism: The International Journal of Research & Practice. @journalautism.bsky.social · 14/11/2024

New video with Dr Michelle Dean talking about the recently published paper on the experiences of professional Autistic actors who have played Autistic characters in film and television. Watch the full video on our YouTube: youtu.be/gBqWL3-kEWk Read the paper here: doi.org/10.1177/1362...

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Autism: The International Journal of Research & Practice. @journalautism.bsky.social · 31/10/2024

New video with Dr Darren Hedley talking about the recently published paper about the development and prelim validation of the Suicide Assessment Kit-Modified Interview (SAK-MI). Watch the full video on our YouTube: www.youtube.com/watch?v=4kuK...

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Autism: The International Journal of Research & Practice. @journalautism.bsky.social · 25/10/2024

New video with @cmanning.bsky.social talking about the introduction of registered reports to Autism. Watch the full video on our YouTube: youtu.be/safD-r8AVYo?...

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