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National Autism Implementation Team

@naitscotland.bsky.social
675 followers 807 following 143 posts

www.nait.scot Researchers and practitioners focussed on the implementation of evidence informed and neuro-affirming practice in Scotland, across sectors. A small multi-disciplinary team funded by Scottish Government 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

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National Autism Implementation Team @naitscotland.bsky.social · 22/05/2026
🆕👇🏽NEW NAIT Resource with practical steps for staff in different professional roles implementing #SCERTS across a setting or an authority 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 nait.scot/wp-content/u...
Front cover of NAIT resource called Indicators for Implementing SCERTS, with an outline image of children jumping
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Thinking Person's Guide to Autism @thinkingautism.com · 15/05/2026
Our recap of #INSAR2026 is (finally) up! While there was much to celebrate in terms of autistic presence and impact, there was still a lot of weird old guard INSAR focus on autism as a problem to solve, rather than of autistic people as participants or fully human: tinyurl.com/INSAR2026TPGA #autism
tinyurl.com
INSAR 2026: The State of Autism Research, Prague Version — THINKING PERSON'S GUIDE TO AUTISM
We've been covering INSAR for 15 years. It is fascinating how the autism research landscape both has and has not evolved during that stretch.
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National Autism Implementation Team @naitscotland.bsky.social · 25/04/2026
Lovely film about a personal experience of an autistic young person. Diagnosis/identification is a support need!
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National Autism Implementation Team @naitscotland.bsky.social · 25/04/2026
Last day of #INSAR2026 We are excited to join a SIG this afternoon 👇🏽‘Enhancing autism identification, assessment and diagnostic practices in adulthood: From research to implementation’ We know what needs to change-what are the mechanisms for change in different contexts? nait.scot/document/nai...
nait.scot
NAIT: A Mechanism for Change 2019-2026 - National Autism Implementation Team
Implementation at pace and scale requires cross disciplinary leadership, robust mechanisms and practical solutions to support a shift from aspirational thinking to sustainable practice change.
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National Autism Implementation Team @naitscotland.bsky.social · 25/04/2026
Our poster today at #INSAR is at 49A - preliminary findings from work focused on ‘Understanding experiences of anxiety related absence from school through a neuro-affirming lens’ come and chat 😊
Image of a poster called ‘understanding experiences of anxiety related absence from school through a neuro-affirming lens’
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National Autism Implementation Team @naitscotland.bsky.social · 23/04/2026
Such an important paper and we need to start talking about autistic shame and how we can make things better for autistic people now and in future through a neuro-affirming lens
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National Autism Implementation Team @naitscotland.bsky.social · 23/04/2026
AADC brings the 1st international network of autistic diagnosticians bring epistemic authority and advances the field… autistic clinicians can help to decide on DSM 6 content - thanks to @autisticdoctor.bsky.social and the AADC #INSAR #diagnosismatters Join at: Autisticdiagnosticians@gmail.com
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National Autism Implementation Team @naitscotland.bsky.social · 23/04/2026
Neuro-affirming report writing guidance nait.scot/document/neu... #INSAR @autisticdoctor.bsky.social
nait.scot
Neuro-affirming Reports Guidance for Practitioners (2024) - National Autism Implementation Team
This guide provides practical guidance for health practitioners about taking a neuro-affirming approach to writing reports or plans. It synthesises insights from published research, as well as observa...
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National Autism Implementation Team @naitscotland.bsky.social · 23/04/2026
So many great conversations at #INSAR in Prague and an opportunity to share NAIT resources with like-minded people 😊
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National Autism Implementation Team @naitscotland.bsky.social · 23/04/2026
AADC at #INSAR have developed neuro-affirming report guidance and other great practice based guidance and have highlighted the need for updated assessment tools
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Steven Kapp @drstevenkapp.bsky.social · 23/04/2026
Talks include Is Optimal Outcome Really Optimal? Insights from the Autistic and Neurodivergent Community by Melissa Black, The Autistic Autism Diagnosticians Collaborative: Redefining Expertise in Autism Assessment and Diagnosis led by Hannah Morton... 2/3
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Steven Kapp @drstevenkapp.bsky.social · 23/04/2026
Chairing #INSAR2026 panel on Autistic People's Views on Autism Diagnosis and Intervention w/ talks questioning "optimal outcome", on autistic autism diagnosticians, early intervention strategies benefits and harms, and barriers to autism identification among ethically and racially minoritised adults
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National Autism Implementation Team @naitscotland.bsky.social · 23/04/2026
Great to hear Hannah Morton and colleagues sharing the work of the autistic diagnosing clinicians group - here at #INSAR to influence current and future practice with a neuro-affirming mindset
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National Autism Implementation Team @naitscotland.bsky.social · 23/04/2026
#INSAR great talk by Melissa Black highlighting need for using optimal outcomes from a neurodivergent perspective - feeling safe and secure, having food, housing and access to care, having connections and meaningful autonomy, participation and choice and being your authentic self. #neuro-affirming
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Thinking Person's Guide to Autism @thinkingautism.com · 23/04/2026
Impressed by how quickly the entire #INSAR2026 community switched to flappause (silent applause) as a sensory accommodation, without even being asked (although later we were asked). Nice.
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Martin Pratt @martinpratt.bsky.social · 17/04/2026
“Functioning labels aren't very specific. They don't tell us very much about a person and what they need.” 👉 Watch on ACAMH Learn · Free CPD/CME #ChildMentalHealth #Autism #Neurodevelopmental
acamhlearn.org
Autism: Myth Busting | ACAMH Learn
Amy Pearson challenges five common misconceptions about autism, using contemporary evidence to advocate for a modern perspective that promotes a more informed and inclusive understanding of autistic…
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Autistic Realms (Helen Edgar) @autisticrealms.bsky.social · 14/04/2026
Updated page with resources about Autistic Burnout with new signposting to @ndconnection.bsky.social autisticrealms.com/resources/bu...
autisticrealms.com
Burnout Resources & Signposting: Neuro-Affirming Support For Autistic People | Autistic Realms
Burnout Resources & Signposting: Neuro-Affirming Support For Autistic People
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Dr Becky Wood @thewoodbug.bsky.social · 03/04/2026
➡️ What are the experiences, strengths & needs of autistic teachers? ➡️ How should we re-think the teacher role to be neurodiversity-inclusive? Summary of research from the Autistic School Staff Project, with links to open access resources 👇🏻 #Autres
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Dr Becky Wood @thewoodbug.bsky.social · 01/04/2026
Just published, with powerful writing by lead author Dr Jason Lang, our article about core focus of the Neurodiversity in Scottish Schools project. What do neurodivergent young people, school staff, parents & policy-makers think about inclusion? Open access 👇 journals.uclpress.co.uk/lre/article/...
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ACAMH - Association for Child and Adolescent Mental Health @acamh.bsky.social · 02/04/2026
Diagnosis may function as both an explanatory and enabling process and environmental demands play a key role in shaping diagnosis. Explore the functions of an #autism diagnosis & the current debates around #autism with this fantastic blog by Prof. Francisco Musich. bit.ly/4dye8gj
bit.ly
What Is Autism Now?
Since the 90s, autism prevalence has increased substantially, particularly in high-income countries, prompting public & professional debate.
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Autistic Realms (Helen Edgar) @autisticrealms.bsky.social · 27/03/2026
Autism and Ageing Video by Wenn Lawson youtu.be/_tbFw_ZyERg?...
youtu.be
Autism and Aging
YouTube video by Wenn Lawson
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The Daily Tism @thedailytism.com · 25/03/2026
Clinical psychologist Tricia Squire, 45, has admitted that she took one look at your whole deal and was like “well, let’s go through the motions anyway”.
thedailytism.com
Autism assessment mostly based on vibes, admits therapist
Your autism assessor diagnosed you the second you walked into her office, tearfully fidgeting with your neon pink hair, it has been rumoured.  Clinical psychologist Tricia Squire, 45, has admitted…
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National Autism Implementation Team @naitscotland.bsky.social · 19/03/2026
ndconnection.co.uk/resources/p/... This looks like a fantastic and practical resource for neuro-affirming practitioners thinking about alternatives to behaviour focused approaches.Thank you for sharing it
ndconnection.co.uk
A practical approach to neurodiversity-affirming care and support — Neurodiverse Connection
Interactive toolkit © Neurodiverse Connection 2026 All Rights Reserved Download PDF This toolkit has been developed by Neurodiverse Connection to support our practical approach to neur...
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National Autism Implementation Team @naitscotland.bsky.social · 19/03/2026
www.facebook.com/share/v/1CZa...
facebook.com
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National Autism Implementation Team @naitscotland.bsky.social · 09/03/2026
m.facebook.com/story.php?st...
m.facebook.com
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National Autism Implementation Team @naitscotland.bsky.social · 09/03/2026
Have a read of our latest Neuro-affirming Community of Practice Scotland. Such great work going on around Scotland to make the changes we need nait.scot/document/neu...
nait.scot
Neuro-affirming Community of Practice Scotland Bulletin 5 (March 2026) - National Autism Implementation Team
A community update sharing examples of steps towards neuro-affirming practice from across Scotland.
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NHS Research Scotland @nhsresearchscotland.org.uk · 07/03/2026
A two-day introductory course providing an overview of methods and frameworks essential for conducting clinical research will be held by @eduedinburghcrf.bsky.social in May. Read more 🔗 www.nhsresearchscotland.org.uk/cale…
This image is an advertisement for the 11th Edinburgh Clinical Research Methodology Course, hosted by the Edinburgh Clinical Research Facility. The event is scheduled for 11-12 May at the John McIntyre Conference Centre in Edinburgh. The image shows a group of people sitting and smiling at a table. There are graphic elements like circles and a website link: www.nrs.org.uk/calendar.
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National Autism Implementation Team @naitscotland.bsky.social · 06/03/2026
pubs.asha.org/doi/10.1044/...
pubs.asha.org
Leveling Up Regulatory Support Through Community Collaboration
Purpose No group has more stake in the game than the community that researchers, educators, and practitioners aim to serve. In our field, we must...
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National Autism Implementation Team @naitscotland.bsky.social · 06/03/2026
Neuro-affirming language and mindsets set a foundation for all that we do. The Neuro-affirming Community of Practice Scotland language and terminology guidance is available to support conversations and evolving practice👇 nait.scot/document/neu...
nait.scot
Neuro-affirming Community of Practice Scotland Language Guidance 2025 - National Autism Implementation Team
Neuro-affirming Community of Scotland Language Guidance for public sector practitioners working in Scotland.
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National Autism Implementation Team @naitscotland.bsky.social · 06/03/2026
Like many of us, SCERTS authors have shifted training materials and language in line with autistic community preferences and our evolving understanding of neuro-affirming practices.
A picture of a slide about identity first and person first language 
with stick people - one says 'autistic person' and 'person with autism'
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National Autism Implementation Team @naitscotland.bsky.social · 06/03/2026
We are excited to welcome Emily Rubin @emilyrubin.bsky.social and Amy Laurent @autismlevelup.bsky.social to lead SCERTS training for practitioners in Scotland🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿
picture of a powerpoint slide about the SCERTS Model Day 1 training, with a picture if the SCERTS logo and pictures of children looking happy and engaged
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Thriving Autistic @thrivingautistic.bsky.social · 02/03/2026
Check out our free signposting resources covering lots of topics including; masking, intersectionality, sensory systems, relationships and a new resource about Autistic Burnout thrivingautistic.org/discovery-pr...
Cover image for Thriving Autistic’s “Discovery Programme E-book” titled “Let’s Discover More About Burnout.” The design features a navy and gold color scheme with an infinity symbol logo above the words “Thriving Autistic,” the large bold word “BURNOUT” centered on the page, and the website www.thrivingautistic.org
 at the bottom.
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Thriving Autistic @thrivingautistic.bsky.social · 25/02/2026
Hurrah! It is time for another Monthly Round-Up of Research from @annmemmott.bsky.social and @ndconnection.bsky.social Autism, Neurodivergence, Support Needs and Inclusion — What’s New in February from Neurodiverse Connection ndconnection.co.uk/blog/autism-...
ndconnection.co.uk
Autism, Neurodivergence, Support Needs and Inclusion — What’s New in February — Neurodiverse Connection
In this research roundup, Ann Memmott brings together recent February papers exploring Neurodivergence and Learning Disabilities. The studies cover drug trials, gender parity, social communication p...
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Enquire | Reach @enquirereachasl.bsky.social · 26/02/2026
From April 2022- May 2025, 30% of all enquiries to Enquire's helpline were related to school placement. Key issues emerged as: - understanding processes - communication - the appeals system - transport - transitions Read more: childreninscotland.org.uk/news-article...
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Enquire | Reach @enquirereachasl.bsky.social · 23/02/2026
🎉This #HelplineAwarenessDay we are celebrating our fabulous helpline team! 🎉 Our small and skilled team handle your emails and calls, offering a caring and compassionate ear and sharing advice around additional support for learning. Thank you - you are brilliant! @helplinesuk.bsky.social
Splashes of green and brown, similar to fireworks, are displaye on a slightly off-white background. Above, text reads helpline awareness day. Celebrating our fabulous helpline team.Underneath text which reads meet our team there are black and white headshots of the helpline team who are identified as Vitalina, Hannah, Mark, Lisa, Maisie and Sarah.
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National Autism Implementation Team @naitscotland.bsky.social · 23/02/2026
These new resources look great- with info and practical guidance for pregnant autistic people and professionals restraintreductionnetwork.org/resource/bos...
restraintreductionnetwork.org
Boshier Pregnancy Resources – Restraint Reduction Network
The RRN is pleased to have developed a new suite of resources aimed at delivering rights respecting support for pregnant autistic people. These include an infor
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CALL Scotland @callscotland.org.uk · 21/02/2026
There is still time to register for our parent/carer webinar next Monday evening (23rd Feb) at 7pm. We'll be sharing resources on Communication Passports. Click the link or scan the QR code to find out more and register to join live or to be sent the recording link. bit.ly/CALLParentWebinars
Poster with white and yellow backgrounds with CALL Scotland logo at the top. 
Right hand side has 3 images; from top to bottom photograph of Ceanna MacGregor AAC Specialist Teacher, Kirsteen Steven AT and ASN Teacher and Paula Twigg, CALL Scotland Project Officer
Left hand side title of webinar is Communication Passports on Monday 23rd March 2026 from 7pm to 7.30pm and for more info there is a  QR code at the bottom with a short link: bit.ly/CallParentWebinars
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Enquire | Reach @enquirereachasl.bsky.social · 19/02/2026
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Thriving Autistic @thrivingautistic.bsky.social · 01/02/2026
Autistic Menopause A Guide to the Menopausal Transition for Autistic People and those Supporting Them by Julie Gamble-Turner & Rachel Moseley uk.jkp.com/products/aut...
uk.jkp.com
Autistic Menopause
Having menopausal symptoms as an autistic person can feel isolating and confusing. You might be wondering why you are feeling so lost or why your experience doesn't seem anything like other people's. ...
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National Autism Implementation Team @naitscotland.bsky.social · 01/02/2026
www.thenational.scot/news/2581401...
thenational.scot
Extra £3.4 million announced for neurodevelopmental support in Scotland
AN additional £3.4 million to improve access to neurodevelopmental support for children, young people and their families has been announced by the…
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Katie Munday @kmunday.bsky.social · 05/12/2025
Autistic, ADHD, and other ND-affirming spaces exist, but should OCD be affirmed? And what would an OCD-affirming space look like? #OCD #MentalHealth #FromTheArchives autisticltd.co.uk/2024/05/06/o...
autisticltd.co.uk
OCD: Shame and affirmation
The need for OCD-affirming spaces is highlighted, emphasizing the validity of identities and experiences. The author shares their challenges with OCD treatment options, including problematic experi…
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Trish Greenhalgh @trishgreenhalgh.bsky.social · 29/11/2025
Planning a large-scale change in healthcare? Here’s a framework for getting started. From @healthfoundation.bsky.social api.repository.cam.ac.uk/server/api/c...
api.repository.cam.ac.uk
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CALL Scotland @callscotland.org.uk · 28/11/2025
Join Joanna at 10am on Thursday 4th December for an accessible live read along of 'My Pet Star.' Register here bit.ly/4oi3f3O Download free resources for joining in on the day here: bit.ly/47WNWrm
Purple background with text which reads: Digilearnscot event: Children's ASN Read Along & Sing Along with Joanna Courtney, CALL Scotland. Thurs, 4th Dec, 10am. There are two images, one of a book cover of 'My Pet Star' and the other is a symbol communication board to support shared reading of 'My Pet Star.'
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Karla McGregor @karlamcgregor.bsky.social · 25/11/2025
Thank you, @ashajournals.bsky.social! We are thrilled to get this work out into the world.
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Enquire | Reach @enquirereachasl.bsky.social · 26/11/2025
‘People’ and ‘Scaffolding’ are two crucial foundations of The Promise. Navigate - our new care experience + education hub - can reinforce the scaffolding around a child or young person by helping to weld & strengthen the joins between the people & services who support them. Visit: enquire.org.uk
A stylised illustration with a pale pink background. It is divided into four coloured panels: a yellow panel with a green tick in the top left, a dark green panel with a yellow upward arrow in the top right, a teal panel with a red cross in the bottom left, and a dusty pink panel with a light blue equals sign in the bottom right. White dotted lines loop around the panels and meet at a central dusty-pink plus symbol. Below, two simple chairs and a small turquoise table sit beneath a location pin whose pink pin and pale-pink shadow together form a heart shape. The word “relationships” appears at the bottom.
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NAPLIC @naplic.bsky.social · 26/11/2025
Great work. And NAPLIC now has a network for professionals working with adults with DLD, so one of your recommendations has been met.
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National Autism Implementation Team @naitscotland.bsky.social · 26/11/2025
Nice resources to help with understanding of the complex contexts which can be barriers or facilitators to neurodivergent young people feeling able to attend and participate meaningfully in school settings barrierstoeducation.co.uk/affirming-pr...
barrierstoeducation.co.uk
Affirming Practice - Barriers to Education
Practice underpinned by the understanding that everyone is different and acceptance of difference ensures equity for all.
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National Autism Implementation Team @naitscotland.bsky.social · 26/11/2025
We are enjoying the #RCSLT Conference 2025 today. Here's our poster about current practice in identifying adults with Developmental Language Disorder in Scotland and steps to address gaps in provision nait.scot/document/nai... #DLD @naplic.bsky.social @radld.bsky.social @rcpsych.bsky.social
This is a small image of the poster described about developmental language disorder in adults and current practice in adult speech and langauge therapy services in Scotland that can be found on the NAIT website
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Autistic Realms (Helen Edgar) @autisticrealms.bsky.social · 13/11/2025
This is wonderful by Jaime Hoerricks. The Shape of Feeling: Alexithymia and Emotional Dysregulation autside.substack.com/p/the-shape-...
autside.substack.com
The Shape of Feeling: Alexithymia and Emotional Dysregulation
On growing up wordless, living attuned, and learning that what they called dysregulation was never disorder—only the body’s unbroken music, still playing beneath the noise of translation.
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Thinking Person's Guide to Autism @thinkingautism.com · 13/11/2025
We've always been skeptical about autism-gut microbiome claims. A new survey of 30 studies explored the "connection," and, after "accounting for statistical, technical and conceptual flaws, the team reached a clear conclusion: 'There’s nothing there.'" www.thetransmitter.org/spectrum/goi...
thetransmitter.org
Going against the gut: Q&A with Kevin Mitchell
A new review of 15 years of studies on the connection between the microbiome and autism reveals widespread statistical and conceptual errors.
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