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OT Expert

@ot-expert.bsky.social
3K followers 1K following 950 posts

Leading international occupational therapy account Fierce but friendly advocate for us #neurodivergent and all humans Love connecting people - Views my own #Artist - Pencil, Charcoal... #poet Occupational therapist #ADHD #OccupationalTherapy #Art

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Ann Memmott @annmemmott.bsky.social · 01/09/2026
ndconnection.co.uk/blog/autism-... Latest neurodivergent research roundup of some of the best and most discussion-worthy findings, from me. Lots to think about in this, as ever. Please feel free to share.
ndconnection.co.uk
Autism, ADHD, Neurodivergence, Diagnosis and Support — What’s New in August — Neurodiverse Connection
In this research roundup, Ann Memmott brings together recent August papers exploring Autism, ADHD and Neurodivergence. The studies examine diagnosis and underdiagnosis, self-identification, quality of...
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OT Expert @ot-expert.bsky.social · 02/09/2026
✨ An introduction to the theory of Monotropism to support Autistic young people”✨ This is a great resource Thank you @autisticrealms.bsky.social & @oolong.co.uk :) — #monotropism #autistic #autism #neurodivergent #neurospicy #occupationaltherapy
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Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN) @autisticadvocacy.org · 20/08/2026
Autism research should help and include autistic people! Check out this report from the Autism Research for Us Symposium to learn more about the current issues in autism research and the importance of autistic-led research. policyimpactproject.org/establishing...
policyimpactproject.org
Establishing a National Autistic-led Research Agenda - Policy Impact Project
Please provide your email address before accessing the report - we will not use it for other purposes, and providing your email address is optional. Download the full report by clicking the button…
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The M-WAY Study @mwaystudy.bsky.social · 20/08/2026
Really pleased to announce our new paper! 📢 This is the largest qualitative study of anxiety and depression in autistic youth to date, and one of few to centre young people's voices Read here: link.springer.com/article/10.1... #AutRes
link.springer.com
“It is Just Too Overwhelming and Constant”: Environmental Influences on Anxiety and Depression in Autistic Young People - Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders
Purpose Autistic people experience high rates of anxiety and depression, yet an evidence-based understanding of how and why these difficulties first develop is lacking. By centring autistic young peop...
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Keir Harding @keirwales.bsky.social · 17/06/2026
This has been on my mind a lot to day. I hear “duty of care” being used as a justification for interventions that are demonstrably more harmful than not doing them, but the pressure to DO SOMETHING is so powerful it often overrides our conscience, ethics and morals. #bigspd26
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Keir Harding @keirwales.bsky.social · 01/08/2026
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Autistic Realms (Helen Edgar) @autisticrealms.bsky.social · 15/08/2026
I am just sharing some crisis support information lines for anyone who is struggling Coping and Mental Health Helplines stimpunks.org/fieldguide/c... If you are in crisis text 50808 in Ireland, 85258 in the UK and 741741 in the US and Canada for free, nonjudgmental 24/7 support
stimpunks.org
Regulation & Coping
Here are some people, tools, concepts, and techniques that help us cope as embodied beings.
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Autistic Realms (Helen Edgar) @autisticrealms.bsky.social · 17/08/2025
I have collated a list of research/ resources here about Autistic experiences and menopause/ perimenopause that may be of interest too autisticrealms.com/autistic-men...
autisticrealms.com
Autistic Menopause & Perimenopause Resources | Autistic Realms
A signposting resource to support Autistic people experiencing menopause/ perimenopause. What else would you recommend?Any other research/books/ blogs / You ...
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Autistic Realms (Helen Edgar) @autisticrealms.bsky.social · 13/11/2025
@ka81.bsky.social @emergentdivergence.com @isabellefk.bsky.social @thewoodbug.bsky.social @ot-expert.bsky.social @wardasworld.bsky.social @autismtalk.bsky.social @jadefarrington.bsky.social @neuro-observant.bsky.social @gr0ve.bsky.social Please share www.kickstarter.com/projects/nat...
kickstarter.com
Unauthorised Absence 🎥🚸 Parents & Schools in a SEND Crisis
From lived experience to national action, Jo’s script inspires empathy & change for SEND children & families harmed by education policy
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Anthony @pyrpawed.blacksky.app · 27/05/2025
"Autism research is highly focused on causation and autism 'treatments,' areas most autistic people neither benefit from nor want studied." AutINSAR brought together #ActuallyAutistic, their families, autism researchers & professionals RE: research priorities. thinkingautismguide.com/2025/05/what...
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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Autistic Realms (Helen Edgar) @autisticrealms.bsky.social · 29/05/2025
NEW Map of Monotropic Experiences: FREE Open Source Training Resources Map of Monotropic Experiences: FREE Open Source Training ResourcesThe Map of Monotropic Experiences:Reframing Autism Through A Neurodiversity-Affirming Lens Training for Professionals, Families and Community Groups to Support…
autisticrealms.com
NEW Map of Monotropic Experiences: FREE Open Source Training Resources
Map of Monotropic Experiences: FREE Open Source Training ResourcesThe Map of Monotropic Experiences:Reframing Autism Through A Neurodiversity-Affirming Lens Training for Professionals, Families and Community Groups to Support Autistic People I am excited to announce that in collaboration with Stumpunks, we have a new free, open-source training resource!At Autistic Realms and Stimpunks, we believe in telling our own stories and validating each other's experiences. The Map of Monotropic...
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Autistic Realms (Helen Edgar) @autisticrealms.bsky.social · 26/05/2025
@jadefarrington.bsky.social @elizafricker.bsky.social @jodieclarke.bsky.social @drnaomifisher.bsky.social @notfineinschool.bsky.social @aut2ask.bsky.social @drjenniferhuffman.bsky.social @dean-beadle.bsky.social @sedsconnective.org @lillyjade.bsky.social you are all listed :)
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Autistic Realms (Helen Edgar) @autisticrealms.bsky.social · 26/05/2025
@ndjourneys.bsky.social @jornbettin.bsky.social @ndsltuk.bsky.social @againstrestraint.com @icarszoey.bsky.social @autisticgirlsnet.bsky.social @autisticteacher.bsky.social @itsemilykaty.bsky.social @semascot.bsky.social you are all included:)
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Autistic Realms (Helen Edgar) @autisticrealms.bsky.social · 26/05/2025
@gr0ve.bsky.social @thepdaspace.bsky.social @petewharmby.com @kieranrose.bsky.social @ot-expert.bsky.social @autismadvocate.co.uk @dr-nicky.bsky.social @thinkingautism.com @autisticdoctor.bsky.social @not-so-nt.bsky.social you are all included:)
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Autistic Realms (Helen Edgar) @autisticrealms.bsky.social · 26/05/2025
@stimpunks.org @amase.org.uk @laurahellfeld.bsky.social @autisticallyscott.bsky.social @vivdawes.bsky.social @emergentdivergence.com @bexmilgatetherapy.bsky.social @annmemmott.bsky.social @commonsenseslt.bsky.social @scrappapertiger.bsky.social you are all included :)
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Autistic Realms (Helen Edgar) @autisticrealms.bsky.social · 26/05/2025
Resharing my starter pack of neuro-affirming Autistic advocates, orgs and charities if you are looking for a good list of people to follow go.bsky.app/9N5UEUC
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Autistic Realms (Helen Edgar) @autisticrealms.bsky.social · 19/05/2025
Excited to be joining @stimpunks.org and @covingtonedu.bsky.social from @humrespro.bsky.social for a podcast soon :)
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Autistic Realms (Helen Edgar) @autisticrealms.bsky.social · 18/05/2025
"With the founding of ASAN....information and advocacy model changed. And parents like me can opt for better choices." When you know better, you can do better! Great words from @shannonrosa.bsky.social @thinkingautism.com about the amazing work @autisticadvocacy.org do for our community.
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Nick Walker @dr-nicky.bsky.social · 14/05/2025
This coming Monday, 5/19, OPEN Foundation is hosting me & my esteemed colleague Alicia Danforth for a conversation about #autism & #psychedelics! It's online & it's free! #autistic #psychology #therapy #neurodiversity #neurodivergence #consciousness #cognition open-foundation.org/events/onlin...
open-foundation.org
Autism and Psychedelics: A Conversation with Alicia Danforth and Nick Walker - OPEN Foundation
Psychedelic-assisted therapy holds unique potential for supporting autistic and neurodivergent individuals—but also presents distinct challenges. Join Dr. Alicia Danforth and Dr. Nick Walker for an op...
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OT Expert @ot-expert.bsky.social · 18/05/2025
✨To everyone.....Listen to this!✨ I wanted to share this short but mind sparking interview on neuroqueering. Thank you @dr-nicky.bsky.social , and I've now got many, many more exciting thoughts to explore :) #Neurodivergent #OccupationalTherapy
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Steven Kapp @drstevenkapp.bsky.social · 04/03/2025
Calling autistic uni students in UK (UG, masters): our survey on your support experiences & needs, developed from community-based participatory research w/ autistic & non-autistic students & disability support staff. Pls share widely Scan QR code in flyer -> send drafted email to receive direct link
Flyer titled "Recruitment call: Supporting autistic students at university". The University of Portsmouth logo is in the top-left corner and the University of Nottingham logo is in the top-right corner. 

It says "Are you an autistic university student in the UK?
We are inviting you to take part in our study on support experiences and needs", followed by 
"You can take part if:
 •	You are a university student in the UK (18 and above)
•	You have a formal autism diagnosis or you self-identify as autistic"
"To complete the questionnaire, scan the QR code, which will take you to a draft email to the researcher. Please send this email to get your unique ID to complete the questionnaire." The QR code is presented to the right.
The flyer ends with "For questions, please email emine.gurbuz@port.ac.uk".
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Susan Madigan @susanmadigan3.bsky.social · 21/04/2025
There’s growing discourse around the “overdiagnosis” of Autism and ADHD—particularly in adults. Critics say these diagnoses are now being handed out too easily, "its all gone too far", even framing them as trendy. But this view misses something fundamental. 1/24
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The Mental Elf @thementalelf.bsky.social · 16/05/2025
Partnerships between researchers, clinicians, patients & local communities are essential for producing research that is useful in the real world. It’s #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek and the theme this year is COMMUNITY. 🧵 THREAD #MentalHealthResearch #Collaboration www.youtube.com/watch?v=o2aW...
youtube.com
Funding mental health research collaborations across sectors and communities
YouTube video by Mental Elf
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Kelly @broadwaybabyto.bsky.social · 07/12/2024
If you’re dealing with Long Covid - there’s a chance you’re also dealing with MCAS and/or POTS/Dysautonomia. They’re two of the most common comorbids - and can have a devastating impact on quality of life. New allergies? Alcohol intolerance? Dizziness? Fatigue? Fainting? A mega 🧵 of resources
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OT Expert @ot-expert.bsky.social · 28/04/2025
What a lovely image to start off the week with. Thank you @teamswiftparrot.bsky.social 🦜
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Michelle Dawson @autismcrisis.bsky.social · 28/04/2025
Late registered: aiming to "understand the experiences of neurodivergent healthcare professions students/trainees, based on a systematic review of existing qualitative and mixed methods studies" www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/vie... in which "neurodivergent" means "diagnosed and/or self-identified"
crd.york.ac.uk
PROSPERO
PROSPERO
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OT Expert @ot-expert.bsky.social · 28/04/2025
✨New Ebook..... Autism Awareness or Autism Acceptance? ✨ Definitely recommend reading this new ebook by @autisticrealms.bsky.social @emergentdivergence.com and @tanyaadkin.bsky.social
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Autistic Realms (Helen Edgar) @autisticrealms.bsky.social · 26/04/2025
@againstrestraint.com is formulating its response to the English government’s “Use of Reasonable Force” consultation. This isn’t just flawed guidance — it’s dangerous. No child should be harmed or at risk. Submit your views before 29 April consult.education.gov.uk/behaviour-un...
Image of someone holding DFE: Use of reasonable force and other restrictive interventions guidance Government consultation papers
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Niamh Garvey @niamhgarvey.bsky.social · 19/04/2025
Week 3 in the Bestsellers 🎉 Thank you dear readers, for your empathy, your willingness to listen to #Autistic Voices. Wired Our Own Way; An Anthology of Irish Autistic Voices @newislandbooks.bsky.social
Photo of newspaper clipping of book bestsellers. Wired Our Own Way is number 10 on non fiction paperback bestseller list.
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Kevin KAL Kallaugher- Editorial cartoonist @kaltoons.bsky.social · 12/04/2025
Considering the events of this past week, an old friend suggested that this might be a good time to resurrect this 1989 classic from The Baltimore Sun .
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ICARS - International Coalition Against Restraint and Seclusion @againstrestraint.com · 10/04/2025
This is what £70,000 of taxpayers’ money on ‘de-escalation and restraint’ training gets you. ICARS obtained this data via FOI (2018–2023) and submitted it to the SEND National Crisis Inquiry. Another disabled child restrained. This is systemic. Gov’t must act. www.bbc.com/news/article...
bbc.com
Autistic 12-year-old 'brutally' restrained in school calming room
The way the boy was held on the floor in a special school was unlawful, a use-of-force expert tells BBC.
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Niamh Garvey @niamhgarvey.bsky.social · 04/04/2025
My kid's book "Being Autistic (and what that actually means)" is no. 9 is the Amazon bestsellers in Neurology ✨ This makes me happy, as I love to know my books are out in the world. Still, please buy from your local bookshops and not amazon.
Screen shot of list of books starting with #7 Untypical by Pete Wharmby
#8 The Menopaise Brain by Dr Lisa Mosconi
#9 Being Autistic(and what that actually means) by Niamh Garvey
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OT Expert @ot-expert.bsky.social · 31/03/2025
✨Long Covid✨ What are some recommended assessment tools to measure the functional impact of Long Covid or ME/CFS? __ #LongCovid
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V M Wald @vmwald.bsky.social · 23/03/2025
Show me how you draw/paint women #art #portrait #digitalart #graphite
Digital portrait of a woman. Graphite drawing of a woman looking into the distance. Oil painting of a woman in a black and white striped shirt. Graphite drawing of woman looking into the distance.
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B. Eduard Arts @eduard-arts.bsky.social · 28/03/2025
Another of my Audrey Hepburn portraits. (24x30 cm canvas, oil paints ) #Painting #Paintings #Oilpainting #Oilpaintings #Portrait #Portraits #Art #Artwork #Artsky #Blueskyart #Bskyart #Traditionalart #Fineart #Arthistory
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OT Expert @ot-expert.bsky.social · 29/03/2025
✨Creating neurodiversity-affirming environments in schools ✨ Free public lecture by @thewoodbug.bsky.social See details below, from @autisticrealms.bsky.social 👇
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Autistic Realms (Helen Edgar) @autisticrealms.bsky.social · 29/03/2025
Resources from: @playradical.bsky.social @commonsenseslt.bsky.social and more! Signposting includes: @rebeleducator.bsky.social @emmapritchard95.bsky.social @kmunday.bsky.social and more!
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Autistic Realms (Helen Edgar) @autisticrealms.bsky.social · 29/03/2025
New blog - Monotropism and Autistic Play autisticrealms.com/monotropism-... New resource page - Neuro-Affirming Autistic autisticrealms.com/autistic-pla...
autisticrealms.com
Monotropism and Autistic Play | Autistic Realms
All play is ok! There is no right way to play! All play is ok! There is no right way to play! To embrace Autistic play is to embrace the theory of monotropi ...
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Eliza Fricker (Missing the Mark) @elizafricker.bsky.social · 29/03/2025
We’re all equal as long as you meet the standardised targets.. Image from A Different Way to Learn by @drnaomifisher.bsky.social
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Heather D 🇨🇦 @heather147.bsky.social · 28/03/2025
"We’ve been conditioned by society that pain is weakness. That being sick is something you can ‘overcome’ by simply trying harder. If you can’t overcome it then you better do everything you can to hide it because people do not want to see it." 👇
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♾️Clear Autism♾️ @clearautism.bsky.social · 27/03/2025
That's Jarvis Cocker, as he looked in the 90s 😄
media.tenor.com
a man with glasses and a yellow shirt is sitting on a couch
Alt: Jarvis Cocker, wearing glasses and a yellow shirt and sitting on a couch, looks up and smiles
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OT Expert @ot-expert.bsky.social · 27/03/2025
✨ Random shape.... Or a piece of art? ✨ This appeared on my tray. A splodge of my spinach soup, which later, my cat had a creative lick of..... ___ #Art #Cats #Artist #Random #Painting
Photo of a great splodge of spinach soup, on a wooden tray surface. The splodge has very strangely turned out to be the shape of a detailed man's face!
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Autistic Realms (Helen Edgar) @autisticrealms.bsky.social · 26/03/2025
A Neuro-Affirmative introductory course to supporting neurodivergent people with intellectual disabilities Delivered by @ruthieconnolly.bsky.social , @jessicakdoyle.bsky.social & Oana Marion. Support & resources from @elainemcgreevy.bsky.social & @kieranrose.bsky.social amongst others
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Autistic Realms (Helen Edgar) @autisticrealms.bsky.social · 26/03/2025
I am delighted to have been able to support Muiríosa Foundation and their Project Penguin Training Programme: Promoting Empowerment Neurodiversity and Genuine Understanding and Integration of Neurodivergent People. Wishing you all the best for today!
Image of penguins
Text reads: Project Penguin

Promoting Empowerment, Neurodiversity and
Genuine Understanding and Integration of
Neurodivergent People.

A Neuro-Affirmative introductory course to supporting
neurodivergent people with intellectual disabilities. 
Logos of https://www.muiriosa.ie/ and Autistic Realms
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Sue Parkinson @mohospark.bsky.social · 25/03/2025
Sale ends in 2 days www.routledge.com/Recovery-Thr...
routledge.com
Recovery Through Activity: Increasing Participation in Everyday Life
The Recovery Through Activity handbook offers an occupation-centred treatment programme and intervention, rooted in occupational therapy, and underpinned by the Model of Human Occupation. This valuabl...
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OT Expert @ot-expert.bsky.social · 25/03/2025
#OccupationalTherapy Do you have a link where to buy this from, @mohospark.bsky.social? Just to make it easier for us all to find it :)
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OT Expert @ot-expert.bsky.social · 24/03/2025
#OccupationalTherapy
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The Mental Elf @thementalelf.bsky.social · 24/03/2025
We need a more nuanced understanding of how green space affects health—one that considers not just the amount of greenery, but the quality and design of these spaces, the characteristics of the surrounding urban environment, and the inclusion of vulnerable groups in planning and decision-making.
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The Mental Elf @thementalelf.bsky.social · 24/03/2025
This is the first published review focused specifically on the relationship between green space exposure and suicide-related outcomes. It’s likely to be of interest to clinicians, urban planners, and policymakers working to support mental health.
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The Mental Elf @thementalelf.bsky.social · 24/03/2025
Although no meta-analysis was conducted, the findings were reported narratively. Around two-thirds of the included studies showed a protective effect of green space on suicide-related behaviours.
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