Category: Other

  • Trans and Autistic: Applying for PhD

    Trans and Autistic: Applying for PhD

    Applying for a PhD as an autistic transgender person involves navigating ableism, transphobia, paperwork challenges, and the search for affirming supervisors. Rejection can be emotionally taxing, and universities should improve application processes. Autistic trans applicants should utilize available resources, advocate for themselves, and have backup plans. Selecting understanding supervisors is crucial.

  • Not all of me

    Not all of me

    You do not know me, not really, you hold my health, my life, in your hands, yet you do not see me, not all of me. I am they, to you I am: woman, lady, female, my being is more expansive than you could ever dream, a tick-box could not contain me, not all of…

  • An outline of my PhD on transgender Autistic experiences

    An outline of my PhD on transgender Autistic experiences

    I’m very excited to start my PhD studentship at University of Portsmouth funded by South Coastal Doctoral Training Partnership. I shall be in the school of psychology, doing my own research on: Exploring health and social care inequities for transgender and gender diverse Autistic adults living in the UK. I am really happy to say…

  • Exploring the Experiences of Autistic Transgender and Non-Binary Adults in Seeking Gender Identity Healthcare [plain language summary]

    Exploring the Experiences of Autistic Transgender and Non-Binary Adults in Seeking Gender Identity Healthcare [plain language summary]

    This blog gives you a summary of the work created by Harley Bruce, Katie Munday (me), and Steven Kapp. The aim of our study was to get a deep understanding of autistic transgender and/or non-binary adults’ experiences in accessing, or trying to access, gender identity healthcare. There are very few research articles which focus on…

  • Creating Safe Spaces book review

    Creating Safe Spaces book review

    “Creating Safe Spaces for Autistic People” by Scott Neilson and Laura Hellfeld provides a comprehensive guide for establishing inclusive environments. The authors, along with other autistic advocates, address topics such as language use, participant support, and accessibility. Ranging from sensory tools to public transport guidance, this well-structured resource is valuable for professionals supporting autistic individuals.

  • Autistic Burnout: What is it, and why does it happen?

    Autistic Burnout: What is it, and why does it happen?

    Autistic burnout is a heightened state of stress, affecting energy, emotions, and sensory management. It’s often triggered by social and work-related factors, leading to emotional dysregulation, sensory overload, and brain fog. This can result in a sense of isolation, frustration, and an overwhelming feeling of responsibilities without the energy to address them.

  • The importance of Autistic-led training and research

    The importance of Autistic-led training and research

    The struggle for Autistic trainers is common as non-Autistic individuals often take precedence. Organizations claim to support #AutismAwareness but refuse to pay Autistic individuals for their expertise. Even those who include Autistic co-creators may overlook their lived experience. The focus must shift to including Autistic individuals in leadership and fairly compensating them.

  • UK university ethics applications – a neurodivergent nightmare?

    UK university ethics applications – a neurodivergent nightmare?

    Policies within UK universities outline that research undertaken therein requires ethical review, however the process of obtaining favourable opinion can be inaccessible to Autistic ADHD students due to ableism within Higher Education. I wanted to know whether I was the only Autistic and ADHD / Attention Hyperactive person who really struggled with my degree ethics…

  • The ARC is at it again

    The ARC is at it again

    CW: suicide, ableism, Simon Baron-Cohen Another study suggested by Cambridge’s Autism Research Centre (ARC) has been paused. The new study by Professor Simon Baron-Cohen planned to read and pick apart the diaries of CSL*, a young Autistic girl who killed herself. The intention was that researchers could use her diaries to improve their understanding of…

  • Trans Aware Cancer Care: We almost have lift off!

    Trans Aware Cancer Care: We almost have lift off!

    We had a great planning meeting today for Trans Aware Cancer Care. This is the first time many of us had been in a room together and it was so much nicer than being in constant Zoom meetings. We’ve finally settled on the idea for what creative tools we might want for the workshops too.…