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Spectrum 10K: Consultation update
After an overwhelmingly large boycott from Autistic advocates, academics and many others on and offline, Spectrum 10K (a project aiming to collect the DNA and medical history of 10,000 Autistic people) was paused for ethical review. Ethical approval was re-granted with the caveat that consultation be conducted throughout the remainder of the project (read more…
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Autistic and living with cancer: What you need to know
This piece was written with Dr.Char Goodwin who is the lead researcher for the Autistic Experiences of Breast Cancer research project, a three-year project funded by Breast Cancer Now. They are exploring the cumulative effects of autism-specific barriers to healthcare in relation to cancer care, directly from Autistic people themselves. Katie Munday (me!) has been…
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Reflections on social research
The author reflects on the essence of social research, emphasizing its role in fostering connection, empowerment, and community. Personal experiences highlight the importance of safe spaces for meaningful conversations, which can transform individuals and communities. The discourse critiques current research practices and advocates for deeper understanding beyond data, prioritizing love and connection in inquiry.
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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.
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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…
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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]](https://autisticltd.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/352729463_590181339887006_957957002383329901_n.jpg)
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…
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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.
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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…
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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…
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Trans Aware Cancer Care: We almost have lift off!
