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Enhancing Accessibility in Substance Use Services for Autistic Clients
This report examines the accessibility of substance use services in Portsmouth for autistic individuals, emphasising the need for tailored environments and continual staff learning. It highlights systemic barriers, advocating for ongoing neurodiversity training and the adoption of the SPACE framework. The findings show accessible care is achievable through collaboration with autistic communities.
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Exploring Social Justice in Research: Reflections from the SCDTP Final Year Conference
The South Coast Doctoral Training Partnership End of Year Conference 2025 focused on love and social justice in research. Dr. Maisha Islam and Mr. Pascal Matthias delivered powerful keynotes on racial equity and compassion in academia. The event fostered discussions on inclusivity, knowledge creation, and confronting institutional inequities, marking a meaningful gathering for transformative research.
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My Research
Katie Munday, a PhD candidate at the University of Portsmouth, researches the experiences of transgender and gender-diverse autistic adults in accessing health and social care in the UK. Their community-based projects focus on healthcare accessibility, substance use in autistic individuals, and improving cancer service resources for marginalised communities.
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Understanding Microaggressions Faced by Trans Autistic Youth
Trans autistic young people often face misunderstanding and stigma in healthcare and daily life, complicating access to gender-affirming care and support. They encounter microaggressions within both autistic and LGBTQIA+ communities, often feeling excluded. Online spaces provide crucial support and connection, enabling exploration of their identities while also posing risks. Listening and understanding are vital for…
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Understanding Gender Creativity in Autistic Youth
This blog explores the complex relationship between gender identity and autism, highlighting how autistic young people often exhibit gender creativity that challenges traditional norms. Their unique social processing and sensory experiences encourage an authentic exploration of gender, leading to higher rates of transgender and gender-diverse identities among them. Support for this exploration is essential.
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2025 in Review: Advocacy Wins and Personal Growth
The year was transformative, marked by advocacy wins such as the closure of the Spectrum 10K project, significant academic achievements including the completion of a PhD year, and a strong sense of community in research. Ongoing efforts highlight the importance of Autistic voices and mental health, fueling hope for future progress.
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Trans Aware Cancer Care: Why Listening Saves Lives
Trans+ individuals in the UK face significant barriers in accessing cancer care, leading to lower screening rates and heightened health risks. The Trans Aware Cancer Care project highlights personal stories, emphasising the need for systemic changes, including inclusive practices and staff education. Positive interactions can improve care experiences and outcomes significantly.
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Understanding Double Empathy in TGD Autistic Healthcare
The blog discusses healthcare inequities faced by gender diverse autistic adults, emphasizing the Double Empathy Problem. It highlights systemic barriers, biases in healthcare, and the challenges posed by transmedicalism. Recommendations for practitioners include checking biases, using inclusive language, and valuing lived experiences to foster equitable healthcare environments.
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Breaking the Model: On Cisgenderism, Ableism, and Academic Survival
The blog discusses a conversation on The Autism Podcast addressing issues of cisgenderism, ableism, and intersectionality, particularly for trans autistic individuals in healthcare. The author shares experiences about community involvement, the challenges faced by autistic youth, substance use among autistic adults, and the complexities of research within a deficit-oriented psychological field.
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Inclusive Cancer Care: Voices of the Disabled Community
The project led by Rosie Tansley and Katie Munday focuses on making cancer care accessible for disabled and neurodivergent individuals. Through participatory methods, it identifies barriers such as inaccessible information and poor communication, while proposing solutions that prioritise empathy and inclusivity in healthcare. Meaningful changes are essential for effective support.