Category: Blog

  • Redefining Healthcare: From Needs to Dreams

    Redefining Healthcare: From Needs to Dreams

    The post emphasizes the need for personalized, communal healthcare shaped by individual and cultural differences. It critiques capitalism and colonialism, advocating for community-based healing centered on love, interconnectedness, and nature. The author envisions a liberated approach to care that fosters collaboration, resource sharing, and emotional support, inspired by previous radical works.

  • Me and white fragility

    Me and white fragility

    These are some of my reflections from the amazing book and workbook from Layla F. Saad Me and White Supremacy White fragility is the discomfort and defensiveness experienced and expressed by a white person when confronted with information about racial injustice and inequality. My white fragility shows up around perfection – that I can only start…

  • Taking Autistic researchers seriously  

    Taking Autistic researchers seriously  

    The author’s experience as a neurodivergent research assistant at a UK university highlights challenges in navigating administrative processes exacerbated by Covid-19. Despite their qualifications, they faced bureaucratic obstacles that led to frustration and workplace insecurity. This experience reinforced the importance of support and understanding for neurodivergent individuals in collaborative environments.

  • Spectrum 10K: Consultation update

    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…

  • Deepening my understanding of white privilege

    Deepening my understanding of white privilege

    The author reflects on their evolving understanding of white privilege and the emotional challenges that come with acknowledging complicity in systemic oppression. They emphasize the importance of speaking out and engaging in anti-racist discussions, even in discomfort, while highlighting valuable anti-racism resources and promoting ongoing, imperfect learning.

  • Autistic and living with cancer: What you need to know

    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…

  • Ode to a lost hat

    Ode to a lost hat

    My Dearest, where are you?  I have searched many hours for your warm splendor, There were two days I forgot you existed,  But now in my hour of need I must have you. You are mine, yet you are gone,  So far – or close – to me, I cannot tell, You have gone and…

  • Activism needs to be intersectional

    Activism needs to be intersectional

    The author emphasizes the importance of acknowledging a colonized mindset shaped by white colonial, capitalist, and patriarchal systems. They reflect on their journey within academia, disability care, and queer spaces, advocating for intersectionality in feminism and disability activism. The author is dedicated to anti-racist work, recognizing mistakes as part of growth.

  • Neurodivergent or neurodiverse? Why getting it right really matters

    Neurodivergent or neurodiverse? Why getting it right really matters

    It might seem nit-picky when people talk about the importance of using ‘Neurodivergent’ and ‘Neurodiverse’ correctly. However, there is a social and political reason why it is important for us to get the distinction between these two words correct, especially for academics and neurodivergent (ND) organisations. Neurodiversity – includes everyone, including neurotypical / neuromajoritives. Neurodivergence…

  • Reflections on social research

    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.