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Zine Promotes Allyship for Trans+ Health
The Trans Aware Cancer Care community researchers have produced a zine, “A Guide for Allies to Improve Trans+ Access to Healthcare,” highlighting systemic barriers faced by trans+ individuals when accessing cancer services. It includes personal stories and art to promote allyship, emphasising the need for supportive healthcare professionals to ensure inclusive, affirming care.
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Breaking Down Single-Issue Advocacy in Autism
The author reflects on their autistic experience, acknowledging a narrow viewpoint shaped by privilege and a lack of humility. They discuss past mistakes in advocacy, emphasising the need for inclusivity and understanding within the autistic community. Recognising the interconnectedness of various oppressions, they advocate for embracing diverse experiences and identities among autistic people.
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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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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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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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Transforming Care: Benefits of Neuro-Affirming Approaches
Neuro-affirming practice involves unlearning harmful methods and embracing neurodiversity as valid. It emphasizes inclusive, empathetic approaches that respect individual autonomy and lived experiences. Practitioners should adapt their methods to support neurodivergent clients, fostering an environment of trust and safety through continuous reflection and advocacy for systemic change.
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Enhancing Accessibility for Autistic Clients in Substance Use Services
I am part-way through my SCDTP internship with Portsmouth City Council, focusing on enhancing accessibility for Autistic clients in substance use services. Utilising findings from the Autistic Substance Use Network, I am auditing training and Recovery Hub environments while collaborating with LGBTQIA+ recovery workers to develop a comprehensive accessibility blueprint.
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The Importance of Accessibility at London Trans+ Pride
I attended my first London Trans+ Pride with a friend, experiencing an accessible event that drew over 100,000 people. Highlights included an Accessible Bloc, interpreter support, and designated quiet spaces. The march emphasized solidarity, joy, and inclusivity, ensuring everyone could participate fully. I look forward to returning next year.
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How to Support Trans and Non-Binary Friends: An Ally’s Guide
This blog serves as a resource for allies of trans and non-binary individuals, emphasizing active learning about gender and allyship. It highlights the diverse experiences within the trans community, the importance of using correct pronouns, and encourages ongoing education. Misunderstandings are human, fostering respect and understanding in interactions is crucial.