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Spectrum 10K: What worries us about the theory behind this project?
Spectrum 10K, started more than 18 months ago to collect 10,000 DNA samples and medical histories of Autistic people across the UK. There are some valid concerns around the efficacy of this work but also the theory and tools which are used within it. Some worrying tools and theories used within Spectrum 10K– The Autism…
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Spectrum 10K – unpaused and still unethical
In August 2021 the Spectrum 10k (S10K) research project was announced. It aimed to collect 10,000 DNA samples and medical records of Autistic children and adults (there is more information on the study at Aucademy). After a well thought-out and planned boycott from Autistic advocates, academics and many others, S10K was paused so the ethics…
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My on and off relationship with writing
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The Autistic Revolution: the magazine for us by us
The first issue is out now! Access for FREE here. Jenny Loughran (Celebrating the Neurodiversity programme) and Callum Brazzo (Autistic Led) are developing an Autistic led quarterly magazine called Autistic Revolution. They intend to become a constituted group so they are able to pay Autistic contributors. Too often Autistic people are asked to take part…
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Navigating online advocacy
When I started online advocacy a few years back I felt like I had a vision, an aim. I was ushered into groups lovingly and with open arms, some I was massively interested in and others were more problematic. Some were very unsafe places for me. I navigated myself round these during lockdown and whilst…
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Activism in the everyday
“Activism doesn’t have to be big and loud it can be in every day conversations” Every time someone speaks up for marginalised folks they are advocating for themselves and others. Showing up for ourselves and other people is the biggest form of self care and activism. Activism doesn’t have to be big and flashy, web…
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Spectrum 10K – the boycott continues
Since its announcement in August 2021 thousands of us Autistic people have raised major concerns around the ethical considerations (or lack thereof) of the Spectrum 10K study. If you’re unaware of the study and it’s aims please see the immense amount of resources created by the Boycott Spectrum 10K via aucademy here. Due to the…