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Finding Focus: Intentional Thinking in Academia
The writer reflects on the importance of slowing down amidst the pressure of productivity and capitalism. Emphasising a mindful approach to PhD studies, they advocate for intentional, small progress rather than rushing. They seek calm and space for deep thought, aiming to prioritise mental wellbeing over external expectations in academia.
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Reflections on the South Coast Doctoral Training Partnership Retreat
This week, I attended the South Coast Doctoral Training Partnership residential at Cumberland Lodge, focusing on social division. The event included ice-breaking activities, nature-based resilience sessions, creative badge-making, and karaoke in remembrance of a late friend. Overall, it revitalised my energy for my PhD and social interactions.
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Navigating Academic Life: Lessons Learned
The author reflects on their educational journey, beginning as a mature student and overcoming numerous challenges, including balancing work, motherhood, and study during the pandemic. Achieving a First in their undergraduate and a distinction in their master’s, they are now pursuing a PhD and have published extensively. The experience has fostered personal growth and resilience.
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PhD Cohort Reflections: Symbolism and Community
In February, I spent a day with my PhD cohort, sharing progress and engaging in discussions about publishing research, facilitated by the South Coast Doctoral Training Partnership. At the end, we received a kalawa, symbolising unity, protection, and well-being, which I plan to place alongside my other meaningful reminders.
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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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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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Philosophical Foundations: Ontology and Epistemology Explained
The author reflects on their difficulty understanding ontology and epistemology during their undergraduate studies, ultimately identifying as a relativist-constructionist. They explain ontology as the exploration of existence and reality perception, while epistemology examines knowledge acquisition. Different epistemological perspectives include objectivism, constructionism, and subjectivism, shaping research approaches and interpretations.
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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.