Gender identity development in autistic individuals: An interview study - Robin Michiels, Marie Groffi, Jeroen Dewinter, Ilse Noens, Paul Enzlin, 2026 Autistic individuals report more gender-related questions and gender incongruence compared to non-autistic peers. However, research on gender identity in autist...

Our paper on how both cisgender, and trans and gender-diverse (TGD) autistic individuals experienced their gender identity development over time was published today! doi.org/10.1177/1362...

Happy to share our study on how sexual assistance can meaningfully support the sexual well‑being of autistic adults within a safe and respectful context - a topic that deserves great nuance and sensitivity.

👉 Read the key takeaways in Jeroen’s thread or access the full paper.

News from the lab!

Very proud of our PhD student (@kathetgedacht.bsky.social) who gave a beautiful talk today!!

Tekst van het interview in Sonar

Tekst van het interview in Sonar

"Het leven is vaak saai. Gelukkig maar!"
Interview met Kat Van der Poorten in het septembernummer van Sonar (KU Leuven).
Kat is de laureate van het eerste LAVA-scholarship en is tevens bestuurder in onze vzw.
@kathetgedacht.bsky.social
@kuleuvenuniversity.bsky.social

Sage Journals: Discover world-class research Subscription and open access journals from Sage, the world's leading independent academic publisher.

the latest special issue in @journalautism.bsky.social is out!

The Social Model in Autism Research

guest edited by @jopavlopoulou.bsky.social @dramypearson.bsky.social Hanna Bertilsdotter-Rosqvist plus @kbottemabeutel.bsky.social from the permanent editor team

journals.sagepub.com/toc/auta/29/...

600 secondenlezing KU Leuven door Ilse Noens: Een nieuwe kijk op autisme YouTube video by KU Leuven

🎤 Ter gelegenheid van de 600-ste verjaardag van KU Leuven gaf ik een 600-secondenlezing (ok-ok, eerder 666-secondenlezing 😀 ) over hoe autisme zien als uitdrukking van neurodiversiteit een hefboom kan zijn voor verandering in onderzoek en praktijk.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=3WQH...

Check out my interview about being an autistic researcher in TREE's disability series: www.cell.com/trends/ecolo...

If you're a disabled researcher in ecology/evolution and want to share your own experiences, reach out to @aeastephens.bsky.social
More voices = more change!

Kat Van der Poorten is the laureate of the first-ever Reading and Advisory Group of Autistic Adults scholarship (in Belgium).

Read her speech! 💪

"I want to finish with that discomfort. Because true change only begins when we allow ourselves to feel that discomfort." Kat Van der Poorten, 2025

Autistic and between 16 and 29? Fill in our survey and contribute to the Autism Advocacy Academy! 🙌🏽

Why does #psychotherapy (not) work well for autistic people? Can therapy for mental health issues become more #autism adjusted and neuro-affirmative?

I'm excited about this much-needed, new interview study with #autistic clients and their psychotherapists!

#AutRes #actuallyautistic

#6.6 - Voelen mensen met autisme zich soms anders?

Een warme kerstaflevering van #wetenschapje! Met heel veel dank aan Het Geluidshuis en aan Louis en Kore voor het delen van hun ervaringen.

Luisteren maar! Op Spotify of via www.wetenschapje.be/podcast.

#autisme #diversiteit
@kuleuvenuniversity.bsky.social

open.spotify.com/episode/2HqI...

🥳 Check out our new article introducing neurodiversity research--for kids!
Frontiers For Young Minds is a peer-reviewed scientific journal for kids, with young reviewers (+ adults). With @cjcrompton.bsky.social @katiecebula.bsky.social @suereviews.bsky.social
kids.frontiersin.org/articles/10....

No - not just a lick of paint! How can governments address inequalities experienced by neurodivergent minorities?

Read this excellent reaction piece of Emma Moormann and Gert-Jan Vanaken! 👇🏽✊🏽