Our special issue is both a tribute and a challenge: honouring those who paved the way, while urging autism research to evolve with and for autistic people, rooted in respect and shared purpose. Thanks for the opportunity to be guest Editor. Excellent support from team and Journal too.

Abstract for the paper: Verbal Collaboration in Same- and Mixed-Neurotype Groups of Autistic and Non-Autistic Adults by Sarah Foster et al. As summarized, it reads: Background: Research suggests that some autistic adults communicate more effectively and build stronger rapport with other autistic individuals than with non-autistic people. This suggests that outcomes for autistic people in group settings may depend on the diagnostic composition of the group. Here, we examined verbal collaboration among autistic and non-autistic adults in same- and mixed-neurotype groups during a shared task. Methods: We assigned 136 adults (73 autistic, 63 non-autistic) to 34 four-person groups: all autistic, all non-autistic, majority autistic, or majority non-autistic. Researchers video recorded groups during a 5-minute Jenga tower-building task, and participants reported their rapport with the group. Researchers transcribed and coded the videos for collaborative speech using a validated coding scheme. Results: Preregistered analyses revealed that autistic participants expressed more positive opinions about the group and their own contributions than did non-autistic participants. Non-autistic participants expressed more negative group evaluations and elicited more building ideas. Participants in mixed-neurotype groups directed more negativity toward others than participants in same-neurotype groups. Autistic—but not non-autistic—participants verbalized more negativity in mixed groups. Exploratory correlations revealed links between aspects of collaborative speech and rapport. Discussion: Autistic adults expressed greater overall positivity but expressed more negativity in mixed group settings. These findings support evidence that autistic people often experience better rapport in all-autistic groups and may be more sensitive to mixed group environments than non-autistic people.

Verbal Collaboration in Same- and Mixed-Neurotype Groups of Autistic and Non-Autistic Adults by @sarah-foster.bsky.social
et al. examined verbal collaboration during a group tower-building task among autistic and non-autistic adults (1/)

NEW FREE to Aug 28

www.liebertpub.com/doi/10.1089/...

I'm so pleased! My RSD kicked in after the post as I feared it was a bit odd. Also some of my work was with behaviourists and the justified distrust behaviourists, given the problematic history of how behavioural approaches have been inappropriately used to harm neurodivergent & other people.

@lauramaycrane.bsky.social your survey on people's experiences of autism diagnosis and support positively influenced my PhD research - on access to early years support for neurodivergent children and their families. I was thinking about this whilst watching these beautiful birds today 😊

@lauramaycrane.bsky.social check out these cranes I saw today! My love for wildlife and bird watching has converged with my passion for neurodivergent affirming research 😄

Have you heard about Wilder Blean? It's a @kentwildlife.bsky.social rewilding project. A small herd of wild European bison were introduced to the ancient woods in Kent. The bison are natural ecosystem engineers, helping restore biodiversity to the woods 💚

Hello bluesky! I'm neurodivergent (AuDHD), a novice naturalist, conservation enthusiast, family carer, volunteer animal carer & currently a researcher at the Tizard Centre. My research interests are improving accessibility (& quality of) support for neurodivergent people, conservation & wildlife 💚

Have you asked the CBF? @cbfdn.bsky.social I thinksome people in their professional or family carer networks will know services that provided some support digitally

A frog with long legs enjoying the sunshine in my garden 🐸 🌞
@the-wildlifetrusts.bsky.social
#wildlife #frog

Jersey Tiger moth

I spotted a Jersey Tiger moth today after reading an article to 'look out for them' this morning! 🐯 🦋

There’s still time to join the Big Butterfly Count if you fancy a bit of citizen science ☺️

share.google/0GAQKm9x8FlS...

@savebutterflies.bsky.social

This Giddy Goat wishes you a Magnificent Monday - after checking my car for snacks!
🐐🌞🥕

#AnimalRescue #SecondChance #SecondChanceAnimalRescue #Goat #Goats #Animal #Animals

New accessible COVID-19 resources on vaccine cards, Long Covid, and more - Autistic Self Advocacy Network The pandemic is not over, and things are still changing. One thing that remains the same is the need for accessible information about staying safe and adapting to the changes that COVID-19 has…

What is Long Covid? What should I do if I think I have Long Covid? How can I help someone with Long Covid? Our resource, “What you need to know about Long Covid,” available in English and Spanish, answers these questions and more! autisticadvocacy.org/2023/07/new-...

a bunch of butterflies flying in a blue sky with the words sci-universe below them ALT: a bunch of butterflies flying in a blue sky with the words sci-universe below them

Find out more/take part here: bigbutterflycount.butterfly-conservation.org 🦋

You don't need to know the different types of butterflies - there's an app and flyers with pictures to help you report the butterflies you see (or don't see!) 👀

It's a citizen science project, this means members of the public (citizens) can collect and share data for the #BigButterflyCount! 🦋

Hi @bsky.app! Do you know the big butterfly count is going on in the UK right now? 🦋

If you want to take part, all you need to do is spend 15 mins outside and log any butterflies you see!

a cartoon of a woman pouring tea into a brain that says your most important relationship is with yourself ALT: a cartoon of a woman pouring tea into a brain that says your most important relationship is with yourself

Self-compassion is vital when battling support services for an ADHD assessment 🌧️ ☔

🔹You are not broken
🔹You are doing your best
🔹It’s okay to lose things
🔹It’s okay to have big feelings
🔹You deserve understanding
🔹You deserve rest

#ADHD #RightToChoose #Neurodivergence #MentalHealth #SelfCare

Take your time if you need to - there is no time limit to request an ADHD assessment ⏳

It’s okay to procrastinate - it's really common amongst neurodivergent people and something we often feel shame about 😞

#ADHD #RightToChoose #Neurodivergence #MentalHealth

NHS pays for the assessment & treatment 💷 - you only pay standard NHS prescription charges if you try medication 💊

#ADHD #RightToChoose #Neurodivergence #MentalHealth

Download, edit, and give the right to choose forms to your GP - this legally obligates them to refer you (as long as the service is accepting right to choose patients) 📝

#ADHD #RightToChoose #Neurodivergence #MentalHealth

Right to Choose - ADHD UK Right to Choose - If you are based in England under the NHS you now have a legal right to choose your mental healthcare provider and your choice of mental healthcare team.

If you are requesting a referral for an ADHD assessment via right to choose, check the current wait lists 📅
adhduk.co.uk/right-to-cho...

#ADHD #RightToChoose #Neurodivergence #MentalHealth

You have the Right to Choose which service your GP refers you to - including private ADHD that accept NHS-funded referrals 🕵🏻‍♀️

The GP literally cannot refuse to refer you! 👍🏻

#ADHD #RightToChoose #Neurodivergence #MentalHealth

In the UK, ADHD is diagnosed & treated by specialists - but GPs are “gatekeepers” to specialists 👩🏻‍⚕️

You can request your GP to refer you for ADHD assessment, even if you've asked before 💬

#ADHD #RightToChoose #Neurodivergence #MentalHealth

dhd is written on a black background with a rainbow colored star coming out of it ALT: dhd is written on a black background with a rainbow colored star coming out of it

🦔 ADHD assessment and diagnosis tips in the UK - with Right to Choose info. A thread for anyone navigating the system, especially anyone feeling overwhelmed by the process 🦔

#ADHD #RightToChoose #Neurodivergence #MentalHealth

Apparently Student Finance are claiming the family has too much money. I don't understand how this is possible as their mother is employed as a carer and on universal credits. The prospective student travelled abroad after high school but worked to fund this both in the UK and when they were abroad

a hedgehog is walking through a field of grass . ALT: a hedgehog is walking through a field of grass .

Hi @bsky.app! 👋🏻

My name is Suzi Sapiets 🙋🏻‍♀️

I'm a neurodivergent (AuDHD) 😶‍🌫️ researcher 👩🏻‍🏫

A novice naturalist 🦇 🪾 and photographer 🏞️ 📸

A volunteer animal carer 🐑 🪿 anti-speciesist 🕷️ 🦨 and hardcore punk/metalhead 🎵🤘🏻

I'm looking forward to networking with you! 👩🏻

Hedgehog gif - my spirit animal 🦔