Steven Kapp
@drstevenkapp.bsky.social
Autistic ADHDer autism, neurodiversity researcher. Disability rights advocate. Developmental psychologist; Senior Lecturer in Psychology at the University of Portsmouth.
He/him. Views my own.
He/him. Views my own.
Congratulations to @kmunday.bsky.social and all you accomplished last year! Well done navigating "side quests" (you accepted nearly all the ones you brought to my attention). This is one perhaps most relevant to the PhD.
Your plainer language summary is again here: autisticltd.co.uk/2025/12/22/u...
Your plainer language summary is again here: autisticltd.co.uk/2025/12/22/u...
January 2, 2026 at 11:26 PM
Congratulations to @kmunday.bsky.social and all you accomplished last year! Well done navigating "side quests" (you accepted nearly all the ones you brought to my attention). This is one perhaps most relevant to the PhD.
Your plainer language summary is again here: autisticltd.co.uk/2025/12/22/u...
Your plainer language summary is again here: autisticltd.co.uk/2025/12/22/u...
New paper (w/ accompanying video) below by @themiskaraminis.bsky.social shows trust in right-wing newspapers relates to harsher attitudes toward autistic ppl despite what ppl admit.
Ties in w/ @thinkingautism.com’s piece connecting grievance parents to MAGA:
thinkingautismguide.com/2022/11/grie...
Ties in w/ @thinkingautism.com’s piece connecting grievance parents to MAGA:
thinkingautismguide.com/2022/11/grie...
December 15, 2025 at 6:24 PM
New paper (w/ accompanying video) below by @themiskaraminis.bsky.social shows trust in right-wing newspapers relates to harsher attitudes toward autistic ppl despite what ppl admit.
Ties in w/ @thinkingautism.com’s piece connecting grievance parents to MAGA:
thinkingautismguide.com/2022/11/grie...
Ties in w/ @thinkingautism.com’s piece connecting grievance parents to MAGA:
thinkingautismguide.com/2022/11/grie...
This gets to the article too. The network is ResearchGate osf.io/preprints/ps...
OSF
osf.io
December 6, 2025 at 6:58 PM
This gets to the article too. The network is ResearchGate osf.io/preprints/ps...
The research I alluded to and co-authored is here. It is accepted in the top autism journal Autism in Adulthood and is yet to be online: www.researchgate.net/profile/Stev...
www.researchgate.net
December 6, 2025 at 3:34 PM
The research I alluded to and co-authored is here. It is accepted in the top autism journal Autism in Adulthood and is yet to be online: www.researchgate.net/profile/Stev...
UK Government is trying to co-opt neurodiversity movement through claiming neurodivergents may simply be different & not disabled, when we advocate we are both (& disability is social-relational). We need more diagnoses - research: self-identified autistic ppl have more distress & higher unmet needs
A talk I gave earlier this year has, unfortunately, become relevant again this week so I've published it here.
open.substack.com/pub/neurodiv...
open.substack.com/pub/neurodiv...
The Fascist Echo in Labour's "Over-diagnosis" Inquiry
Why Wes Steeting's new inquiry is about more than just renewed austerity
open.substack.com
December 6, 2025 at 3:07 PM
UK Government is trying to co-opt neurodiversity movement through claiming neurodivergents may simply be different & not disabled, when we advocate we are both (& disability is social-relational). We need more diagnoses - research: self-identified autistic ppl have more distress & higher unmet needs
Reposted by Steven Kapp
We have a new paper out! We interviewed 8 autistic teachers to ask about their experiences in US schools. www.liebertpub.com/doi/epub/10....
December 3, 2025 at 4:20 PM
We have a new paper out! We interviewed 8 autistic teachers to ask about their experiences in US schools. www.liebertpub.com/doi/epub/10....
For convenience: www.researchgate.net/publication/...
We provide an overview, case studies documenting issues, and suggestions for future research.
We provide an overview, case studies documenting issues, and suggestions for future research.
(PDF) Participatory Approaches to Neurodiversity-Affirming Research: Challenges, Strategies, and Recommendations for Conducting Better and More Intersectional Work
PDF | Participatory research with Autistic collaborators uses democratic decision-making to maximize the collaboration of Autistic people throughout the... | Find, read and cite all the research you n...
www.researchgate.net
December 3, 2025 at 4:52 PM
For convenience: www.researchgate.net/publication/...
We provide an overview, case studies documenting issues, and suggestions for future research.
We provide an overview, case studies documenting issues, and suggestions for future research.
Beyond paper below I've contributed to many research outputs lately on reshaping research & practice for justice for neurodivergent ppl inc
Epistemic Justice, Safety, and Neurodiversity-Affirming Practice: A Lived Experience-Led Response to Wade and Waller (2025)
www.researchgate.net/publication/...
Epistemic Justice, Safety, and Neurodiversity-Affirming Practice: A Lived Experience-Led Response to Wade and Waller (2025)
www.researchgate.net/publication/...
December 3, 2025 at 10:58 AM
Beyond paper below I've contributed to many research outputs lately on reshaping research & practice for justice for neurodivergent ppl inc
Epistemic Justice, Safety, and Neurodiversity-Affirming Practice: A Lived Experience-Led Response to Wade and Waller (2025)
www.researchgate.net/publication/...
Epistemic Justice, Safety, and Neurodiversity-Affirming Practice: A Lived Experience-Led Response to Wade and Waller (2025)
www.researchgate.net/publication/...
This manuscript is the culmination of years of discussions and work on how projects that aspire to do participatory research with autistic people can truly be inclusive and neurodiversity-affirming, reflecting our experiences on two initiatives. Nothing About Us Without Us!
New preprint alert! Drawing from our experiences and observations on two initiatives with participatory aspirations, we have identified challenges, strategies, and recommendations for better and neurodiversity-affirming autism research. 10.13140/RG.2.2.27146.12481 1/
December 3, 2025 at 10:36 AM
This manuscript is the culmination of years of discussions and work on how projects that aspire to do participatory research with autistic people can truly be inclusive and neurodiversity-affirming, reflecting our experiences on two initiatives. Nothing About Us Without Us!
Some of these organizations have, like ASAN, but in their own statements. We need to show the strength in coalition against this disinformation agenda. autisticadvocacy.org/2025/11/kenn...
Kennedy’s lies endanger public health and the disabled community
The science is clear. As the American Academy of Pediatrics stated, “Since 1998, independent researchers across seven countries have conducted more than 40 high-quality studies involving over 5.6 mill...
autisticadvocacy.org
November 26, 2025 at 9:23 PM
Some of these organizations have, like ASAN, but in their own statements. We need to show the strength in coalition against this disinformation agenda. autisticadvocacy.org/2025/11/kenn...
Leading health+
www.apha.org/news-and-med...
and autism & disability organizations
autisticadvocacy.org/2025/11/lead... have released "big tent" statements calling out the CDC's lies about vaccines & autism.
We need to also call for RFK Jr.'s resignation - his agenda is a danger to public health.
www.apha.org/news-and-med...
and autism & disability organizations
autisticadvocacy.org/2025/11/lead... have released "big tent" statements calling out the CDC's lies about vaccines & autism.
We need to also call for RFK Jr.'s resignation - his agenda is a danger to public health.
Leading Autism and Disability Organizations Statement on CDC's Vaccines and Autism Page
As national organizations dedicated to advancing the well-being of autistic individuals and partners across the disability and public health sectors, we are deeply disappointed by the latest update to...
autisticadvocacy.org
November 26, 2025 at 9:20 PM
Leading health+
www.apha.org/news-and-med...
and autism & disability organizations
autisticadvocacy.org/2025/11/lead... have released "big tent" statements calling out the CDC's lies about vaccines & autism.
We need to also call for RFK Jr.'s resignation - his agenda is a danger to public health.
www.apha.org/news-and-med...
and autism & disability organizations
autisticadvocacy.org/2025/11/lead... have released "big tent" statements calling out the CDC's lies about vaccines & autism.
We need to also call for RFK Jr.'s resignation - his agenda is a danger to public health.
Reposted by Steven Kapp
Want to help with autism research? The Social Experiences of Loneliness of Autistic Adults (SELA) Project at the AJ Drexel Autism Institute is forming a Community Council of autistic adults (ages 18–35) to help guide a 5-year study on loneliness and social connection. Info in flyer and alt-text.
November 6, 2025 at 6:31 PM
Want to help with autism research? The Social Experiences of Loneliness of Autistic Adults (SELA) Project at the AJ Drexel Autism Institute is forming a Community Council of autistic adults (ages 18–35) to help guide a 5-year study on loneliness and social connection. Info in flyer and alt-text.
Dozens of rigorous studies with millions of children show vaccines don’t cause autism, as health organizations around the world and the leading autism organizations recognize. RFK Jr. and Acting CDC Director Jim O’Neill are a danger to science and public health.
autisticadvocacy.org/2025/11/kenn...
autisticadvocacy.org/2025/11/kenn...
Kennedy’s lies endanger public health and the disabled community
The science is clear. As the American Academy of Pediatrics stated, “Since 1998, independent researchers across seven countries have conducted more than 40 high-quality studies involving over 5.6 mill...
autisticadvocacy.org
November 21, 2025 at 1:10 AM
Dozens of rigorous studies with millions of children show vaccines don’t cause autism, as health organizations around the world and the leading autism organizations recognize. RFK Jr. and Acting CDC Director Jim O’Neill are a danger to science and public health.
autisticadvocacy.org/2025/11/kenn...
autisticadvocacy.org/2025/11/kenn...
Reposted by Steven Kapp
A qualitative analysis by @kanabaletti.bsky.social et al found that autistic adults face a conflict between balancing their desire for social connection with their limited energy for engaging in social experiences.
FREE until 25th November
www.liebertpub.com/doi/10.1177/...
FREE until 25th November
www.liebertpub.com/doi/10.1177/...
“Trapped in a No-Win Situation”: A Qualitative Exploration of Autistic Adults’ Experiences of Loneliness | Autism in Adulthood
Background: Loneliness is a major public health concern, affecting individuals’ mental and physical health. Autistic adults self-report higher levels of loneliness compared with non-autistic adults, y...
www.liebertpub.com
November 14, 2025 at 9:26 AM
A qualitative analysis by @kanabaletti.bsky.social et al found that autistic adults face a conflict between balancing their desire for social connection with their limited energy for engaging in social experiences.
FREE until 25th November
www.liebertpub.com/doi/10.1177/...
FREE until 25th November
www.liebertpub.com/doi/10.1177/...
Reposted by Steven Kapp
In an online survey by @tmburns08.bsky.social @drmbothapsych.bsky.social @durhampsych.bsky.social, autistic people had more distress and conflict around their identity and poorer mental health than non-autistic people.
FREE until November 25th
www.liebertpub.com/doi/10.1177/...
FREE until November 25th
www.liebertpub.com/doi/10.1177/...
Who Am I: The Balance Between Masking and Identity | Autism in Adulthood
Background: Autistic people experience worse mental health outcomes than non-autistic people. Masking (concealing autistic traits) is found to relate to poor mental health. Research shows that autistic people indicate relationships between masking and difficulties creating or maintaining a sense of identity. Personal identity is rarely studied within autism research. This study aims to bridge this gap by exploring the connection between identity formation difficulties (both social and personal) and its impact on poor mental health in autistic people. It examines levels of identity conflict and distress in autistic and non-autistic people and whether identity distress mediates and identity conflict moderates the relationship between masking and psychological distress. Method: Data were collected for autistic (n = 139) and non-autistic people (n = 133) using an online survey. Results: Autistic people were found to experience higher levels of identity distress, conflict, and psychological distress. Identity distress represents a full mediation of the relationship between masking and psychological distress in the autistic cohort, but a partial mediation in the non-autistic cohort. Identity conflict did not moderate any relationships within the model for either cohort. However, it did have a significant direct relationship with masking identity distress and psychological distress. Conclusions: These findings suggest that autistic people may experience worse mental health outcomes due to difficulties with cohesive identity formation. Additional research into the role of autism in identity development may identify other areas in which identity difficulties negatively impact autistic people, such as long-term planning and suicidality.
www.liebertpub.com
November 12, 2025 at 10:17 PM
In an online survey by @tmburns08.bsky.social @drmbothapsych.bsky.social @durhampsych.bsky.social, autistic people had more distress and conflict around their identity and poorer mental health than non-autistic people.
FREE until November 25th
www.liebertpub.com/doi/10.1177/...
FREE until November 25th
www.liebertpub.com/doi/10.1177/...
Reposted by Steven Kapp
"An essential listen for anyone interested in neurodivergence, gender and disability rights. Katie’s powerful voice, extensive knowledge, and commitment to their community provide a perspective that challenges assumptions and inspires action"
podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/i...
podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/i...
Interview with Katie Munday (on the topics of intersectionality, ableism, gender identity, research, activism, advocacy & more)
Podcast Episode · The Autism Podcast · 12/11/2025 · 1h 18m
podcasts.apple.com
November 12, 2025 at 1:45 PM
"An essential listen for anyone interested in neurodivergence, gender and disability rights. Katie’s powerful voice, extensive knowledge, and commitment to their community provide a perspective that challenges assumptions and inspires action"
podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/i...
podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/i...
My School is hiring two full-time academics on permanent contracts: Lecturer/Senior Lecturer in Applied Sport Psychology:
mss.port.ac.uk/ce0732li_web... & L/SL in Forensic Psychology: mss.port.ac.uk/ce0732li_web...
Exciting opportunity to join unique School of Psychology, Sport and Health Sciences.
mss.port.ac.uk/ce0732li_web... & L/SL in Forensic Psychology: mss.port.ac.uk/ce0732li_web...
Exciting opportunity to join unique School of Psychology, Sport and Health Sciences.
Powered by MHR
mss.port.ac.uk
November 10, 2025 at 10:22 PM
My School is hiring two full-time academics on permanent contracts: Lecturer/Senior Lecturer in Applied Sport Psychology:
mss.port.ac.uk/ce0732li_web... & L/SL in Forensic Psychology: mss.port.ac.uk/ce0732li_web...
Exciting opportunity to join unique School of Psychology, Sport and Health Sciences.
mss.port.ac.uk/ce0732li_web... & L/SL in Forensic Psychology: mss.port.ac.uk/ce0732li_web...
Exciting opportunity to join unique School of Psychology, Sport and Health Sciences.
I delivered a webinar for AutCom on Challenging the ‘Profound Autism’ Label: www.youtube.com/watch?v=dfE7... (recording).
Subtyping into "profound autism" lacks scientific validity & weakens community power for us to collectively seek the systems change autistic people need for personalized support.
Subtyping into "profound autism" lacks scientific validity & weakens community power for us to collectively seek the systems change autistic people need for personalized support.
Challenging the ‘Profound Autism’ Label: A 2025 AutCom Webinar, Featuring Dr. Steven Kapp
YouTube video by Autism National Committee AutCom
www.youtube.com
November 5, 2025 at 7:13 PM
I delivered a webinar for AutCom on Challenging the ‘Profound Autism’ Label: www.youtube.com/watch?v=dfE7... (recording).
Subtyping into "profound autism" lacks scientific validity & weakens community power for us to collectively seek the systems change autistic people need for personalized support.
Subtyping into "profound autism" lacks scientific validity & weakens community power for us to collectively seek the systems change autistic people need for personalized support.
Books like Neurotribes and Autism: A Medical and Social History include some attention to the movement but are more broadly about autism history. For example, @autisticadvocacy.org’s impact on the DSM-5 was just a sentence in Neurotribes but a chapter in my edited collection.
November 4, 2025 at 11:47 AM
Books like Neurotribes and Autism: A Medical and Social History include some attention to the movement but are more broadly about autism history. For example, @autisticadvocacy.org’s impact on the DSM-5 was just a sentence in Neurotribes but a chapter in my edited collection.
I think it’s the first publication of its kind, a dedicated history of the neurodiversity movement, which features accounts by frontline activists. Older books that gave some attention to the moment were broader (and not necessarily in an academic format).
November 4, 2025 at 12:30 AM
I think it’s the first publication of its kind, a dedicated history of the neurodiversity movement, which features accounts by frontline activists. Older books that gave some attention to the moment were broader (and not necessarily in an academic format).
Reposted by Steven Kapp
This open-access book marks the first historical overview of the autism rights branch of the neurodiversity movement, describing the activities & rationales of key leaders in their own words.
Edited by @drstevenkapp.bsky.social
link.springer.com/book/10.1007...
Edited by @drstevenkapp.bsky.social
link.springer.com/book/10.1007...
November 3, 2025 at 10:44 AM
This open-access book marks the first historical overview of the autism rights branch of the neurodiversity movement, describing the activities & rationales of key leaders in their own words.
Edited by @drstevenkapp.bsky.social
link.springer.com/book/10.1007...
Edited by @drstevenkapp.bsky.social
link.springer.com/book/10.1007...
Reposted by Steven Kapp
This....Neurodiversity-Affirming Intersectional Approaches That Target Public Policy: Moving the Focus From Changing Individuals to Changing Systems of Power.
spssi.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/...
spssi.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/...
SPSSI Journals
The neurodiversity movement challenges traditional deficit-oriented models of autism. However, inclusion efforts often prioritize individual attitudinal change over structural reform (e.g., policies ...
spssi.onlinelibrary.wiley.com
November 3, 2025 at 11:14 PM
This....Neurodiversity-Affirming Intersectional Approaches That Target Public Policy: Moving the Focus From Changing Individuals to Changing Systems of Power.
spssi.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/...
spssi.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/...
New FORRT paper on the intersection of neurodiversity and open research is published, led by Jenny Mai Phan with @saralilplants.bsky.social @flavioazevedo.bsky.social @bethaniley.com Magdalena Grose-Hodge @sammiety.bsky.social @yskjdmmhnd.bsky.social @johnjshaw.bsky.social @helenahartmann.com.
New free @forrt.bsky.social paper co-authored by our own @drstevenkapp.bsky.social, Bridging Neurodiversity and Open Scholarship: How Shared Values Can Guide Best Practices for Research Integrity, Social Justice, and Principled Education.
spssi.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/...
spssi.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/...
spssi.onlinelibrary.wiley.com
October 22, 2025 at 6:44 PM
New FORRT paper on the intersection of neurodiversity and open research is published, led by Jenny Mai Phan with @saralilplants.bsky.social @flavioazevedo.bsky.social @bethaniley.com Magdalena Grose-Hodge @sammiety.bsky.social @yskjdmmhnd.bsky.social @johnjshaw.bsky.social @helenahartmann.com.
I spoke w/ Voice of Islam Radio (UK) about scientific evidence against a paracetamol (Tylenol)-link & against ableism, & for acceptance & support autistic ppl (including w/ significant disabilities) need, & actively including autistic ppl in autism matters.
~1 hr36: soundcloud.com/voislam/brea...
~1 hr36: soundcloud.com/voislam/brea...
Breakfast Show Podcast 17-10-2025: From Bondage to Brotherhood , Islam's Forgotten Revolution & Political leaders and Fueling Misinformation - Is paracetamol linked to autism?
Introduction & NEWS
Topic I: From Bondage to Brotherhood: Islam's Forgotten Revolution
Topic 2: Political leaders and Fueling Misinformation - Is paracetamol linked to autism?
Presenters:
Waleed A
soundcloud.com
October 21, 2025 at 8:08 PM
I spoke w/ Voice of Islam Radio (UK) about scientific evidence against a paracetamol (Tylenol)-link & against ableism, & for acceptance & support autistic ppl (including w/ significant disabilities) need, & actively including autistic ppl in autism matters.
~1 hr36: soundcloud.com/voislam/brea...
~1 hr36: soundcloud.com/voislam/brea...
INSAR postdoctoral, early career, and full members are eligible.
October 15, 2025 at 5:44 PM
INSAR postdoctoral, early career, and full members are eligible.