Dr Kelly Birtwell
@kellybirtwell.bsky.social
Research Fellow, University of Manchester | Chartered Psychologist | Counsellor | Mindfulness Teacher | ND | Interests in Primary Care, health inequalities, mindfulness, neurodiversity | Qualitative and Mixed Methods Research | Views my own
Pinned
Our survey about #autistic adults experiences of #mindfulness and stimming will close at 9am UK time, Tues 7th October. 👇 For autistic adults anywhere in the world. 🌎 Thanks to everyone who has taken part already 🙏 Any reposts appreciated 😊 tinyurl.com/Aut-Mindful
💡 Our online survey for #autistic adults in any country is still open: share your experiences of stimming, #mindfulness, and other contemplative practices. To find out more and take part see: tinyurl.com/Aut-Mindful Developed with autistic project advisors. Reposts appreciated. 🙏
Our survey has now closed. Thank you very much to everyone who took part 🙏
Reposted by Dr Kelly Birtwell
"The theory of monotropism frames the difference in cognitive functioning between autistic and non-autistic people in a value-neutral way. However, the broader autism literature has traditionally described focused interests in a negative light"
@aimeespeaks.bsky.social & Sarah Dantas, Neurodiversity
@aimeespeaks.bsky.social & Sarah Dantas, Neurodiversity
Focused Interests, Motivation, and Museum/Gallery Attendance – A Mixed-Methods Survey Exploring Autistic Adults’ Experiences and Wellbeing Outcomes - Sarah Dantas, Aimee Fletcher, 2025
Focused interests are characterised by high attention and focus, and are commonly experienced by autistic people. While some research frames these interests as ...
journals.sagepub.com
November 16, 2025 at 1:09 PM
"The theory of monotropism frames the difference in cognitive functioning between autistic and non-autistic people in a value-neutral way. However, the broader autism literature has traditionally described focused interests in a negative light"
@aimeespeaks.bsky.social & Sarah Dantas, Neurodiversity
@aimeespeaks.bsky.social & Sarah Dantas, Neurodiversity
Reposted by Dr Kelly Birtwell
New #CRAEwebinar
Last week Jada Brown shared her work on 'Understanding the embodied experiences of Black, autistic university students in the UK.' It was a brilliant webinar.
And it's now up on YouTube.
Last week Jada Brown shared her work on 'Understanding the embodied experiences of Black, autistic university students in the UK.' It was a brilliant webinar.
And it's now up on YouTube.
Understanding the experiences of Black, autistic university students with Jada Brown (6-Nov-25)
Jada Brown shares her work on 'Understanding the embodied experiences of Black, autistic university students in the UK.'
youtu.be
November 15, 2025 at 6:18 PM
New #CRAEwebinar
Last week Jada Brown shared her work on 'Understanding the embodied experiences of Black, autistic university students in the UK.' It was a brilliant webinar.
And it's now up on YouTube.
Last week Jada Brown shared her work on 'Understanding the embodied experiences of Black, autistic university students in the UK.' It was a brilliant webinar.
And it's now up on YouTube.
Reposted by Dr Kelly Birtwell
I came to this country as a child refugee. No English, no certainty, no idea what my life could become. Britain gave me refuge.
Not on a timer, not with conditions attached, but with a chance to grow roots.
A thread 🧵 1/8
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Not on a timer, not with conditions attached, but with a chance to grow roots.
A thread 🧵 1/8
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
UK set to limit refugees to temporary stays
Shabana Mahmood is expected to say the era of permanent protection for refugees is over, in major changes to the UK's asylum and immigration system.
www.bbc.co.uk
November 15, 2025 at 10:29 AM
I came to this country as a child refugee. No English, no certainty, no idea what my life could become. Britain gave me refuge.
Not on a timer, not with conditions attached, but with a chance to grow roots.
A thread 🧵 1/8
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Not on a timer, not with conditions attached, but with a chance to grow roots.
A thread 🧵 1/8
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Reposted by Dr Kelly Birtwell
Honouring the life and work of Alice Wong.
Her reminder that “community is magic, power, and resistance” must continue to guide & inspire disability justice movements.
May her memory be a revolution.
In solidarity with @stimpunks.org and our wider disabled community.
|
Her reminder that “community is magic, power, and resistance” must continue to guide & inspire disability justice movements.
May her memory be a revolution.
In solidarity with @stimpunks.org and our wider disabled community.
|
November 15, 2025 at 6:35 PM
Honouring the life and work of Alice Wong.
Her reminder that “community is magic, power, and resistance” must continue to guide & inspire disability justice movements.
May her memory be a revolution.
In solidarity with @stimpunks.org and our wider disabled community.
|
Her reminder that “community is magic, power, and resistance” must continue to guide & inspire disability justice movements.
May her memory be a revolution.
In solidarity with @stimpunks.org and our wider disabled community.
|
Reposted by Dr Kelly Birtwell
Alice Wong was one of the most effective people challenging the Whiteness of disability communities and its many flaws, but who believed fiercely in us as a community, in disabled people as oracles.
Alice brought so much to so many of us, it’s hard to measure the kind of gratitude I have for that.
Alice brought so much to so many of us, it’s hard to measure the kind of gratitude I have for that.
November 15, 2025 at 1:34 PM
Alice Wong was one of the most effective people challenging the Whiteness of disability communities and its many flaws, but who believed fiercely in us as a community, in disabled people as oracles.
Alice brought so much to so many of us, it’s hard to measure the kind of gratitude I have for that.
Alice brought so much to so many of us, it’s hard to measure the kind of gratitude I have for that.
Reposted by Dr Kelly Birtwell
I am gutted to learn of @sfdirewolf.bsky.social (Alice Wong’s) passing. She was always a warm friend, a wonderful spirit, and someone who fostered my own growth. She helped me see that, as a #disabled person with chronic illness, I matter—I am whole. I’ll be posting some of Alice’s work. ❤️ forever
November 15, 2025 at 11:37 AM
I am gutted to learn of @sfdirewolf.bsky.social (Alice Wong’s) passing. She was always a warm friend, a wonderful spirit, and someone who fostered my own growth. She helped me see that, as a #disabled person with chronic illness, I matter—I am whole. I’ll be posting some of Alice’s work. ❤️ forever
This ⬇️ Brilliant exploration of what it's like to be neurodivergent in academia. This should be a must-listen for ANYONE in academia - incredibly useful for those who are not ND, and will likely resonate for those of us who are. Great podcast, must now get the book... 📕📖
After some slight delay & chaos (it happens to us too!), my interview with Lee Skallerup Bessette is now available! We had a great conversation about her recent co-edited book, the attraction of HE for neurodivergent folk, and how it can become a trap. Listen now: www.buzzsprout.com/2410711/epis...
November 15, 2025 at 1:49 PM
This ⬇️ Brilliant exploration of what it's like to be neurodivergent in academia. This should be a must-listen for ANYONE in academia - incredibly useful for those who are not ND, and will likely resonate for those of us who are. Great podcast, must now get the book... 📕📖
Reposted by Dr Kelly Birtwell
Attempts at fixing gender equality at leadership level all tell us to adopt behaviours largely exhibited by men to ‘get there’: be more assertive& ambitious, less humble, sensitive & reflective etc. They don’t tell men to adopt any of our dominant behaviours. This messaging is in itself patriarchal.
November 15, 2025 at 1:00 PM
Attempts at fixing gender equality at leadership level all tell us to adopt behaviours largely exhibited by men to ‘get there’: be more assertive& ambitious, less humble, sensitive & reflective etc. They don’t tell men to adopt any of our dominant behaviours. This messaging is in itself patriarchal.
Reposted by Dr Kelly Birtwell
📢 📕📖Thrilled to see our chapter on Autism Sensitive Mindfulness-Based Programmes is now out online: doi.org/10.1007/978-.... In The Palgrave Handbook of Third-Wave Psychotherapies. Thanks to chapter reviewers @annmemmott.bsky.social & Max Marnau for their thoughtful & constructive comments. 🙏
Autism Sensitive Mindfulness-Based Programmes
Many autistic individuals choose to practise mindfulness, and there is some evidence that mindfulness-based interventions can support the wellbeing of autistic adults. However, there is no extant guid...
doi.org
November 14, 2025 at 11:47 AM
📢 📕📖Thrilled to see our chapter on Autism Sensitive Mindfulness-Based Programmes is now out online: doi.org/10.1007/978-.... In The Palgrave Handbook of Third-Wave Psychotherapies. Thanks to chapter reviewers @annmemmott.bsky.social & Max Marnau for their thoughtful & constructive comments. 🙏
Reposted by Dr Kelly Birtwell
When it was revealed during the pandemic that autistic individuals were having DNR orders put on file I broke entirely.
That it is still going on for some is terrifying.
Disabled people's lives are not disposable or worth "less" than someone else.
www.itv.com/news/2025-11...
That it is still going on for some is terrifying.
Disabled people's lives are not disposable or worth "less" than someone else.
www.itv.com/news/2025-11...
www.itv.com
November 15, 2025 at 8:39 AM
When it was revealed during the pandemic that autistic individuals were having DNR orders put on file I broke entirely.
That it is still going on for some is terrifying.
Disabled people's lives are not disposable or worth "less" than someone else.
www.itv.com/news/2025-11...
That it is still going on for some is terrifying.
Disabled people's lives are not disposable or worth "less" than someone else.
www.itv.com/news/2025-11...
Reposted by Dr Kelly Birtwell
From the past. A look back to on this day 12th November with our farmily of farm animals & friends
November 12, 2025 at 6:54 AM
From the past. A look back to on this day 12th November with our farmily of farm animals & friends
Reposted by Dr Kelly Birtwell
Our rescue cat Velcro-Pumpkin enjoying a restful hay day
November 12, 2025 at 9:33 AM
Our rescue cat Velcro-Pumpkin enjoying a restful hay day
Reposted by Dr Kelly Birtwell
This is how two marine biologists celebrate a long day's work securing 3000 baby corals on ropes (the "coral nursery") to grow till they're big enough to plant out on the reef. This little island has exceptional biodiversity because of active management efforts. 2 days ago they were clearing snails.
November 14, 2025 at 7:52 PM
This is how two marine biologists celebrate a long day's work securing 3000 baby corals on ropes (the "coral nursery") to grow till they're big enough to plant out on the reef. This little island has exceptional biodiversity because of active management efforts. 2 days ago they were clearing snails.
Reposted by Dr Kelly Birtwell
This is what you need—what the whole embedded YouTube to start your Friday right! #octopus 🦀🧪
scholarlykitchen.sspnet.org/2025/11/14/t...
scholarlykitchen.sspnet.org/2025/11/14/t...
Preserving Human Ingenuity for a Future Planet Ruled By Octopuses - The Scholarly Kitchen
An engineer and musician teaches an octopus to play the piano.
scholarlykitchen.sspnet.org
November 14, 2025 at 12:15 PM
This is what you need—what the whole embedded YouTube to start your Friday right! #octopus 🦀🧪
scholarlykitchen.sspnet.org/2025/11/14/t...
scholarlykitchen.sspnet.org/2025/11/14/t...
📢 📕📖Thrilled to see our chapter on Autism Sensitive Mindfulness-Based Programmes is now out online: doi.org/10.1007/978-.... In The Palgrave Handbook of Third-Wave Psychotherapies. Thanks to chapter reviewers @annmemmott.bsky.social & Max Marnau for their thoughtful & constructive comments. 🙏
Autism Sensitive Mindfulness-Based Programmes
Many autistic individuals choose to practise mindfulness, and there is some evidence that mindfulness-based interventions can support the wellbeing of autistic adults. However, there is no extant guid...
doi.org
November 14, 2025 at 11:47 AM
📢 📕📖Thrilled to see our chapter on Autism Sensitive Mindfulness-Based Programmes is now out online: doi.org/10.1007/978-.... In The Palgrave Handbook of Third-Wave Psychotherapies. Thanks to chapter reviewers @annmemmott.bsky.social & Max Marnau for their thoughtful & constructive comments. 🙏
Reposted by Dr Kelly Birtwell
This is worth a quick read and a long think about: "We reject the use of generative artificial intelligence for reflexive qualitative
research" signed by 416 researchers, including @ginnybraun.bsky.social and @vicclarke.bsky.social who I've referenced roughly a billion times.
research" signed by 416 researchers, including @ginnybraun.bsky.social and @vicclarke.bsky.social who I've referenced roughly a billion times.
<span>We reject the use of generative artificial intelligence for reflexive qualitative research</span>
We write as 416 experienced qualitative researchers from 38 countries, to reject the use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) applications for Big Q Qu
papers.ssrn.com
November 14, 2025 at 10:08 AM
This is worth a quick read and a long think about: "We reject the use of generative artificial intelligence for reflexive qualitative
research" signed by 416 researchers, including @ginnybraun.bsky.social and @vicclarke.bsky.social who I've referenced roughly a billion times.
research" signed by 416 researchers, including @ginnybraun.bsky.social and @vicclarke.bsky.social who I've referenced roughly a billion times.
Reposted by Dr Kelly Birtwell
The October 2025 NIHR SPCR newsletter is out now. Sign-up to receive our monthly newsletters to stay updated about our latest news, publications and funding: www.spcr.nihr.ac.uk/files/news/1...
#SPCR #PrimaryCare #Research
#SPCR #PrimaryCare #Research
November 14, 2025 at 10:45 AM
The October 2025 NIHR SPCR newsletter is out now. Sign-up to receive our monthly newsletters to stay updated about our latest news, publications and funding: www.spcr.nihr.ac.uk/files/news/1...
#SPCR #PrimaryCare #Research
#SPCR #PrimaryCare #Research
Reposted by Dr Kelly Birtwell
Helen’s work is wide-ranging, affirming and accessible. We would encourage anyone wanting to understand the Autistic/AuDHD experience to spend time on her website
I'm Helen Edgar (AuDHD), Educational Consultant & Founder of Autistic Realms.
Interests: Neuro-Affirmative Practice, Monotropism, Burnout, Disability Rights & Neuroqueer Theory.
Supporting Autistic & otherwise neurodivergent people to thrive. Lots of free resources!
Explore:
autisticrealms.com
Interests: Neuro-Affirmative Practice, Monotropism, Burnout, Disability Rights & Neuroqueer Theory.
Supporting Autistic & otherwise neurodivergent people to thrive. Lots of free resources!
Explore:
autisticrealms.com
Autistic Realms | Autistic Realms
Neurodiversity-Affirming Supporting Autistic PeopleGrow and Thrive Helen EdgarAutistic Advocate, Author & Consultant Autistic, Neuro-affirming Autism ad ...
autisticrealms.com
November 12, 2025 at 4:55 PM
Helen’s work is wide-ranging, affirming and accessible. We would encourage anyone wanting to understand the Autistic/AuDHD experience to spend time on her website
Reposted by Dr Kelly Birtwell
We are recruiting a fully-funded 3.5yr PhD student to examine the potential genetic relationships between autism and hypermobility. Full details of the project and how to apply here ⬇️
usher.ed.ac.uk/precision-me...
Deadline Jan 12th! Within the Precision Medicine DTC at Edinburgh.
usher.ed.ac.uk/precision-me...
Deadline Jan 12th! Within the Precision Medicine DTC at Edinburgh.
Understanding the relationship between autism and hypermobility | Precision Medicine Doctoral Training Programme | Usher Institute
Precision Medicine Project - Understanding the relationship between autism and hypermobility
usher.ed.ac.uk
November 12, 2025 at 3:06 PM
We are recruiting a fully-funded 3.5yr PhD student to examine the potential genetic relationships between autism and hypermobility. Full details of the project and how to apply here ⬇️
usher.ed.ac.uk/precision-me...
Deadline Jan 12th! Within the Precision Medicine DTC at Edinburgh.
usher.ed.ac.uk/precision-me...
Deadline Jan 12th! Within the Precision Medicine DTC at Edinburgh.
Reposted by Dr Kelly Birtwell
If you’re pro-MAHA because you agree with their stance against anti-depressants, then you also own this policy of internment camps for homeless people with mental illness and addictions.
Be careful what you wish for.
Be careful what you wish for.
Utah just approved a 1,300-person “mega camp” for homeless people — seven miles from town, no transportation, locked units, and even forced labor. They call it “work-conditioned housing.” We call it what it is: modern-day internment.
Internment Camps for Homeless People youtu.be/Z9eVJdHZeCw?
Internment Camps for Homeless People youtu.be/Z9eVJdHZeCw?
November 12, 2025 at 3:37 PM
If you’re pro-MAHA because you agree with their stance against anti-depressants, then you also own this policy of internment camps for homeless people with mental illness and addictions.
Be careful what you wish for.
Be careful what you wish for.
Reposted by Dr Kelly Birtwell
In We See Things They’ll Never See, Chantelle Jessica Lewis and Jason Arday show how neurotypical hegemony reproduces a culture of exclusion—and how to overcome this with love, hope, and solidarity.
Out now. Check out a free preview of this pathbreaking book: press.princeton.edu/books/paperb...
Out now. Check out a free preview of this pathbreaking book: press.princeton.edu/books/paperb...
October 30, 2025 at 1:35 PM
In We See Things They’ll Never See, Chantelle Jessica Lewis and Jason Arday show how neurotypical hegemony reproduces a culture of exclusion—and how to overcome this with love, hope, and solidarity.
Out now. Check out a free preview of this pathbreaking book: press.princeton.edu/books/paperb...
Out now. Check out a free preview of this pathbreaking book: press.princeton.edu/books/paperb...
Reposted by Dr Kelly Birtwell
Information underpins democracy and the BBC is a key part of that.
We need to protect our institutions
open.substack.com/pub/christin...
We need to protect our institutions
open.substack.com/pub/christin...
Information underpins Democracy – why the BBC must be defended
Recent events at the BBC have wide-reaching implications for our democracy - and the sooner we realise it, the better
open.substack.com
November 11, 2025 at 7:42 AM
Information underpins democracy and the BBC is a key part of that.
We need to protect our institutions
open.substack.com/pub/christin...
We need to protect our institutions
open.substack.com/pub/christin...
Reposted by Dr Kelly Birtwell
People are often surprised to learn that no matter our age, when seeking advice we're most likely to turn to family and friends first. Unless we're estranged, neglected, ashamed, or threatened into silence. To keep others safe support (including AI) shouldn't force secrecy, exclusivity, or mistrust
Dr Ougrin says the transcripts appear to show ChatGPT encouraging an exclusive relationship that marginalises family and other forms of support, which are vital in protecting young people from self-harm and suicidal ideation. www-bbc-co-uk.cdn.ampproject.org/c/s/www.bbc....
I wanted ChatGPT to help me. So why did it advise me how to kill myself? - BBC News
ChatGPT wrote a woman a suicide note and another AI chatbot role-played sexual acts with children, BBC finds.
www-bbc-co-uk.cdn.ampproject.org
November 10, 2025 at 4:20 PM
People are often surprised to learn that no matter our age, when seeking advice we're most likely to turn to family and friends first. Unless we're estranged, neglected, ashamed, or threatened into silence. To keep others safe support (including AI) shouldn't force secrecy, exclusivity, or mistrust
Reposted by Dr Kelly Birtwell
Very important new information for HCPs who care for children and young people.
November 6, 2025 at 1:52 PM
Very important new information for HCPs who care for children and young people.
Reposted by Dr Kelly Birtwell
Scientists just called out Ursula von der Leyen for claiming that AI will match human reasoning by 2026. Her "evidence" consisted, it turns out, of CEO statements from OpenAI, Anthropic and Nvidia. Not research. Marketing materials. 🧵
#AI #PublicServices #TechHype #Politics #NHS #EUPolitics
#AI #PublicServices #TechHype #Politics #NHS #EUPolitics
November 10, 2025 at 3:11 PM
Scientists just called out Ursula von der Leyen for claiming that AI will match human reasoning by 2026. Her "evidence" consisted, it turns out, of CEO statements from OpenAI, Anthropic and Nvidia. Not research. Marketing materials. 🧵
#AI #PublicServices #TechHype #Politics #NHS #EUPolitics
#AI #PublicServices #TechHype #Politics #NHS #EUPolitics