Alanna Shand
@alannajshand.bsky.social
PhD student at King's College London | Exploring strengths and compensatory strategies in autism🔎 | Bookworm with experience in academia, industry, & teaching📚
ORCID ID: 0009-0000-2540-6320
ORCID ID: 0009-0000-2540-6320
Pinned
Alanna Shand
@alannajshand.bsky.social
· Sep 16
What an incredible (and full-on) three days at #AECongress2025!
On Day 3, I shared insights from my PhD research on compensation and psychological strengths, highlighting the ways strengths may be used by autistic adults to compensate.
My presentation is available here: bit.ly/3IlvHD2
#AEC2025
On Day 3, I shared insights from my PhD research on compensation and psychological strengths, highlighting the ways strengths may be used by autistic adults to compensate.
My presentation is available here: bit.ly/3IlvHD2
#AEC2025
Reposted by Alanna Shand
Recently Published:
Self-reported strengths and talents of autistic adults.
Lampinen, L. A., Singer, J., Wang, X., VanHook, B., Wilkinson, E., & Bal, V. H. (2025). Autism, 0(0). doi.org/10.1177/1362...
Self-reported strengths and talents of autistic adults.
Lampinen, L. A., Singer, J., Wang, X., VanHook, B., Wilkinson, E., & Bal, V. H. (2025). Autism, 0(0). doi.org/10.1177/1362...
September 29, 2025 at 8:56 PM
Recently Published:
Self-reported strengths and talents of autistic adults.
Lampinen, L. A., Singer, J., Wang, X., VanHook, B., Wilkinson, E., & Bal, V. H. (2025). Autism, 0(0). doi.org/10.1177/1362...
Self-reported strengths and talents of autistic adults.
Lampinen, L. A., Singer, J., Wang, X., VanHook, B., Wilkinson, E., & Bal, V. H. (2025). Autism, 0(0). doi.org/10.1177/1362...
Reposted by Alanna Shand
Looking forward to joining Neurokindred's FREE community Event with @laurahellfeld.bsky.social & @autisticallyscott.bsky.social through my work with @thrivingautistic.bsky.social
Monday 6th Oct
Creating safe spaces for Autistic people
Tickets:
neurokindred.com/creating-saf...
Monday 6th Oct
Creating safe spaces for Autistic people
Tickets:
neurokindred.com/creating-saf...
September 29, 2025 at 9:22 AM
Looking forward to joining Neurokindred's FREE community Event with @laurahellfeld.bsky.social & @autisticallyscott.bsky.social through my work with @thrivingautistic.bsky.social
Monday 6th Oct
Creating safe spaces for Autistic people
Tickets:
neurokindred.com/creating-saf...
Monday 6th Oct
Creating safe spaces for Autistic people
Tickets:
neurokindred.com/creating-saf...
As one of this year’s speakers for the Great Minds lecture series at @kingscollegelondon.bsky.social, I had a great time presenting an overview of my PhD for IoPPN students (ctd.)
September 22, 2025 at 4:41 PM
As one of this year’s speakers for the Great Minds lecture series at @kingscollegelondon.bsky.social, I had a great time presenting an overview of my PhD for IoPPN students (ctd.)
What an incredible (and full-on) three days at #AECongress2025!
On Day 3, I shared insights from my PhD research on compensation and psychological strengths, highlighting the ways strengths may be used by autistic adults to compensate.
My presentation is available here: bit.ly/3IlvHD2
#AEC2025
On Day 3, I shared insights from my PhD research on compensation and psychological strengths, highlighting the ways strengths may be used by autistic adults to compensate.
My presentation is available here: bit.ly/3IlvHD2
#AEC2025
September 16, 2025 at 11:10 AM
What an incredible (and full-on) three days at #AECongress2025!
On Day 3, I shared insights from my PhD research on compensation and psychological strengths, highlighting the ways strengths may be used by autistic adults to compensate.
My presentation is available here: bit.ly/3IlvHD2
#AEC2025
On Day 3, I shared insights from my PhD research on compensation and psychological strengths, highlighting the ways strengths may be used by autistic adults to compensate.
My presentation is available here: bit.ly/3IlvHD2
#AEC2025
#AECongress25 has come around quickly!
Looking forward to presenting our ongoing research on compensation and psychological strengths this Saturday
Looking forward to presenting our ongoing research on compensation and psychological strengths this Saturday
Looking forward to attending this year's Autism Europe Congress in Dublin!
At the upcoming #AECongress25 in September, I'll be delivering an oral presentation about my research on compensation and psychological strengths.
@autismeurope.bsky.social autismcongress2025.org
At the upcoming #AECongress25 in September, I'll be delivering an oral presentation about my research on compensation and psychological strengths.
@autismeurope.bsky.social autismcongress2025.org
September 8, 2025 at 10:48 AM
#AECongress25 has come around quickly!
Looking forward to presenting our ongoing research on compensation and psychological strengths this Saturday
Looking forward to presenting our ongoing research on compensation and psychological strengths this Saturday
Two days of great talks, workshops, and conversations at #NDAS2025. During the oral presentation sessions, I shared my ongoing qualitative work exploring strengths and compensation in autistic adults. Thanks to everyone who shared their thoughts!
June 27, 2025 at 1:12 PM
Two days of great talks, workshops, and conversations at #NDAS2025. During the oral presentation sessions, I shared my ongoing qualitative work exploring strengths and compensation in autistic adults. Thanks to everyone who shared their thoughts!
Reposted by Alanna Shand
Thank you to anyone who has taken part! We've had a great response to the survey so far.
📣 We're still looking for #ActuallyAutistic adults to take part in our autism research, particularly males and adults who haven't been to university.
Learn more about our #AutRes below👇
📣 We're still looking for #ActuallyAutistic adults to take part in our autism research, particularly males and adults who haven't been to university.
Learn more about our #AutRes below👇
📣Recruiting autistic adults for a 20min survey📣
We're exploring how autistic people use their strengths to manage differences. Participants must:
✅Self-identify as #autistic OR have an #autism diagnosis
✅18 yrs+
✅Speak English
Take part in our #AutismResearch 👉 qualtrics.kcl.ac.uk/jfe/form/SV_...
We're exploring how autistic people use their strengths to manage differences. Participants must:
✅Self-identify as #autistic OR have an #autism diagnosis
✅18 yrs+
✅Speak English
Take part in our #AutismResearch 👉 qualtrics.kcl.ac.uk/jfe/form/SV_...
April 22, 2025 at 2:28 PM
Thank you to anyone who has taken part! We've had a great response to the survey so far.
📣 We're still looking for #ActuallyAutistic adults to take part in our autism research, particularly males and adults who haven't been to university.
Learn more about our #AutRes below👇
📣 We're still looking for #ActuallyAutistic adults to take part in our autism research, particularly males and adults who haven't been to university.
Learn more about our #AutRes below👇
Reposted by Alanna Shand
Coverage of my paper with @goldage.bsky.social on similarities and differences autistic and non-autistic people's experiences of menopause.
Open access version here: kclpure.kcl.ac.uk/portal/en/pu...
#AutRes
Open access version here: kclpure.kcl.ac.uk/portal/en/pu...
#AutRes
Research from IoPPN & @goldsmithsuol.bsky.social finds that #autistic people report more bothersome psychological & physical #menopause symptoms than non-autistic people.
Read the full paper published in Journal of Women's Health⬇️
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39960820/
Read the full paper published in Journal of Women's Health⬇️
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39960820/
Self-Reported Psychological, Somatic, and Vasomotor Symptoms at Different Stages of the Menopause for Autistic and Non-autistic People - PubMed
<span><b><i>Background:</i></b> There is growing awareness that the experiences of neurodivergent people during menopause are not well understood. Menopause may be particularly challenging for autistic people due to common co-occurring conditions such as depression and differences in sensory processing. T</span> …
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
April 23, 2025 at 1:07 PM
Coverage of my paper with @goldage.bsky.social on similarities and differences autistic and non-autistic people's experiences of menopause.
Open access version here: kclpure.kcl.ac.uk/portal/en/pu...
#AutRes
Open access version here: kclpure.kcl.ac.uk/portal/en/pu...
#AutRes
Thank you to anyone who has taken part! We've had a great response to the survey so far.
📣 We're still looking for #ActuallyAutistic adults to take part in our autism research, particularly males and adults who haven't been to university.
Learn more about our #AutRes below👇
📣 We're still looking for #ActuallyAutistic adults to take part in our autism research, particularly males and adults who haven't been to university.
Learn more about our #AutRes below👇
📣Recruiting autistic adults for a 20min survey📣
We're exploring how autistic people use their strengths to manage differences. Participants must:
✅Self-identify as #autistic OR have an #autism diagnosis
✅18 yrs+
✅Speak English
Take part in our #AutismResearch 👉 qualtrics.kcl.ac.uk/jfe/form/SV_...
We're exploring how autistic people use their strengths to manage differences. Participants must:
✅Self-identify as #autistic OR have an #autism diagnosis
✅18 yrs+
✅Speak English
Take part in our #AutismResearch 👉 qualtrics.kcl.ac.uk/jfe/form/SV_...
April 22, 2025 at 2:28 PM
Thank you to anyone who has taken part! We've had a great response to the survey so far.
📣 We're still looking for #ActuallyAutistic adults to take part in our autism research, particularly males and adults who haven't been to university.
Learn more about our #AutRes below👇
📣 We're still looking for #ActuallyAutistic adults to take part in our autism research, particularly males and adults who haven't been to university.
Learn more about our #AutRes below👇
Yesterday, I presented my ongoing research at the IoPPN’s 2025 Postgraduate Showcase at @kingscollegelondon.bsky.social 🥳
It was great to what everyone is working on here at the IoPPN and to practice for my upcoming oral presentation at @autismeurope.bsky.social in September
It was great to what everyone is working on here at the IoPPN and to practice for my upcoming oral presentation at @autismeurope.bsky.social in September
April 9, 2025 at 11:04 AM
Yesterday, I presented my ongoing research at the IoPPN’s 2025 Postgraduate Showcase at @kingscollegelondon.bsky.social 🥳
It was great to what everyone is working on here at the IoPPN and to practice for my upcoming oral presentation at @autismeurope.bsky.social in September
It was great to what everyone is working on here at the IoPPN and to practice for my upcoming oral presentation at @autismeurope.bsky.social in September
📣Recruiting autistic adults for a 20min survey📣
We're exploring how autistic people use their strengths to manage differences. Participants must:
✅Self-identify as #autistic OR have an #autism diagnosis
✅18 yrs+
✅Speak English
Take part in our #AutismResearch 👉 qualtrics.kcl.ac.uk/jfe/form/SV_...
We're exploring how autistic people use their strengths to manage differences. Participants must:
✅Self-identify as #autistic OR have an #autism diagnosis
✅18 yrs+
✅Speak English
Take part in our #AutismResearch 👉 qualtrics.kcl.ac.uk/jfe/form/SV_...
March 27, 2025 at 5:23 PM
Recruiting #ActuallyAutistic adults to take part in our research about #compensation📣
Learn more below👇
Learn more below👇
📣Recruiting autistic adults for a 20min survey📣
We're exploring how autistic people use their strengths to manage differences. Participants must:
✅Self-identify as #autistic OR have an #autism diagnosis
✅18 yrs+
✅Speak English
Take part in our #AutismResearch 👉 qualtrics.kcl.ac.uk/jfe/form/SV_...
We're exploring how autistic people use their strengths to manage differences. Participants must:
✅Self-identify as #autistic OR have an #autism diagnosis
✅18 yrs+
✅Speak English
Take part in our #AutismResearch 👉 qualtrics.kcl.ac.uk/jfe/form/SV_...
March 24, 2025 at 3:00 PM
Recruiting #ActuallyAutistic adults to take part in our research about #compensation📣
Learn more below👇
Learn more below👇
📣Recruiting autistic adults for a 20min survey📣
We're exploring how autistic people use their strengths to manage differences. Participants must:
✅Self-identify as #autistic OR have an #autism diagnosis
✅18 yrs+
✅Speak English
Take part in our #AutismResearch 👉 qualtrics.kcl.ac.uk/jfe/form/SV_...
We're exploring how autistic people use their strengths to manage differences. Participants must:
✅Self-identify as #autistic OR have an #autism diagnosis
✅18 yrs+
✅Speak English
Take part in our #AutismResearch 👉 qualtrics.kcl.ac.uk/jfe/form/SV_...
March 24, 2025 at 2:48 PM
📣Recruiting autistic adults for a 20min survey📣
We're exploring how autistic people use their strengths to manage differences. Participants must:
✅Self-identify as #autistic OR have an #autism diagnosis
✅18 yrs+
✅Speak English
Take part in our #AutismResearch 👉 qualtrics.kcl.ac.uk/jfe/form/SV_...
We're exploring how autistic people use their strengths to manage differences. Participants must:
✅Self-identify as #autistic OR have an #autism diagnosis
✅18 yrs+
✅Speak English
Take part in our #AutismResearch 👉 qualtrics.kcl.ac.uk/jfe/form/SV_...
Looking forward to attending this year's Autism Europe Congress in Dublin!
At the upcoming #AECongress25 in September, I'll be delivering an oral presentation about my research on compensation and psychological strengths.
@autismeurope.bsky.social autismcongress2025.org
At the upcoming #AECongress25 in September, I'll be delivering an oral presentation about my research on compensation and psychological strengths.
@autismeurope.bsky.social autismcongress2025.org
March 22, 2025 at 8:26 PM
Looking forward to attending this year's Autism Europe Congress in Dublin!
At the upcoming #AECongress25 in September, I'll be delivering an oral presentation about my research on compensation and psychological strengths.
@autismeurope.bsky.social autismcongress2025.org
At the upcoming #AECongress25 in September, I'll be delivering an oral presentation about my research on compensation and psychological strengths.
@autismeurope.bsky.social autismcongress2025.org
Reposted by Alanna Shand
We know so little about the emotional experiences of #autistic and #ADHD young people who struggle to attend or are excluded from school even though this group is at much higher risk of mental health difficulties and poor life chances. We want to change this.
qualtrics.kcl.ac.uk/jfe/form/SV_...
qualtrics.kcl.ac.uk/jfe/form/SV_...
March 22, 2025 at 12:20 AM
We know so little about the emotional experiences of #autistic and #ADHD young people who struggle to attend or are excluded from school even though this group is at much higher risk of mental health difficulties and poor life chances. We want to change this.
qualtrics.kcl.ac.uk/jfe/form/SV_...
qualtrics.kcl.ac.uk/jfe/form/SV_...
Reposted by Alanna Shand
Reposted by Alanna Shand
Hello friends. I'm asking for some input from my fellow #Autistic / #ADHD / #AuDHD people. I plan for my PhD project to be shaped by the community throughout, including right from this early stage. Can you spare an hour to help? Get in touch here or email me (address on the image). Thanks! #AutRes
March 10, 2025 at 11:43 AM
Reposted by Alanna Shand
Delighted to share this new open access article which presents four amazing case studies showcasing coproduction methods in neurodevelopmental research
Lots of people have published theory and there are some useful toolkits too, but its still rare to actually read what people did...
rdcu.be/ebbgu
Lots of people have published theory and there are some useful toolkits too, but its still rare to actually read what people did...
rdcu.be/ebbgu
Applied Principles for Inclusive Practice in Neurodevelopmental Research: A Selection and Report of Illustrative Case Studies
rdcu.be
February 25, 2025 at 9:50 AM
Delighted to share this new open access article which presents four amazing case studies showcasing coproduction methods in neurodevelopmental research
Lots of people have published theory and there are some useful toolkits too, but its still rare to actually read what people did...
rdcu.be/ebbgu
Lots of people have published theory and there are some useful toolkits too, but its still rare to actually read what people did...
rdcu.be/ebbgu
Reposted by Alanna Shand
The first episode in our SEVENTH series of the #Qualitative Open Mic podcast is here!
#Neurodiversity Matters: Damian Milton on double empathy and #autistic worlds www.quahrc.co.uk/resources/ne...
#QualitativeResearch #ResearchMethods #Neurodivergent #Autism
#Neurodiversity Matters: Damian Milton on double empathy and #autistic worlds www.quahrc.co.uk/resources/ne...
#QualitativeResearch #ResearchMethods #Neurodivergent #Autism
Neurodiversity Matters: Damian Milton on double empathy and autistic worlds | QUAHRC
How have mainstream theories of autism missed the mark by failing to qualitatively explore internal autistic worlds? Sohail speaks to legend among autistic autism researchers Dr Damian Milton about th...
www.quahrc.co.uk
February 19, 2025 at 10:34 AM
The first episode in our SEVENTH series of the #Qualitative Open Mic podcast is here!
#Neurodiversity Matters: Damian Milton on double empathy and #autistic worlds www.quahrc.co.uk/resources/ne...
#QualitativeResearch #ResearchMethods #Neurodivergent #Autism
#Neurodiversity Matters: Damian Milton on double empathy and #autistic worlds www.quahrc.co.uk/resources/ne...
#QualitativeResearch #ResearchMethods #Neurodivergent #Autism
Reposted by Alanna Shand
Our new paper on menopause symptoms (led by @goldage.bsky.social and me, with @alannajshand.bsky.social, Will Mandy and @proffrancescahappe.bsky.social) is now out!
Journal version: doi.org/10.1089/jwh....
Free access version: kclpure.kcl.ac.uk/portal/en/pu...
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Journal version: doi.org/10.1089/jwh....
Free access version: kclpure.kcl.ac.uk/portal/en/pu...
1/X
February 18, 2025 at 3:43 PM
Our new paper on menopause symptoms (led by @goldage.bsky.social and me, with @alannajshand.bsky.social, Will Mandy and @proffrancescahappe.bsky.social) is now out!
Journal version: doi.org/10.1089/jwh....
Free access version: kclpure.kcl.ac.uk/portal/en/pu...
1/X
Journal version: doi.org/10.1089/jwh....
Free access version: kclpure.kcl.ac.uk/portal/en/pu...
1/X
Reposted by Alanna Shand
🚨Looking for Recommendations!
I'm looking for a good book/article that explores theories such as Double Empathy / Monotropism / Spoon Theory with reference to the education context.
Would appreciate any ideas and/or reposts please 🤞🏻
#AutismResearch #PhDchat #EducationResearch
I'm looking for a good book/article that explores theories such as Double Empathy / Monotropism / Spoon Theory with reference to the education context.
Would appreciate any ideas and/or reposts please 🤞🏻
#AutismResearch #PhDchat #EducationResearch
February 5, 2025 at 9:43 AM
🚨Looking for Recommendations!
I'm looking for a good book/article that explores theories such as Double Empathy / Monotropism / Spoon Theory with reference to the education context.
Would appreciate any ideas and/or reposts please 🤞🏻
#AutismResearch #PhDchat #EducationResearch
I'm looking for a good book/article that explores theories such as Double Empathy / Monotropism / Spoon Theory with reference to the education context.
Would appreciate any ideas and/or reposts please 🤞🏻
#AutismResearch #PhDchat #EducationResearch
Reposted by Alanna Shand
A lovely 3rd year student of mine is looking for participants for her dissertation on victimisation and masking among autistic people: CW for questions on experiences of violence. Any reshares/time much appreciated. No funding attached.
eur01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com?url=https%3A...
eur01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com?url=https%3A...
Qualtrics Survey | Qualtrics Experience Management
The most powerful, simple and trusted way to gather experience data. Start your journey to experience management and try a free account today.
eur01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com
February 6, 2025 at 12:02 PM
A lovely 3rd year student of mine is looking for participants for her dissertation on victimisation and masking among autistic people: CW for questions on experiences of violence. Any reshares/time much appreciated. No funding attached.
eur01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com?url=https%3A...
eur01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com?url=https%3A...
Reposted by Alanna Shand
New paper out #openaccess in Molecular Autism today that shows #autistic #trans #nonbinary and #genderdiverse (TGD) people are more likely to have physical and mental health conditions than nonautistic cisgender people. Alongside this, they also reported poorer quality #healthcare bit.ly/4geRRlC
Autistic and transgender/gender diverse people’s experiences of health and healthcare - Molecular Autism
Background Autistic people and transgender/gender diverse people experience poorer healthcare experiences and greater risk of diagnosed, suspected, and assessment recommended health conditions, compar...
bit.ly
January 21, 2025 at 4:16 PM
New paper out #openaccess in Molecular Autism today that shows #autistic #trans #nonbinary and #genderdiverse (TGD) people are more likely to have physical and mental health conditions than nonautistic cisgender people. Alongside this, they also reported poorer quality #healthcare bit.ly/4geRRlC
Excited to share that I’ve been awarded funding from @kingscollegelondon.bsky.social’s Public Engagement Small Grant Scheme 🥳 This grant will fund the activities of my Community Engagement Board, a group of paid autistic adults who have shaped my PhD from the outset.
December 19, 2024 at 2:55 PM
Excited to share that I’ve been awarded funding from @kingscollegelondon.bsky.social’s Public Engagement Small Grant Scheme 🥳 This grant will fund the activities of my Community Engagement Board, a group of paid autistic adults who have shaped my PhD from the outset.
Reposted by Alanna Shand
New research explores "autistic flow"! ✨ It's about how we autistic folks get *super* focused & happy. Think "in the zone," but uniquely autistic. #AutisticFlow #AutRes
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Autistic Flow theory 👇
onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/...
onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/...
Towards autistic flow theory: A non‐pathologising conceptual approach
Flow states are heightened moments of concentration, motivation and enjoyment, leading to total absorption in the present moment. A striking parallel exists between flow states and phenomenological a....
onlinelibrary.wiley.com
December 15, 2024 at 6:20 AM
New research explores "autistic flow"! ✨ It's about how we autistic folks get *super* focused & happy. Think "in the zone," but uniquely autistic. #AutisticFlow #AutRes
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