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avanicole23.bsky.social
Ava Gurba (she/her)
@avanicole23.bsky.social
2K followers 1.1K following 130 posts
MS in Neuroscience, autism research | Autistic, ADHD, Cerebral Palsy | Anime lover, casual gamer | Part of Disabled in Higher Education | Social Media Editor for Autism In Adulthood | Twitter: @ava_nicole23
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avanicole23.bsky.social
Ava Gurba (she/her) @avanicole23.bsky.social · Sep 12
Please come join the @abctautism.bsky.social for their fall seminar series exploring neurodivergent partnerships in research.

I am very excited to be presenting with my wonderful colleagues. I will be presenting TOMORROW Friday September 12th at 12 to 1 pm EDT

Register: zoom.us/webinar/regi...
Unity in strength: cultivating harmony and camaraderie in partnerships with neurodivergent colleagues to enhance research. Visit the link in the tweet to register for our three sessions.
avanicole23.bsky.social
Very excited to be part of the study team for this participatory research studying examining loneliness in autistic young adults.
thinkingautism.com Thinking Person's Guide to Autism @thinkingautism.com · 10d
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.
Flyer with text reading, “Calling Autistic Adults! “Want to help shape research on loneliness for autistic young adults? “We invite autistic adults (ages 18-35) to join our Community Council on a 5-year research study on how big life changes affect loneliness for autistic young adults. “Community Council members will partner with researchers to make sure that all parts of the research reflect the experiences, priorities, and needs of the autistic community. “We hope this research will lead to a better understanding of loneliness and help create better supports. “• Community partners meet regularly and are paid for their time. “• No prior research experience is needed. “• Your lived experience and perspective are what matter most, and all voices are valued. “For more info or to apply, email kc3673@drexel.edu”
November 7, 2025 at 7:07 AM
Reposted by Ava Gurba (she/her)
dec0l0nize.bsky.social
"You interrogate your privilege, but never your abled privilege. You educate yourself about oppression, but never ableism."

@miamingus.bsky.social
September 9, 2025 at 8:48 PM
avanicole23.bsky.social
Please come join the @abctautism.bsky.social for their fall seminar series exploring neurodivergent partnerships in research.

I am very excited to be presenting with my wonderful colleagues. I will be presenting TOMORROW Friday September 12th at 12 to 1 pm EDT

Register: zoom.us/webinar/regi...
Unity in strength: cultivating harmony and camaraderie in partnerships with neurodivergent colleagues to enhance research. Visit the link in the tweet to register for our three sessions.
September 12, 2025 at 2:55 AM
avanicole23.bsky.social
I'm excited to share that my team is recruiting a Postdoctoral Fellow for a new 5-year participatory, mixed methods longitudinal study focusing on accessing experiences of loneliness across life transitions among autistic young adults!

For information & to apply: careers.drexel.edu/en-us/job/50...
Careers at Drexel - Human Resources
careers.drexel.edu
August 25, 2025 at 4:38 AM
avanicole23.bsky.social
This is a neat paper continuing to build on important work on relationships & rapport for autistic adults in group settings, & continues to add to our understanding of autistic people's relationships & the double empathy problem.

#AutismResearch #ActuallyAutistic
autisminadulthood.bsky.social Autism in Adulthood @autisminadulthood.bsky.social · Aug 21
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/...
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.
August 21, 2025 at 3:21 AM
Reposted by Ava Gurba (she/her)
autisminadulthood.bsky.social
A Multidimensional Model of Social Autistic Function and Its Effects on Quality of Life by Pieslinger et al examines the contributions of socail autistic traits and whether these dimensions affect the quality of life of autistic people. ‪

NEW FREE

www.liebertpub.com/doi/10.1089/...
Abstract for the paper: "A Multidimensional Model of Social Autistic Function and Its Effects on Quality of Life". As summarized, it reads: this study aimed to examine the contributions of social dimensions to the autistic neurotype, and then use causal inference to identify which of them have adverse effects on quality of life. They looked at six social traits: social anhedonia, theory of mind, affective empathy, social anxiety, prosopagnosia, and alexithymia using questionnaires from 366 adults with a wide range of autistic traits, with 78 being diagnosed with autism. They found that five dimensions (all except affective empathy) explained most variation in autistic social traits. However, only alexithymia and social anhedonia were found to adversely affect quality of life. These findings suggest that autistic social function can be explained by variation across multiple dimensions that are specific, neurally and behaviorally, than broad autistic traits. This includes the transdiagnostic constructs of alexithymia and social anhedonia, which disproportionally affected quality of life. These may serve as markers for poor outcomes.
August 19, 2025 at 3:15 AM
Reposted by Ava Gurba (she/her)
autisminadulthood.bsky.social
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/...
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.
August 21, 2025 at 3:06 AM
Reposted by Ava Gurba (she/her)
autisminadulthood.bsky.social
“It Was a Completely Different Lens”: Autistic Adult and Parent Perceptions of Autistic-Led Autism Information Workshops by Waddington & colleagues examines perceptions of parents of autistic people who participated in autistic-led workshops.

NEW FREE to July 30

www.liebertpub.com/doi/10.1089/...
Abstract for the paper "It Was a Completely Different Lens": Autistic Adult & Parent Perceptions of Autistic-Led Autism Information Workshops. It reads: Research shows that when autistic people mentor and share information about autism with other autistic individuals. It provides benefits. However, researchers are yet to determine whether parents of autistic children benefit from learning about autism directly from autistic people. Autistic people leading information workshops for parents of autistic children are an emerging practice. In this coproduced study, researchers used a mixed-methods approach to examine the perceptions of 12 parents of young autistic children and 7 autistic adults who participated in, or facilitated, three 2-hour autism information workshops. Quantitative survey results showed that parents were generally satisfied with the workshops, but some would have liked more time. The qualitative findings suggest that the workshops fostered a more positive narrative around autism. The workshops helped build connections both within and across groups for the autistic adults, the parents, and their autistic children. The workshop’s “cosy” nature helped participants to feel comfortable in sharing their experiences and questions. Participants expressed a preference or desire for a diverse range of facilitators. These results highlight the important role that autistic adults could play in supporting and sharing information with parents of young autistic children.
July 24, 2025 at 2:11 PM
Reposted by Ava Gurba (she/her)
wolvendamien.bsky.social
I wrote "How Heeding Disabled People Can Help Everyone Survive Crises" and for a second there it really looked like policymakers and government folks understood what i was poiting at.

Guess not tho.
slate.com/technology/2...
How Heeding Disabled People Can Help Everyone Survive Crises
An expert on the social and cultural implications of technology responds to Aliza Greenblatt’s “If We Ever Make It Through This Alive.”
slate.com
October 24, 2024 at 2:34 PM
avanicole23.bsky.social
My colleagues in the Social Dynamics of Intervention Lab (SoDI Lab) at the Life Course Outcomes Program at the AJ Drexel Autism Institute is looking for a full-time Research Associate II ASAP!

For more information and to apply: careers.drexel.edu/mob/cw/en-us... (1/)
Research Associate II
Dr. McGhee Hassrick, from the Life Course Outcomes Program of the A.J. Drexel Autism Institute is recruiting for a Research Associate II.
careers.drexel.edu
July 14, 2025 at 12:59 AM
avanicole23.bsky.social
I am excited to share that my team here at the at the Social Connections and Treatment Lab at the Life Course Outcomes Program at the AJ Drexel Autism Institute, and we are looking for a full-time Research Associate!

For more information and to apply: careers.drexel.edu/mob/cw/en-us... (1/)
Research Associate I
A.J. Drexel Autism Institute is seeking a full-time Research Associate I.
careers.drexel.edu
July 14, 2025 at 12:45 AM
Reposted by Ava Gurba (she/her)
primateyell.bsky.social
This has surprised a few people when I mentioned it, so maybe it’s worth mentioning: Medicaid is what pays for many of the basic services for my child who has a disability, even though I have commercial insurance. Slashing Medicaid will hurt kids with disabilities and their families.
July 3, 2025 at 3:16 AM
avanicole23.bsky.social
Join us at the AJ Drexel Autism Institute for a free special presentation that gives you expert guidance for your first-time Social Security funding request.

Click on the link below to register for free

bit.ly/SSI-Training

#Disability #DisabilityBenefits #CommunitySupport #SSI #SSDI
A flyer from Drexel University’s A.J. Drexel Autism Institute offering free expert assistance for first-time applicants of Social Security Income (SSI) and Disability Insurance (SSDI), specifically targeting transitioned and late-diagnosed adults. The flyer advertises an online training session on June 17, 2025, from 1:00 to 2:30 PM US Eastern led by expert Dena Gassner, PhD, MSW. It outlines that attendees will learn strategies to improve approval chances, receive clarity on reporting forms and processes, build confidence in managing the application process, and gain insights from real-life experiences. Registration is available at bit.ly.SSI-Training, with a Zoom link provided upon signing up. Questions or need help with registration, Call (215) 571-3401 or email at sctl@drexel.edu. The bottom of the flyer features illustrations of diverse individuals seated in a row.
June 15, 2025 at 5:18 AM
Reposted by Ava Gurba (she/her)
thinkingautism.com
In case you missed it: #AutINSAR is a much-needed discussion between autistic people, autism researchers, family members, and professionals about priorities in autism research. This year it happened during #INSAR2025. Recap at TPGA:

thinkingautismguide.com/2025/05/what... #autism #neurodiversity
What Autistic People Want From Autism Research: AutINSAR 2025
AutINSAR is a much-needed discussion between autistic people and autism researchers about priorities in autism research.
thinkingautismguide.com
May 25, 2025 at 8:39 PM
Reposted by Ava Gurba (she/her)
isaacahuvia.bsky.social
📢New preprint!

Relative to autistic adults w/ a dx, adults who self-identify experience worse well-being and higher rates of unmet need. While most self-identifying adults want a dx, barriers to services go far beyond diagnostic gatekeeping.

Read on: osf.io/preprints/ps...
May 19, 2025 at 4:55 PM
avanicole23.bsky.social
Trying to make friends and even knowing where and how to make friends in a new city still feels impossible.
May 11, 2025 at 5:35 AM
Reposted by Ava Gurba (she/her)
broadwaybabyto.bsky.social
The “crip tax” is exactly why many of us can’t stockpile or prep.

We have no reserve funds. We spend every penny just trying to survive, and most of it on medically necessary supplies that we can’t go without.

Tariffs and economic instability are terrifying when you’re disabled.
juliametraux.bsky.social Julia Métraux @juliametraux.bsky.social · May 9
There's something called the crip tax because it's more expensive to be disabled. Tariffs rising the costs of meds and other supplies will make the crip tax even worse.
May 10, 2025 at 5:06 AM
Reposted by Ava Gurba (she/her)
juliametraux.bsky.social
There's something called the crip tax because it's more expensive to be disabled. Tariffs rising the costs of meds and other supplies will make the crip tax even worse.
May 9, 2025 at 5:07 PM
Reposted by Ava Gurba (she/her)
miamingus.bsky.social
"Isolation feeds into the oppressive systems that we’re seeking to dismantle...What happens at a larger scale is transmitted and manifests within our most intimate interactions, including the spaces that are seeking to dismantle violent systems." - Briana Perry

www.soiltjp.org/blog/buildin...
Building Organizations by Building Community — SOIL: A Transformative Justice Project
[Image Description: A graphic of an illustration of bell hooks along with text. The illustration is of a photograph of bell hooks. She has brown skin and a large black afro is looking at the lens/view...
www.soiltjp.org
April 29, 2025 at 5:23 PM
Reposted by Ava Gurba (she/her)
thinkingautism.com
A7: Dena Gassner says that there are a lot of people who have good hearts and then realize that they've done harm. And there's no support for them to be supported through growth. We need to be more welcoming and forgiving, and provide a safe landing space.

#AutINSAR #INSAR2025
May 3, 2025 at 8:42 PM
Reposted by Ava Gurba (she/her)
drstevenkapp.bsky.social
There are still 48 hours (until 12:30 Pacific time Monday?) to complete to @thinkingautism.com’s #AutINSAR chat.
thinkingautism.com Thinking Person's Guide to Autism @thinkingautism.com · May 3
Welcome to #AutINSAR, an IRL & BlueSky chat between #ActuallyAutistic people & autism researchers. If you can’t join live, you can continue to answer Qs. #INSAR2025 #INSAR

Questions will be in the format Q1, Q2, etc. Please answer with A1, A2 if you can (we will be compiling an article for TPGA).
May 3, 2025 at 9:50 PM
Reposted by Ava Gurba (she/her)
heasutherland.com
Another excellent and very thorough live-skeet of our panel today, for those who couldn't be there in person!
thinkingautism.com Thinking Person's Guide to Autism @thinkingautism.com · May 3
Now: Neurodivergence-Affirming and Inclusive Research Practices for Autistic People with High Support Needs. Chaired by @drstevenkapp.bsky.social & @dianatan.bsky.social, featuring Drs. Teresa Girolamo, Aimee Grant, Jackie Ryan, Holly Sutherland. Discussants: Grant Blasko & Vikram Jaswal. #INSAR2025
May 4, 2025 at 12:48 AM
Reposted by Ava Gurba (she/her)
aimeespeaks.bsky.social
The point by @drmbothapsych.bsky.social really resonates. Academia places value on *specific* publication types.

My own frustration is publishing about my research in non-academic spaces/formats to make it accessible, but being turned down for roles on the basis of not publishing *the right way*.
May 3, 2025 at 8:45 PM
Reposted by Ava Gurba (she/her)
thinkingautism.com
Blasko and Jaswal: Many autistic people with the highest support needs have not been provided with appropriate AAC (augmentative and alternative communication).

#INSAR2025
May 3, 2025 at 7:18 PM
Reposted by Ava Gurba (she/her)
johnmarble.bsky.social
A3: I’ve seen research at #INSAR2025 moving in a generally positive direction. But I’m concerned about how some are using funding pressures and INSAR board influence to push incredibly outdated ideas, including the adoption of the term “profound autism,”. #AutINSAR
May 3, 2025 at 8:10 PM