Caitlin Conner PhD
@cmconnerphd.bsky.social
Autism researcher, clinical psychologist. Prof at Pitt. Views are mine.
Reposted by Caitlin Conner PhD
Trump trying to conquer a foreign country. ICE killing someone and lying about it. We're not even a year into this Trump term and we're already here.
January 7, 2026 at 7:53 PM
Trump trying to conquer a foreign country. ICE killing someone and lying about it. We're not even a year into this Trump term and we're already here.
They shut down the city paper and the post Gazette within a month. Union-busting sore losers!
I had to get it out of my system. My open letter to the Block family in light of today's news they are shutting down the storied Post-Gazette. I am just so very angry.
open.substack.com/pub/breathin...
open.substack.com/pub/breathin...
An open letter to the Block family
[inhale]
open.substack.com
January 7, 2026 at 10:17 PM
They shut down the city paper and the post Gazette within a month. Union-busting sore losers!
Reposted by Caitlin Conner PhD
Speaking in my own personal capacity on our weekend Vigil:
This week, autism has been in the headlines—not because of science that moves us forward, but because of misinformation that drags us backward.
This week, autism has been in the headlines—not because of science that moves us forward, but because of misinformation that drags us backward.
Powerful words on politicization of autism research by an NIH PO and autism scientist and former clinician.
Add your voice to stand up for health care and against abuse of power. actionnetwork.org/forms/civil-...
Add your voice to stand up for health care and against abuse of power. actionnetwork.org/forms/civil-...
September 30, 2025 at 12:57 AM
Speaking in my own personal capacity on our weekend Vigil:
This week, autism has been in the headlines—not because of science that moves us forward, but because of misinformation that drags us backward.
This week, autism has been in the headlines—not because of science that moves us forward, but because of misinformation that drags us backward.
Thank you to @afspnational.bsky.social for recognizing how important this topic is and working with us! 💜
In honor of Suicide Prevention month, colleagues and I partnered with @afspnational.bsky.social to create an Autism and Suicide webpage: afsp.org/autism-and-s...
Proud of this team and hopeful this webpage can be a helpful resource for autistic people and their families!
Proud of this team and hopeful this webpage can be a helpful resource for autistic people and their families!
Autism and Suicide
Autism is a neurodevelopmental condition. This means it relates to how a person’s brain develops and functions, influencing communication, social interaction, behavior, and sensory processing from ear...
afsp.org
September 27, 2025 at 6:44 PM
Thank you to @afspnational.bsky.social for recognizing how important this topic is and working with us! 💜
Proud to be part of this lab and the work we do!
The REAACT autism research program has been dedicated to conducting high quality autism research for several decades. Our work focuses on improving mental health and wellbeing for autistic people across the lifespan, including the development of supports and services.
September 26, 2025 at 6:45 PM
Proud to be part of this lab and the work we do!
Reposted by Caitlin Conner PhD
When I wrote “We’re Not Broken," I barely mentioned Kennedy’s anti-vaccine nonsense and mentioned Trump’s past references because I figured it was in the rearview. I was far too naive. Trump's presidency will be the undoing of #Neurodiversity. My latest @msnbc.com
www.msnbc.com/opinion/msnb...
www.msnbc.com/opinion/msnb...
Opinion | Trump’s reckless announcement linking Tylenol and autism is already doing major damage
Touting a possible cure with little evidence only gives loved ones of autistic people false hope.
www.msnbc.com
September 23, 2025 at 6:56 PM
When I wrote “We’re Not Broken," I barely mentioned Kennedy’s anti-vaccine nonsense and mentioned Trump’s past references because I figured it was in the rearview. I was far too naive. Trump's presidency will be the undoing of #Neurodiversity. My latest @msnbc.com
www.msnbc.com/opinion/msnb...
www.msnbc.com/opinion/msnb...
Reposted by Caitlin Conner PhD
Also, Acetaminophen does NOT cause autism, FFS. Instead of a legit link, what is likely happening is “Confounding” or “the possibility that some unknown factor common to needing pain relief in pregnancy and to having an autistic child makes them look directly linked.” Per @ejwillingham.bsky.social :
September 22, 2025 at 4:18 PM
Also, Acetaminophen does NOT cause autism, FFS. Instead of a legit link, what is likely happening is “Confounding” or “the possibility that some unknown factor common to needing pain relief in pregnancy and to having an autistic child makes them look directly linked.” Per @ejwillingham.bsky.social :
Reposted by Caitlin Conner PhD
So cool they discovered the cause of autism on basically day they guessed they would. I’m also glad they are withholding this information for a few days to prep for a WrestleMania-style announcement. This is how science works.
September 22, 2025 at 6:46 PM
So cool they discovered the cause of autism on basically day they guessed they would. I’m also glad they are withholding this information for a few days to prep for a WrestleMania-style announcement. This is how science works.
Reposted by Caitlin Conner PhD
EASE is a mindfulness-based individual therapy developed to reduce emotion dysregulation for autistic teens and young adults.
Recent publication by REAACT team The University of Alabama's Center for Youth Development and Intervention @uacydi.bsky.social demonstrates the efficacy of EASE.
Recent publication by REAACT team The University of Alabama's Center for Youth Development and Intervention @uacydi.bsky.social demonstrates the efficacy of EASE.
August 22, 2025 at 4:17 PM
EASE is a mindfulness-based individual therapy developed to reduce emotion dysregulation for autistic teens and young adults.
Recent publication by REAACT team The University of Alabama's Center for Youth Development and Intervention @uacydi.bsky.social demonstrates the efficacy of EASE.
Recent publication by REAACT team The University of Alabama's Center for Youth Development and Intervention @uacydi.bsky.social demonstrates the efficacy of EASE.
Reposted by Caitlin Conner PhD
New York Times story with profiles of researchers whose grants were terminated.
[Gift Link]
www.nytimes.com/2025/08/24/o...
[Gift Link]
www.nytimes.com/2025/08/24/o...
Opinion | America First? Not When It Comes to Your Health.
www.nytimes.com
August 24, 2025 at 1:08 PM
New York Times story with profiles of researchers whose grants were terminated.
[Gift Link]
www.nytimes.com/2025/08/24/o...
[Gift Link]
www.nytimes.com/2025/08/24/o...
Reposted by Caitlin Conner PhD
Politics aside, as I've said before, Tim and Gwen Walz seem to do a great job at not focusing on trying to change Gus, but accommodate and accept him. It's a pretty darn good model for parents of disabled kids.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=DHZp...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=DHZp...
Gus Walz, son of Gov. Tim Walz, speaks about viral DNC moment, overcoming obstacles and family
YouTube video by CBS Mornings
www.youtube.com
May 12, 2025 at 4:31 PM
Politics aside, as I've said before, Tim and Gwen Walz seem to do a great job at not focusing on trying to change Gus, but accommodate and accept him. It's a pretty darn good model for parents of disabled kids.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=DHZp...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=DHZp...
Reposted by Caitlin Conner PhD
Everyone in the past was neurotypical, which is how we got things like this single-author, eight-volume encyclopedia of ferns
May 6, 2025 at 1:20 PM
Everyone in the past was neurotypical, which is how we got things like this single-author, eight-volume encyclopedia of ferns
Reposted by Caitlin Conner PhD
Tomorrow, May 6th, from 12-1 PM PST, Lisa Morgan, MSW, and Caitlin Conner, PhD., will be presenting to Forefront Suicide Prevention - University of Washington about Autism and Suicide. Learn more here: intheforefront.org/event/autism...
May 5, 2025 at 1:50 PM
Tomorrow, May 6th, from 12-1 PM PST, Lisa Morgan, MSW, and Caitlin Conner, PhD., will be presenting to Forefront Suicide Prevention - University of Washington about Autism and Suicide. Learn more here: intheforefront.org/event/autism...
Reposted by Caitlin Conner PhD
As the first openly autistic legislator in the #PAHouse, I will continuously fight for the rights of those of us on the spectrum. Don’t let the hateful rhetoric from D.C. prevent you from achieving your dreams! #AutismAcceptanceMonth youtu.be/t0H_4kRPEZc
Benham: Defending the Rights of Autistic People
YouTube video by Pa. House Video
youtu.be
April 23, 2025 at 5:21 PM
As the first openly autistic legislator in the #PAHouse, I will continuously fight for the rights of those of us on the spectrum. Don’t let the hateful rhetoric from D.C. prevent you from achieving your dreams! #AutismAcceptanceMonth youtu.be/t0H_4kRPEZc
Reposted by Caitlin Conner PhD
Honestly, me too.
April 19, 2025 at 10:06 PM
Honestly, me too.
Reposted by Caitlin Conner PhD
RFK Jr. paints autism in a apocalyptic colors. As an #ActuallyAutistic journalist who has spent the last decade writing about autism, I had to confront him about it.
www.independent.co.uk/news/world/a...
www.independent.co.uk/news/world/a...
RFK Jr calls autism a tragedy. As an autistic journalist, I have thoughts
ANALYSIS: Health Secretary wilfully misreads data that should be celebrated, not feared, writes Eric Garcia
www.independent.co.uk
April 16, 2025 at 10:16 PM
RFK Jr. paints autism in a apocalyptic colors. As an #ActuallyAutistic journalist who has spent the last decade writing about autism, I had to confront him about it.
www.independent.co.uk/news/world/a...
www.independent.co.uk/news/world/a...
Reposted by Caitlin Conner PhD
Today, HHS Secretary RFK Jr. promised that “by September, we will know what has caused the autism epidemic and we will be able to eliminate those exposures.” This alarming claim is untrue, impossible, and ableist. Full statement:
autisticadvocacy.org
April 10, 2025 at 11:14 PM
Today, HHS Secretary RFK Jr. promised that “by September, we will know what has caused the autism epidemic and we will be able to eliminate those exposures.” This alarming claim is untrue, impossible, and ableist. Full statement:
Reposted by Caitlin Conner PhD
"I’ve been inspired by the strength of the parents & [autistic] children who have struggled more than I have, often because they didn’t get the attention & support they deserved. Getting more people diagnosed has helped with this problem." @holdenthorp.bsky.social:
www.nytimes.com/2025/03/20/o...
www.nytimes.com/2025/03/20/o...
Opinion | Sorry, R.F.K.: There Is No Autism Mystery (Gift Article)
Greater awareness, not vaccines, has driven an increase in diagnoses.
www.nytimes.com
March 22, 2025 at 4:52 AM
"I’ve been inspired by the strength of the parents & [autistic] children who have struggled more than I have, often because they didn’t get the attention & support they deserved. Getting more people diagnosed has helped with this problem." @holdenthorp.bsky.social:
www.nytimes.com/2025/03/20/o...
www.nytimes.com/2025/03/20/o...
Reposted by Caitlin Conner PhD
I asked Bill Cassidy what he would say to the families of autistic people about voting someone like RFK Jr. who promoted lies and misinformation about their loved ones. This is what he said.
February 13, 2025 at 7:33 PM
I asked Bill Cassidy what he would say to the families of autistic people about voting someone like RFK Jr. who promoted lies and misinformation about their loved ones. This is what he said.
Reposted by Caitlin Conner PhD
🚨BREAKING. From a program officer at the National Science Foundation, a list of keywords that can cause a grant to be pulled. I will be sharing screenshots of these keywords along with a decision tree. Please share widely. This is a crisis for academic freedom & science.
February 4, 2025 at 1:26 AM
🚨BREAKING. From a program officer at the National Science Foundation, a list of keywords that can cause a grant to be pulled. I will be sharing screenshots of these keywords along with a decision tree. Please share widely. This is a crisis for academic freedom & science.
Reposted by Caitlin Conner PhD
This is legitimately bad for Pittsburgh which is one of the more successful regions at securing NIH research grants. ~$700million last year alone.
All NIH study sections canceled indefinitely. This will halt science and devastate research budgets in universities.
January 22, 2025 at 11:02 PM
This is legitimately bad for Pittsburgh which is one of the more successful regions at securing NIH research grants. ~$700million last year alone.
Reposted by Caitlin Conner PhD
This is really bad. As someone with uncommon health conditions and a journalist, I am very aware that NIH grants for funding is the only real way treatment for our conditions get studied a lot of the time, as rare conditions are often not profitable lol.
January 22, 2025 at 9:56 PM
This is really bad. As someone with uncommon health conditions and a journalist, I am very aware that NIH grants for funding is the only real way treatment for our conditions get studied a lot of the time, as rare conditions are often not profitable lol.
Reposted by Caitlin Conner PhD
in 2016, Andrew Wakefield, the former doctor who promoted the link between vaccines and autism, touted Dave Weldon as an ideal choice to lead the CDC during the Trump administration. Seven years later, Trump selected Weldon to lead the CDC.
www.washingtonpost.com/health/2024/...
www.washingtonpost.com/health/2024/...
Trump’s CDC pick wouldn’t let go of false theory vaccines cause autism
Dave Weldon’s long record of promoting the disproven link between vaccines and autism raises concerns among some public health experts about his ability to run the CDC.
www.washingtonpost.com
December 15, 2024 at 6:41 PM
in 2016, Andrew Wakefield, the former doctor who promoted the link between vaccines and autism, touted Dave Weldon as an ideal choice to lead the CDC during the Trump administration. Seven years later, Trump selected Weldon to lead the CDC.
www.washingtonpost.com/health/2024/...
www.washingtonpost.com/health/2024/...