Rose Matthews (they/them) 🏳️🌈
@rosematthews.bsky.social
Autistic researcher, author, and illustrator, Durham UK.
Autistic people’s experiences of menopause, sex & relationships, work, loss, grief, ageing, palliative care, death, & dying. https://www.rosematthewsresearch.com/
#AcademicSky #AutRes #Skybrarians
Autistic people’s experiences of menopause, sex & relationships, work, loss, grief, ageing, palliative care, death, & dying. https://www.rosematthewsresearch.com/
#AcademicSky #AutRes #Skybrarians
Pinned
#Thread
An important part of reclaiming my life after a very late #Autism diagnosis has involved rekindling my #research career which had burned out years before.
Peer reviewed papers representing all 3 phases of the Bridging the Silos #Autistic #menopause study have now been published.
1/
An important part of reclaiming my life after a very late #Autism diagnosis has involved rekindling my #research career which had burned out years before.
Peer reviewed papers representing all 3 phases of the Bridging the Silos #Autistic #menopause study have now been published.
1/
#Arthritis is making walking challenging so I’m grateful for accessible routes like this riverside path. My love of nature encourages me to keep mobile and helps with the pain.
#disability
#nature
#disability
#nature
September 21, 2025 at 9:35 AM
#Arthritis is making walking challenging so I’m grateful for accessible routes like this riverside path. My love of nature encourages me to keep mobile and helps with the pain.
#disability
#nature
#disability
#nature
Reposted by Rose Matthews (they/them) 🏳️🌈
Citizen Science as an Approach for Engaging Underrepresented Communities in Health Research to Generate Research Questions and Priorities - Journal of Clinical Epidemiology www.jclinepi.com/article/S089...
Citizen Science as an Approach for Engaging Underrepresented Communities in Health Research to Generate Research Questions and Priorities
Engaging patients and public in health research ensures results remain relevant and
responsive to community needs. However, meaningful engagement with underrepresented
communities remains challenging,...
www.jclinepi.com
September 17, 2025 at 8:26 PM
Citizen Science as an Approach for Engaging Underrepresented Communities in Health Research to Generate Research Questions and Priorities - Journal of Clinical Epidemiology www.jclinepi.com/article/S089...
#Thread
Flourishing in unexpected ways.
I should have been at #AEC2025 in Dublin yesterday delivering a multimedia presentation on ageing as an #Autistic person.
Instead I was being diagnosed with my 5th Autoimmune condition. I’ve had medical appointments 4 days this week, but I’m thriving!
1/
Flourishing in unexpected ways.
I should have been at #AEC2025 in Dublin yesterday delivering a multimedia presentation on ageing as an #Autistic person.
Instead I was being diagnosed with my 5th Autoimmune condition. I’ve had medical appointments 4 days this week, but I’m thriving!
1/
September 12, 2025 at 7:38 AM
Access to appropriate services can be life-changing, sometimes life-saving.
As an older, disabled #Autistic person who is increasingly reliant on #health and #SocialCare it’s encouraging to see contextual factors that hinder/support #neuro-affirming practice being explored.
#Autism
As an older, disabled #Autistic person who is increasingly reliant on #health and #SocialCare it’s encouraging to see contextual factors that hinder/support #neuro-affirming practice being explored.
#Autism
journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/...
open access article published today 🤩 A realist evaluation considering contextual factors that hinder/support
#neuro-affirming practice in adult health and social care services @rcpsych.bsky.social @basw-uk.bsky.social @rcot.bsky.social @bpsofficial.bsky.social
open access article published today 🤩 A realist evaluation considering contextual factors that hinder/support
#neuro-affirming practice in adult health and social care services @rcpsych.bsky.social @basw-uk.bsky.social @rcot.bsky.social @bpsofficial.bsky.social
Contextual factors influencing neuro-affirming practice: Identifying what helps or hinders implementation in health and social care - Anna Gray, Donald Maciver, Eleanor Curnow, Lorna Johnston, Marion ...
There has been limited research to date into contextual factors hindering or supporting the successful implementation of neuro-affirming practice in support for...
journals.sagepub.com
September 10, 2025 at 6:39 AM
Access to appropriate services can be life-changing, sometimes life-saving.
As an older, disabled #Autistic person who is increasingly reliant on #health and #SocialCare it’s encouraging to see contextual factors that hinder/support #neuro-affirming practice being explored.
#Autism
As an older, disabled #Autistic person who is increasingly reliant on #health and #SocialCare it’s encouraging to see contextual factors that hinder/support #neuro-affirming practice being explored.
#Autism
Reposted by Rose Matthews (they/them) 🏳️🌈
Be one of the first to order. Launching today!
(UK only - other countries can still freely download and print at home)
Order link is in this short video. Please share!
youtu.be/VrntRIJCdXY?...
@andreabruun.bsky.social @mariecurieuk.bsky.social
(UK only - other countries can still freely download and print at home)
Order link is in this short video. Please share!
youtu.be/VrntRIJCdXY?...
@andreabruun.bsky.social @mariecurieuk.bsky.social
FREE end of life care planning toolkit sent to your door
YouTube video by Victoria & Stuart Project
youtu.be
September 1, 2025 at 6:53 AM
Be one of the first to order. Launching today!
(UK only - other countries can still freely download and print at home)
Order link is in this short video. Please share!
youtu.be/VrntRIJCdXY?...
@andreabruun.bsky.social @mariecurieuk.bsky.social
(UK only - other countries can still freely download and print at home)
Order link is in this short video. Please share!
youtu.be/VrntRIJCdXY?...
@andreabruun.bsky.social @mariecurieuk.bsky.social
Reposted by Rose Matthews (they/them) 🏳️🌈
We made it into the Independent!
“NHS ‘needs to do more to support autistic people”
www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home...
#AutRes #AutismResearch #ADHDResearch #ADHD #Autism
“NHS ‘needs to do more to support autistic people”
www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home...
#AutRes #AutismResearch #ADHDResearch #ADHD #Autism
August 12, 2025 at 6:00 PM
We made it into the Independent!
“NHS ‘needs to do more to support autistic people”
www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home...
#AutRes #AutismResearch #ADHDResearch #ADHD #Autism
“NHS ‘needs to do more to support autistic people”
www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home...
#AutRes #AutismResearch #ADHDResearch #ADHD #Autism
#Thread
In praise of #OccupationalTherapy #OT.
I’ve been experiencing exhaustion like never before.
It’s because of autoimmune thyroid disease, along with painful arthritis, exacerbated by the exhaustion of being #Autistic in an unaccommodating world, and effortful listening due to hearing loss.
1/
In praise of #OccupationalTherapy #OT.
I’ve been experiencing exhaustion like never before.
It’s because of autoimmune thyroid disease, along with painful arthritis, exacerbated by the exhaustion of being #Autistic in an unaccommodating world, and effortful listening due to hearing loss.
1/
July 22, 2025 at 7:38 AM
#Thread
In praise of #OccupationalTherapy #OT.
I’ve been experiencing exhaustion like never before.
It’s because of autoimmune thyroid disease, along with painful arthritis, exacerbated by the exhaustion of being #Autistic in an unaccommodating world, and effortful listening due to hearing loss.
1/
In praise of #OccupationalTherapy #OT.
I’ve been experiencing exhaustion like never before.
It’s because of autoimmune thyroid disease, along with painful arthritis, exacerbated by the exhaustion of being #Autistic in an unaccommodating world, and effortful listening due to hearing loss.
1/
🧵
At work yesterday morning the most urgent and important task became helping a large #butterfly to exit the building safely.
It took me a while to work out what to do. I closed all the blinds, turned off all the lights, and opened the doors so there was only one source of brightness and breeze.
1/
At work yesterday morning the most urgent and important task became helping a large #butterfly to exit the building safely.
It took me a while to work out what to do. I closed all the blinds, turned off all the lights, and opened the doors so there was only one source of brightness and breeze.
1/
July 18, 2025 at 8:41 PM
🧵
At work yesterday morning the most urgent and important task became helping a large #butterfly to exit the building safely.
It took me a while to work out what to do. I closed all the blinds, turned off all the lights, and opened the doors so there was only one source of brightness and breeze.
1/
At work yesterday morning the most urgent and important task became helping a large #butterfly to exit the building safely.
It took me a while to work out what to do. I closed all the blinds, turned off all the lights, and opened the doors so there was only one source of brightness and breeze.
1/
Reposted by Rose Matthews (they/them) 🏳️🌈
Great opportunity for anyone local to me in Birmingham UK from @autisticparentsuk.bsky.social
A new project designed to meet the unique needs of Autistic people who are also carers living in Birmingham - aimed to empower Autistic carers.
www.autisticparentsuk.org/supporting-b...
A new project designed to meet the unique needs of Autistic people who are also carers living in Birmingham - aimed to empower Autistic carers.
www.autisticparentsuk.org/supporting-b...
Supporting Birmingham Autistic Carers | Autistic Parents UK
www.autisticparentsuk.org
July 15, 2025 at 5:33 PM
Great opportunity for anyone local to me in Birmingham UK from @autisticparentsuk.bsky.social
A new project designed to meet the unique needs of Autistic people who are also carers living in Birmingham - aimed to empower Autistic carers.
www.autisticparentsuk.org/supporting-b...
A new project designed to meet the unique needs of Autistic people who are also carers living in Birmingham - aimed to empower Autistic carers.
www.autisticparentsuk.org/supporting-b...
Reposted by Rose Matthews (they/them) 🏳️🌈
I was explaining to my Ukrainian colleague the phrase ‘There’s no such thing as a free lunch’. She told me the equivalent in Ukrainian is ‘The only free cheese is in the mousetrap’ - which is so much better
July 16, 2025 at 6:39 AM
I was explaining to my Ukrainian colleague the phrase ‘There’s no such thing as a free lunch’. She told me the equivalent in Ukrainian is ‘The only free cheese is in the mousetrap’ - which is so much better
Those of us who get a late in life Autism #diagnosis often have parents, siblings, children, or grandchildren who are also #Autistic but undiagnosed.
Our own assessment can start a chain reaction of recognition.
Intergenerational, family-centred aspects of #Autism often get overlooked.
1/
Our own assessment can start a chain reaction of recognition.
Intergenerational, family-centred aspects of #Autism often get overlooked.
1/
July 16, 2025 at 8:06 AM
Those of us who get a late in life Autism #diagnosis often have parents, siblings, children, or grandchildren who are also #Autistic but undiagnosed.
Our own assessment can start a chain reaction of recognition.
Intergenerational, family-centred aspects of #Autism often get overlooked.
1/
Our own assessment can start a chain reaction of recognition.
Intergenerational, family-centred aspects of #Autism often get overlooked.
1/
In the late 1990s members of an academic interview panel were alarmed when I used some very tame visual images in my presentation.
How I wish they could see me now!
padlet.com/rosematthews...
#AutisticResearcher
#CreativeResearch
#Artivism
How I wish they could see me now!
padlet.com/rosematthews...
#AutisticResearcher
#CreativeResearch
#Artivism
Multimedia Portfolio
Collection of work
padlet.com
July 14, 2025 at 11:40 AM
In the late 1990s members of an academic interview panel were alarmed when I used some very tame visual images in my presentation.
How I wish they could see me now!
padlet.com/rosematthews...
#AutisticResearcher
#CreativeResearch
#Artivism
How I wish they could see me now!
padlet.com/rosematthews...
#AutisticResearcher
#CreativeResearch
#Artivism
I was interviewed by Tanja Bächler recently for her YouTube channel. The first part is about my life before and after #Autism diagnosis aged 58.
At 27 mins the discussion shifts to research I’ve been doing on #Autistic people’s experiences of #menopause #AutisticMenopause
youtu.be/DpTsoZsHomw?...
At 27 mins the discussion shifts to research I’ve been doing on #Autistic people’s experiences of #menopause #AutisticMenopause
youtu.be/DpTsoZsHomw?...
Autism + Menopause EXPLAINED for Us, Late Diagnosed Autistic
YouTube video by Woman on the Spectrum
youtu.be
July 14, 2025 at 7:07 AM
I was interviewed by Tanja Bächler recently for her YouTube channel. The first part is about my life before and after #Autism diagnosis aged 58.
At 27 mins the discussion shifts to research I’ve been doing on #Autistic people’s experiences of #menopause #AutisticMenopause
youtu.be/DpTsoZsHomw?...
At 27 mins the discussion shifts to research I’ve been doing on #Autistic people’s experiences of #menopause #AutisticMenopause
youtu.be/DpTsoZsHomw?...
I’ve waited up until the early hours watching my blood test results come in. A couple of them are abnormal which explains why I’m feeling off. Titrating Levothyroxine is tortuously slow aged 65+ so I’m glad it looks like I’m ready for the next increase in dose! #hypothyroidism
#Hashimotos
#Hashimotos
July 12, 2025 at 1:46 AM
I’ve waited up until the early hours watching my blood test results come in. A couple of them are abnormal which explains why I’m feeling off. Titrating Levothyroxine is tortuously slow aged 65+ so I’m glad it looks like I’m ready for the next increase in dose! #hypothyroidism
#Hashimotos
#Hashimotos
I love rummaging about in old folders because I never know what I’ll find!
Here is a narrated PowerPoint presentation on #AutisticMenopause I recorded after a #menopause festival, based on an installation of curious objects I curated.
#CreativeResearch
#AutoEthnography
tinyurl.com/CuratedMenop...
Here is a narrated PowerPoint presentation on #AutisticMenopause I recorded after a #menopause festival, based on an installation of curious objects I curated.
#CreativeResearch
#AutoEthnography
tinyurl.com/CuratedMenop...
July 9, 2025 at 10:18 PM
I love rummaging about in old folders because I never know what I’ll find!
Here is a narrated PowerPoint presentation on #AutisticMenopause I recorded after a #menopause festival, based on an installation of curious objects I curated.
#CreativeResearch
#AutoEthnography
tinyurl.com/CuratedMenop...
Here is a narrated PowerPoint presentation on #AutisticMenopause I recorded after a #menopause festival, based on an installation of curious objects I curated.
#CreativeResearch
#AutoEthnography
tinyurl.com/CuratedMenop...
#Thread
An important part of reclaiming my life after a very late #Autism diagnosis has involved rekindling my #research career which had burned out years before.
Peer reviewed papers representing all 3 phases of the Bridging the Silos #Autistic #menopause study have now been published.
1/
An important part of reclaiming my life after a very late #Autism diagnosis has involved rekindling my #research career which had burned out years before.
Peer reviewed papers representing all 3 phases of the Bridging the Silos #Autistic #menopause study have now been published.
1/
June 29, 2025 at 9:48 PM
#Thread
An important part of reclaiming my life after a very late #Autism diagnosis has involved rekindling my #research career which had burned out years before.
Peer reviewed papers representing all 3 phases of the Bridging the Silos #Autistic #menopause study have now been published.
1/
An important part of reclaiming my life after a very late #Autism diagnosis has involved rekindling my #research career which had burned out years before.
Peer reviewed papers representing all 3 phases of the Bridging the Silos #Autistic #menopause study have now been published.
1/
Delighted to share the 3rd peer reviewed paper from our ‘Bridging the Silos’ study of #Autistic people’s experiences of the #Menopause transition which combines lived experience, creative expression, and #ReflexivePractice.
#Neurodivergence
#Perimenopause
#Autism
www.scienceopen.com/hosted-docum...
#Neurodivergence
#Perimenopause
#Autism
www.scienceopen.com/hosted-docum...
Stepping into Who I Fully Am : A Creative Exploration of Autistic Menopause
<p xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance" class="first" dir="auto" id="d34101e161">Research suggests that perimenopause can compound existing struggles for some Autistic
peo...
www.scienceopen.com
June 27, 2025 at 8:00 AM
Delighted to share the 3rd peer reviewed paper from our ‘Bridging the Silos’ study of #Autistic people’s experiences of the #Menopause transition which combines lived experience, creative expression, and #ReflexivePractice.
#Neurodivergence
#Perimenopause
#Autism
www.scienceopen.com/hosted-docum...
#Neurodivergence
#Perimenopause
#Autism
www.scienceopen.com/hosted-docum...
June 8, 2025 at 7:07 PM
Reposted by Rose Matthews (they/them) 🏳️🌈
Today is #WorldThyroidDay – a reminder of how vital the tiny thyroid gland is to our health. From metabolism to mood, it plays a powerful role. Early detection of thyroid disorders can save lives. Stay informed, get tested, and spread awareness. #ThyroidHealth #EndocrineAwareness
May 25, 2025 at 2:46 PM
Today is #WorldThyroidDay – a reminder of how vital the tiny thyroid gland is to our health. From metabolism to mood, it plays a powerful role. Early detection of thyroid disorders can save lives. Stay informed, get tested, and spread awareness. #ThyroidHealth #EndocrineAwareness
Reposted by Rose Matthews (they/them) 🏳️🌈
A window in the art museum reveals itself to be a portal to another dimension.
May 24, 2025 at 11:24 PM
A window in the art museum reveals itself to be a portal to another dimension.
May 15, 2025 at 2:59 PM
#Thread
The benefits of rest and recuperation. An #Autistic perspective.
Long before I knew how much I needed it, or why, I booked a short restorative mid-week break at an historic property. A tiny dwelling, above an ancient well, dating back to 1485, at the end of a long tree-lined holloway.
1/
The benefits of rest and recuperation. An #Autistic perspective.
Long before I knew how much I needed it, or why, I booked a short restorative mid-week break at an historic property. A tiny dwelling, above an ancient well, dating back to 1485, at the end of a long tree-lined holloway.
1/
May 10, 2025 at 2:37 PM
#Thread
I woke early because I am going on a long journey and staying away overnight.
Travel has always required intense planning and preparation (an #Autism thing) but this has been exacerbated by #arthritis and #hypothyroidism which bring new challenges.
It’s both exciting and terrifying.
1/
I woke early because I am going on a long journey and staying away overnight.
Travel has always required intense planning and preparation (an #Autism thing) but this has been exacerbated by #arthritis and #hypothyroidism which bring new challenges.
It’s both exciting and terrifying.
1/
April 28, 2025 at 6:25 AM
#Thread
I woke early because I am going on a long journey and staying away overnight.
Travel has always required intense planning and preparation (an #Autism thing) but this has been exacerbated by #arthritis and #hypothyroidism which bring new challenges.
It’s both exciting and terrifying.
1/
I woke early because I am going on a long journey and staying away overnight.
Travel has always required intense planning and preparation (an #Autism thing) but this has been exacerbated by #arthritis and #hypothyroidism which bring new challenges.
It’s both exciting and terrifying.
1/
I’ve had to go to #hospital a lot recently. This film made me cry with gratitude at challenges for #Autistic patients being portrayed so compellingly.
Everyone who works in #healthcare should be encouraged to watch this.
Barriers sometimes seem overwhelming but solutions can be startlingly simple.
Everyone who works in #healthcare should be encouraged to watch this.
Barriers sometimes seem overwhelming but solutions can be startlingly simple.
A lovely 20 minute film called 'Sensory' made with autistic people about their experiences of hospitals. www.youtube.com/watch?v=etCC...
Sensory
YouTube video by University of Bristol
www.youtube.com
April 10, 2025 at 4:53 PM
I’ve had to go to #hospital a lot recently. This film made me cry with gratitude at challenges for #Autistic patients being portrayed so compellingly.
Everyone who works in #healthcare should be encouraged to watch this.
Barriers sometimes seem overwhelming but solutions can be startlingly simple.
Everyone who works in #healthcare should be encouraged to watch this.
Barriers sometimes seem overwhelming but solutions can be startlingly simple.
Reposted by Rose Matthews (they/them) 🏳️🌈
Meanwhile beauty. I love how everything, no matter how small or ethereal casts a shadow, the shadow of a flower is just as shadowy as the shadow of a gun, and if you love light then you should love shadows.
March 25, 2025 at 3:19 PM
Meanwhile beauty. I love how everything, no matter how small or ethereal casts a shadow, the shadow of a flower is just as shadowy as the shadow of a gun, and if you love light then you should love shadows.