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
#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
We were surrounded by ripe wild raspberries, more abundant than they’ve ever been.
Every season has its delights and this was a delicious surprise.
Walking is painful and
difficult at the moment, so it really felt like the natural world was encouraging and supporting me.
#SensoryJoy
#Autistic
4/end
Every season has its delights and this was a delicious surprise.
Walking is painful and
difficult at the moment, so it really felt like the natural world was encouraging and supporting me.
#SensoryJoy
#Autistic
4/end
July 18, 2025 at 8:41 PM
We were surrounded by ripe wild raspberries, more abundant than they’ve ever been.
Every season has its delights and this was a delicious surprise.
Walking is painful and
difficult at the moment, so it really felt like the natural world was encouraging and supporting me.
#SensoryJoy
#Autistic
4/end
Every season has its delights and this was a delicious surprise.
Walking is painful and
difficult at the moment, so it really felt like the natural world was encouraging and supporting me.
#SensoryJoy
#Autistic
4/end
From that moment on the walk felt auspicious.
A little further along I spotted a bright flash of blue.
A tiny Jay’s feather was resting on the grass.
I found one once before, but I gave it away.
Feather collections are a family thing and I knew my grandchild would love it as much as I did.
4/
A little further along I spotted a bright flash of blue.
A tiny Jay’s feather was resting on the grass.
I found one once before, but I gave it away.
Feather collections are a family thing and I knew my grandchild would love it as much as I did.
4/
July 18, 2025 at 8:41 PM
From that moment on the walk felt auspicious.
A little further along I spotted a bright flash of blue.
A tiny Jay’s feather was resting on the grass.
I found one once before, but I gave it away.
Feather collections are a family thing and I knew my grandchild would love it as much as I did.
4/
A little further along I spotted a bright flash of blue.
A tiny Jay’s feather was resting on the grass.
I found one once before, but I gave it away.
Feather collections are a family thing and I knew my grandchild would love it as much as I did.
4/
I have had the most amazing time working on the Bridging the Silos Autistic Menopause Study over the last three years.
It has been a transformational experience for me personally and professionally and I’m very excited about what’s coming next.
#Autism
#research
#coproduction
9/
It has been a transformational experience for me personally and professionally and I’m very excited about what’s coming next.
#Autism
#research
#coproduction
9/
June 29, 2025 at 9:48 PM
I have had the most amazing time working on the Bridging the Silos Autistic Menopause Study over the last three years.
It has been a transformational experience for me personally and professionally and I’m very excited about what’s coming next.
#Autism
#research
#coproduction
9/
It has been a transformational experience for me personally and professionally and I’m very excited about what’s coming next.
#Autism
#research
#coproduction
9/
For the International Creative Research Methods Conference 2025 I wrote and illustrated an autoethnographic prose poem called ‘Going With the Flow’ that includes original music by David de la Haye, with underwater sounds.
rosematthewsresearch.com/icrmc-2024
7/
rosematthewsresearch.com/icrmc-2024
7/
June 29, 2025 at 9:48 PM
For the International Creative Research Methods Conference 2025 I wrote and illustrated an autoethnographic prose poem called ‘Going With the Flow’ that includes original music by David de la Haye, with underwater sounds.
rosematthewsresearch.com/icrmc-2024
7/
rosematthewsresearch.com/icrmc-2024
7/
It has been particularly enjoyable finding creative ways to communicate research findings, like this Perfect Storm dress which I decorated with quotes from our research and wore for a performance art workshop.
6/
6/
June 29, 2025 at 9:48 PM
It has been particularly enjoyable finding creative ways to communicate research findings, like this Perfect Storm dress which I decorated with quotes from our research and wore for a performance art workshop.
6/
6/
#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/
June 8, 2025 at 7:07 PM
May 15, 2025 at 2:59 PM
This was the retreat I dreamt of after my #Autism diagnosis 7 years ago.
The opportunity wasn’t open to me then, so I embrace it even more fully now.
I’m still adjusting to being #Autistic, coming to terms with how I experience the world, getting better at #selfcare, so aware of my privilege.
8/end
The opportunity wasn’t open to me then, so I embrace it even more fully now.
I’m still adjusting to being #Autistic, coming to terms with how I experience the world, getting better at #selfcare, so aware of my privilege.
8/end
May 10, 2025 at 2:37 PM
The birds sang from first light to last light while I sank back quietly into these idyllic surroundings and felt completely grounded by nature.
Just before sunset a tiny hint of apricot appeared in the evening sky.
Everything here was gentle, there was nothing sudden or dramatic.
7/
Just before sunset a tiny hint of apricot appeared in the evening sky.
Everything here was gentle, there was nothing sudden or dramatic.
7/
May 10, 2025 at 2:37 PM
The birds sang from first light to last light while I sank back quietly into these idyllic surroundings and felt completely grounded by nature.
Just before sunset a tiny hint of apricot appeared in the evening sky.
Everything here was gentle, there was nothing sudden or dramatic.
7/
Just before sunset a tiny hint of apricot appeared in the evening sky.
Everything here was gentle, there was nothing sudden or dramatic.
7/
It is amazing how much good a short break can do. It was only 2 days and 3 nights (no need to pack much) but I felt transformed by having been away.
This ancient site is infused with religious legends concerning Saint Winifred. Pilgrims visit the well to honour her memory and take the water.
6/
This ancient site is infused with religious legends concerning Saint Winifred. Pilgrims visit the well to honour her memory and take the water.
6/
May 10, 2025 at 2:37 PM
It is amazing how much good a short break can do. It was only 2 days and 3 nights (no need to pack much) but I felt transformed by having been away.
This ancient site is infused with religious legends concerning Saint Winifred. Pilgrims visit the well to honour her memory and take the water.
6/
This ancient site is infused with religious legends concerning Saint Winifred. Pilgrims visit the well to honour her memory and take the water.
6/
One of the books I read was about being a hermit, finding peace and freedom in solitude and contemplation.
Another book was about living with chronic illnesses which mystify health professionals and defy sympathy.
I didn’t seek out these books, they crossed my path just when I needed them most.
5/
Another book was about living with chronic illnesses which mystify health professionals and defy sympathy.
I didn’t seek out these books, they crossed my path just when I needed them most.
5/
May 10, 2025 at 2:37 PM
One of the books I read was about being a hermit, finding peace and freedom in solitude and contemplation.
Another book was about living with chronic illnesses which mystify health professionals and defy sympathy.
I didn’t seek out these books, they crossed my path just when I needed them most.
5/
Another book was about living with chronic illnesses which mystify health professionals and defy sympathy.
I didn’t seek out these books, they crossed my path just when I needed them most.
5/
Simple pleasures are often timeless.
In old age I am reconnecting with my childhood self.
I doused myself in icy well water early one morning for its restorative properties then walked beside the wildlife pond where layers of birdsong drifted down on me; the salve I had somehow sensed I needed.
4/
In old age I am reconnecting with my childhood self.
I doused myself in icy well water early one morning for its restorative properties then walked beside the wildlife pond where layers of birdsong drifted down on me; the salve I had somehow sensed I needed.
4/
May 10, 2025 at 2:37 PM
Simple pleasures are often timeless.
In old age I am reconnecting with my childhood self.
I doused myself in icy well water early one morning for its restorative properties then walked beside the wildlife pond where layers of birdsong drifted down on me; the salve I had somehow sensed I needed.
4/
In old age I am reconnecting with my childhood self.
I doused myself in icy well water early one morning for its restorative properties then walked beside the wildlife pond where layers of birdsong drifted down on me; the salve I had somehow sensed I needed.
4/
The lack of wifi and unreliable mobile signal drew me to this location.
I sat in the garden and read without interruption.
Reading was a joyful coping mechanism and escape route as a child. Shutting myself away with books calmed my mind as I immersed myself in the magic of the printed page.
3/
I sat in the garden and read without interruption.
Reading was a joyful coping mechanism and escape route as a child. Shutting myself away with books calmed my mind as I immersed myself in the magic of the printed page.
3/
May 10, 2025 at 2:37 PM
The lack of wifi and unreliable mobile signal drew me to this location.
I sat in the garden and read without interruption.
Reading was a joyful coping mechanism and escape route as a child. Shutting myself away with books calmed my mind as I immersed myself in the magic of the printed page.
3/
I sat in the garden and read without interruption.
Reading was a joyful coping mechanism and escape route as a child. Shutting myself away with books calmed my mind as I immersed myself in the magic of the printed page.
3/
This tiny timber framed building with its ramshackle grounds was a natural oasis.
Icy cold spring water bubbled up underneath the cottage (formerly a court and chapel) and trickled through three pools into a wildlife pond frequented by mallards and garden birds.
The soundscape was breathtaking.
2/
Icy cold spring water bubbled up underneath the cottage (formerly a court and chapel) and trickled through three pools into a wildlife pond frequented by mallards and garden birds.
The soundscape was breathtaking.
2/
May 10, 2025 at 2:37 PM
This tiny timber framed building with its ramshackle grounds was a natural oasis.
Icy cold spring water bubbled up underneath the cottage (formerly a court and chapel) and trickled through three pools into a wildlife pond frequented by mallards and garden birds.
The soundscape was breathtaking.
2/
Icy cold spring water bubbled up underneath the cottage (formerly a court and chapel) and trickled through three pools into a wildlife pond frequented by mallards and garden birds.
The soundscape was breathtaking.
2/
#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
I sat opposite this poster in the corridor which summed up the atmosphere in the emergency department: we’ll keep you here through fear rather than humanity.
Being told what’s going on and being given reassurance are simple things to do.
But overstretched services struggle to deliver empathy.
22/end
Being told what’s going on and being given reassurance are simple things to do.
But overstretched services struggle to deliver empathy.
22/end
March 14, 2025 at 9:09 AM
I sat opposite this poster in the corridor which summed up the atmosphere in the emergency department: we’ll keep you here through fear rather than humanity.
Being told what’s going on and being given reassurance are simple things to do.
But overstretched services struggle to deliver empathy.
22/end
Being told what’s going on and being given reassurance are simple things to do.
But overstretched services struggle to deliver empathy.
22/end
It’s my first gluten-free #PancakeDay so tips like this are really helpful!
Thank you!
Thank you!
March 4, 2025 at 5:26 PM
It’s my first gluten-free #PancakeDay so tips like this are really helpful!
Thank you!
Thank you!
Living with severe fatigue made me marvel at the exuberant energy of the horses galloping along the beach.
It was the day before spring.
The sun was warm.
I soaked it all in.
Hope hung in the air and swept in on the waves.
There is strength in holding ground and hanging on.
#SlavaUkraini
3/ end
It was the day before spring.
The sun was warm.
I soaked it all in.
Hope hung in the air and swept in on the waves.
There is strength in holding ground and hanging on.
#SlavaUkraini
3/ end
March 1, 2025 at 9:24 AM
Living with severe fatigue made me marvel at the exuberant energy of the horses galloping along the beach.
It was the day before spring.
The sun was warm.
I soaked it all in.
Hope hung in the air and swept in on the waves.
There is strength in holding ground and hanging on.
#SlavaUkraini
3/ end
It was the day before spring.
The sun was warm.
I soaked it all in.
Hope hung in the air and swept in on the waves.
There is strength in holding ground and hanging on.
#SlavaUkraini
3/ end
I need to keep stress levels low to avoid exacerbating auto immune disease so I’ve considered not following the news.
It’s important to know what’s going on though.
Gentle walks in empty places are a remedy for being triggered by injustice, bullying, and abuse; they’re an antidote for toxicity.
2/
It’s important to know what’s going on though.
Gentle walks in empty places are a remedy for being triggered by injustice, bullying, and abuse; they’re an antidote for toxicity.
2/
March 1, 2025 at 9:11 AM
I need to keep stress levels low to avoid exacerbating auto immune disease so I’ve considered not following the news.
It’s important to know what’s going on though.
Gentle walks in empty places are a remedy for being triggered by injustice, bullying, and abuse; they’re an antidote for toxicity.
2/
It’s important to know what’s going on though.
Gentle walks in empty places are a remedy for being triggered by injustice, bullying, and abuse; they’re an antidote for toxicity.
2/
What I’m processing personally due to health issues pales into insignificance compared with what is going on in the wider world.
Rewatching video clips from yesterday’s gentle beach walk to offset the horror of what is unfolding globally.
#SlavaUkraini
1/
Rewatching video clips from yesterday’s gentle beach walk to offset the horror of what is unfolding globally.
#SlavaUkraini
1/
March 1, 2025 at 8:57 AM
What I’m processing personally due to health issues pales into insignificance compared with what is going on in the wider world.
Rewatching video clips from yesterday’s gentle beach walk to offset the horror of what is unfolding globally.
#SlavaUkraini
1/
Rewatching video clips from yesterday’s gentle beach walk to offset the horror of what is unfolding globally.
#SlavaUkraini
1/
This year’s pre retirement celebrations will be low key.
I’m enjoying simple things like a beach walk and two willing dogs to haul me back up the dunes.
I’m not really the retiring kind, so once my health improves I’ll throw myself back into #AutRes and activism.
It’s a relay race, a team effort.
9/
I’m enjoying simple things like a beach walk and two willing dogs to haul me back up the dunes.
I’m not really the retiring kind, so once my health improves I’ll throw myself back into #AutRes and activism.
It’s a relay race, a team effort.
9/
February 23, 2025 at 9:35 AM
This year’s pre retirement celebrations will be low key.
I’m enjoying simple things like a beach walk and two willing dogs to haul me back up the dunes.
I’m not really the retiring kind, so once my health improves I’ll throw myself back into #AutRes and activism.
It’s a relay race, a team effort.
9/
I’m enjoying simple things like a beach walk and two willing dogs to haul me back up the dunes.
I’m not really the retiring kind, so once my health improves I’ll throw myself back into #AutRes and activism.
It’s a relay race, a team effort.
9/
I became ‘emotionally labile’ to use a technical phrase and experienced a shed load of physical symptoms.
I forgot a couple when I made this image - tinnitus and rosacea.
Hypothyroidism had been creeping up on me for years.
I was stalwart and determined to keep on going, until I couldn’t.
6/
I forgot a couple when I made this image - tinnitus and rosacea.
Hypothyroidism had been creeping up on me for years.
I was stalwart and determined to keep on going, until I couldn’t.
6/
February 12, 2025 at 8:29 AM
I became ‘emotionally labile’ to use a technical phrase and experienced a shed load of physical symptoms.
I forgot a couple when I made this image - tinnitus and rosacea.
Hypothyroidism had been creeping up on me for years.
I was stalwart and determined to keep on going, until I couldn’t.
6/
I forgot a couple when I made this image - tinnitus and rosacea.
Hypothyroidism had been creeping up on me for years.
I was stalwart and determined to keep on going, until I couldn’t.
6/