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Dr Aimee Fletcher (@aimee_speaks) @aimeespeaks.bsky.social · 2h

You can be a researcher without being attached to an academic institution. You can do meaningful, impactful work without a research grant. Your success and worth is not tied to getting straight into a post doc, research associate or lecture role.

Take time, explore options & look after your mind.

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Dr Aimee Fletcher (@aimee_speaks) @aimeespeaks.bsky.social · 2h

This year has been a whirlwind. I didn't know where I would be this time last year, which was a source of significant stress for various reasons, so I am happy that I am in the position I am in a year on.

I'd say to PhD/ECRs that are anxious about finding work, it's okay to work outside of academia

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Dr Aimee Fletcher (@aimee_speaks) @aimeespeaks.bsky.social · 2h

So, while I am not at a stage where I can continue my research the way I would like to (with the funding to take my findings to the next level by building on them & publishing co-produced guidance), I am able to balance an impact full role I really enjoy with keeping in with research independently.

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Dr Aimee Fletcher (@aimee_speaks) @aimeespeaks.bsky.social · 2h

I am still on the INSAR Autistic Researcher's Committee, I recently joined Autism in Adulthood as one of their Social Media Editors, I've been continuing to support students, speak about my research at events & I've co-authored my first journal article on a project I supported. All in my spare time.

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Dr Aimee Fletcher (@aimee_speaks) @aimeespeaks.bsky.social · 2h

That said, I have had those identity struggles; while I am 100% still a researcher, a title I worked hard for, my day-to-day role is not directly in research. That has been an adjustment, however it does still shape my work & approaches.

I scratch the research itch by keeping up with projects.

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Dr Aimee Fletcher (@aimee_speaks) @aimeespeaks.bsky.social · 2h

I was managing transitions and changes that not only felt but were large. It took time for my mind to adjust to the change, because (while there are similarities) charity organisations are different to academia in pace, type of work & often direct, real-world impact. A shift I have enjoyed.

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Dr Aimee Fletcher (@aimee_speaks) @aimeespeaks.bsky.social · 2h

Nearly 9 months into my role, and now (somehow) a full year since I submitted my thesis, I felt I should update that I'm at a stage of feeling settled in my role.

Adjusting to a different way of working, not being in academia & full-time in a role that involves quite a bit of travel, took time.

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Dr Aimee Fletcher (@aimee_speaks) @aimeespeaks.bsky.social · 3d

Today's Monday Joys ✨️

- Meeting and sharing ideas with others that has inspired new ideas
- Cheering for two friends as they completed a half marathon (then celebrating together)
- Making progress in a project I have been working on
- Hearing good news about an article
- Spending time with family

Aimee and Matt smile with two friends, Fran and Sarah, who are wearing medals after completing a half marathon. We are huddled together in a big grassy park with lots of people in the background and cloudy, overcast sky.

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Dr Aimee Fletcher (@aimee_speaks) @aimeespeaks.bsky.social · 7d

Thank you, it was a really lovely day (or few days, as I was fortunate enough to have a few celebrations)! 😁

Dr Aimee Fletcher (@aimee_speaks) @aimeespeaks.bsky.social · 10d

Today's Monday Joys: Birthday edition! ✨️
- Having most of the last 2 weeks off to spend time with a friend visiting from the US
- Celebrating a milestone birthday with a trip & afternoon tea with important people in my life
- Smiling and creating new special memories
- Feeling appreciated and loved

Aimee smiles and wears a pastel dress with hearts, smiley faces and flowers. She wears a rose gold glitter sash and tiara with 30 on it. Behind her are fairy lights on the ceiling, paintings and 3 0 balloons in pink. She sits at a table set for afternoon tea.

Aimee and a group of friends sit on a sofa together. Aimee is in the centre wearing a headband that said happy birthday and her friends wore party hats. All smile towards the camera.

Aimee and three friends wear sunglasses and smile at a camera in front of Harewood Estate near Leeds.

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Dr Aimee Fletcher (@aimee_speaks) @aimeespeaks.bsky.social · 24d

There were no Monday Joys yesterday, not because there weren't any - but because there were so many over #AECONGRESS2025 that I'm still resting up.

Oh, and my wonderful friend from my masters has also arrived for a visit so we spent time having afternoon tea.

I'm filled with a lot of joy currently

Aimee and her friend Elena sit at a table with afternoon tea cakes on the table. We smile big smiles, reunited after a year apart, and delighted to be in our favourite window seat.

Aimee and the incredible TC Waisman smile big smiles in a photo together in the main hall at Autism Europe. TC wears a floral jacket, blue jeans, white rimmed glasses and brogue heels. Aimee wears a denim jacket, coral dress with love hearts and her 'conference shoes' (black doc marten Mary jane shoes with black bows).

Aimee presenting her research using slides to a very full (overflowing!) Room of people. People are taking pictures of Aimee's slides and sitting on the floor and standing to the side of seats.

A group of happy people who had attended day 1 of Autism Europe are smiling in a traditional Irish pub. The Room is filled with excited chatter, catching up and steak and Guinness pie.

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Dr Aimee Fletcher (@aimee_speaks) @aimeespeaks.bsky.social · 26d

I apparently look and sound Irish, she reminded me frequently throughout the conversation.

It's the first time we spoke just the two of us, and it was a lovely chat.

For everyone I've met who has told me I have an Irish accent, I guess I've been peer-reviewed & your theory confirmed by Agnes.

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Dr Aimee Fletcher (@aimee_speaks) @aimeespeaks.bsky.social · 26d

About to check out from my hotel for #AECONGRESS2025.

Every morning the same Irish lady who has worked there for over 40 years has run the breakfast.

Today was the first time I was the only one there. She came back out the kitchen to say "are you Irish?"

I'm not, but she said she's been convinced

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Dr Aimee Fletcher (@aimee_speaks) @aimeespeaks.bsky.social · 27d

Wenn and Peter ask "how did we do?"

Bloody brilliant, if you ask me. Excellent first keynote of the last day. 🙂

Peter and Wenn stand in front of their slide with the Muppets slide from the start with "How did we do? We appreciate your comment"

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Dr Aimee Fletcher (@aimee_speaks) @aimeespeaks.bsky.social · 27d

"What I don't like about social stories is that they are often about being kind to other people, but not about being kind to yourself" - Peter

This is so important, we need to build autonomy & self-compassion from a young age. It's harder (not impossible) to teach/learn later.

#AECONGRESS2025

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Dr Aimee Fletcher (@aimee_speaks) @aimeespeaks.bsky.social · 27d

"Yes you broke my favourite cup, I am sad, but it's okay. Accidents happen."

Peter highlights the importance of words and responses to moments where things don't necessarily 'go to plan' to help shape self-compassion, not create negativity.

It's about showing kindness to everyone.

#AECONGRESS2025

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Dr Aimee Fletcher (@aimee_speaks) @aimeespeaks.bsky.social · 27d

"We need to make sure that the language, the examples, connect to what a person is interested in to help illustrate the 'accident' we might be talking about that does not connect with the individual's interest & understanding" - Wenn

#AECONGRESS2025

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Dr Aimee Fletcher (@aimee_speaks) @aimeespeaks.bsky.social · 27d

"Mosr self-compassion interventions are for non-autistic people... we need to be creative and reflective to make self-compassion for autistic people who cannot have their needs met with non-adjusted, general interventions."

Peter reflects on how to address inequality in support.

#AECONGRESS2025

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Dr Aimee Fletcher (@aimee_speaks) @aimeespeaks.bsky.social · 27d

"You need a 'yes but' person who helps you to adjust away from the 'yes I did this today but' to then say something negative"

Peter reflects on having people that help you to reflect on what you do & reframe away from thst self-negativity to self-compassion.

#AECONGRESS2025

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Dr Aimee Fletcher (@aimee_speaks) @aimeespeaks.bsky.social · 27d

"It is important that you have an environment that accepts and enables you to be who you are." - Wenn

It is important to have a strengths-focused environment that is about finding ways to do that you need to do in your own way.

An environment where you can model self-compassion.

#AECONGRESS2025

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Dr Aimee Fletcher (@aimee_speaks) @aimeespeaks.bsky.social · 27d

Peter highlights his "Lifehacks" book, which includes recommendations:
- don't compare yourself to others
- find your tribe with other autistic people
- plan activities where you can ve yourself
- engage in interests
- do things your autistic way
- be patient

#AECONGRESS2025

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Dr Aimee Fletcher (@aimee_speaks) @aimeespeaks.bsky.social · 27d

"One of my favourite quotes is 'it doesn't matter if the glass is half empty or half full, as long as you have the bottle!'" - Peter

Brilliant quote, why do we always assume there isn't something to refill the glass?!

#AECONGRESS2025

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Dr Aimee Fletcher (@aimee_speaks) @aimeespeaks.bsky.social · 27d

Surround yourself with self-compassion reminders "What can you do to reassure yourself, it may be having quotes around you, e.g. "it's okay if I can't do this, I might need to do it differently" & "I'm a loveable person"
It's difficult, but those difficult traumas are not your fault

#AECONGRESS2025

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Dr Aimee Fletcher (@aimee_speaks) @aimeespeaks.bsky.social · 27d

How to cultivate self-compassion:
- be our own best friend
- reflect on how the environment can support us; what do we need to be kind to ourselves (e.g. 3 days a week instead of 5, not about "should" but what we need as individuals to stay safe & feel good about yourself

#AECONGRESS2025

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Dr Aimee Fletcher (@aimee_speaks) @aimeespeaks.bsky.social · 27d

Peter shares some of the research of ASPECT (inc. Chris Edwards) on self-compassion:

This was a programme where autistic people were able to help each other, but the issue is that this programme comes from Mindfulness & some of these approaches can be challenging for autistic people
#AECONGRESS2025

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