Dr Kelly Birtwell
@kellybirtwell.bsky.social
Research Fellow, University of Manchester | Chartered Psychologist | Counsellor | Mindfulness Teacher | ND | Interests in Primary Care, health inequalities, mindfulness, neurodiversity | Qualitative and Mixed Methods Research | Views my own
Pinned
Autism Sensitive Mindfulness-Based Programmes
Many autistic individuals choose to practise mindfulness, and there is some evidence that mindfulness-based interventions can support the wellbeing of autistic adults. However, there is no extant guid...
doi.org
📢 📕📖Thrilled to see our chapter on Autism Sensitive Mindfulness-Based Programmes is now out online: doi.org/10.1007/978-.... In The Palgrave Handbook of Third-Wave Psychotherapies. Thanks to chapter reviewers @annmemmott.bsky.social & Max Marnau for their thoughtful & constructive comments. 🙏
Reposted by Dr Kelly Birtwell
Blog inspired by Betsy Selvam: “Art opens up space for healing and a way of reclaiming your own narrative".
https://autisticrealms.com/the-power-of-monotropic-flow-reclaiming-ourselves-through-creative-practice/?utm_source=bluesky&utm_medium=jetpack_social
https://autisticrealms.com/the-power-of-monotropic-flow-reclaiming-ourselves-through-creative-practice/?utm_source=bluesky&utm_medium=jetpack_social
May 22, 2025 at 10:09 AM
Blog inspired by Betsy Selvam: “Art opens up space for healing and a way of reclaiming your own narrative".
https://autisticrealms.com/the-power-of-monotropic-flow-reclaiming-ourselves-through-creative-practice/?utm_source=bluesky&utm_medium=jetpack_social
https://autisticrealms.com/the-power-of-monotropic-flow-reclaiming-ourselves-through-creative-practice/?utm_source=bluesky&utm_medium=jetpack_social
Reposted by Dr Kelly Birtwell
We complain about inequalities and systemic harms, but then default to suggesting some of our workforce should still participate. Nobody should be taking on additional, unpaid, extractive labour or shamed if they refuse. The publishing model sadly upholds this so perhaps all of us should resist?
November 24, 2025 at 4:27 PM
We complain about inequalities and systemic harms, but then default to suggesting some of our workforce should still participate. Nobody should be taking on additional, unpaid, extractive labour or shamed if they refuse. The publishing model sadly upholds this so perhaps all of us should resist?
Reposted by Dr Kelly Birtwell
In this piece (www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home...), Wes Streeting made two claims.
The first is that he did what the expert advice dictated.
The first is that he did what the expert advice dictated.
April 11, 2025 at 2:14 PM
In this piece (www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home...), Wes Streeting made two claims.
The first is that he did what the expert advice dictated.
The first is that he did what the expert advice dictated.
Reposted by Dr Kelly Birtwell
I make each of my flower necklaces by casting real flowers in silver incl snowdrop & bluebells.
I also hand-sculpt much-loved bird species to make wearable versions incl wrens & blackbirds
20% off my jewellery atm with code TINYOWL20
Cut off day for🌲orders is Tue 25 Nov: www.etsy.com/uk/shop/silv...
I also hand-sculpt much-loved bird species to make wearable versions incl wrens & blackbirds
20% off my jewellery atm with code TINYOWL20
Cut off day for🌲orders is Tue 25 Nov: www.etsy.com/uk/shop/silv...
November 23, 2025 at 12:03 PM
I make each of my flower necklaces by casting real flowers in silver incl snowdrop & bluebells.
I also hand-sculpt much-loved bird species to make wearable versions incl wrens & blackbirds
20% off my jewellery atm with code TINYOWL20
Cut off day for🌲orders is Tue 25 Nov: www.etsy.com/uk/shop/silv...
I also hand-sculpt much-loved bird species to make wearable versions incl wrens & blackbirds
20% off my jewellery atm with code TINYOWL20
Cut off day for🌲orders is Tue 25 Nov: www.etsy.com/uk/shop/silv...
Reposted by Dr Kelly Birtwell
📢Research opportunity for #autistic adults! We are running an online focus group about autistic adults experiences of #mindfulness, and opinions on the suitability of mindfulness outcome questionnaires. We have a few spots left, please get in touch if interested 🙏
November 19, 2025 at 11:18 AM
📢Research opportunity for #autistic adults! We are running an online focus group about autistic adults experiences of #mindfulness, and opinions on the suitability of mindfulness outcome questionnaires. We have a few spots left, please get in touch if interested 🙏
Reposted by Dr Kelly Birtwell
And yet...
"Higher education generated £24bn in export earnings for the UK in 2022-23, far above aircraft manufacturing with £12bn, legal services with £9.5bn and telecoms with £8.8bn."
#HigherEd
www.theguardian.com/education/20...
#HigherEd
www.theguardian.com/education/20...
Less than Greggs? Public have no idea of value of top universities, study finds
Belief that snack chain’s revenues exceed those of Oxford’s one of many misconceptions about UK’s HE sector
www.theguardian.com
November 21, 2025 at 6:29 PM
And yet...
Reposted by Dr Kelly Birtwell
Is it my day off. I have done my weekly therapy. Biggest insight is that part of my utter overwhelm and current burnout relapse is due to Microsoft Office 365 totally destroying the coping mechanisms I’d developed over 15 years to cope with undiagnosed ADHD
November 21, 2025 at 1:57 PM
Is it my day off. I have done my weekly therapy. Biggest insight is that part of my utter overwhelm and current burnout relapse is due to Microsoft Office 365 totally destroying the coping mechanisms I’d developed over 15 years to cope with undiagnosed ADHD
Reposted by Dr Kelly Birtwell
"And I guess that’s why I hate AI in the classroom as much as I do. Students are afraid to fail, and AI presents itself as a savior. But what we learn from history is that progress requires failure. It requires reflection."
I Set A Trap To Catch My Students Cheating With AI. The Results Were Shocking.
"Students are not just undermining their ability to learn, but to someday lead."
www.huffpost.com
November 21, 2025 at 10:31 AM
"And I guess that’s why I hate AI in the classroom as much as I do. Students are afraid to fail, and AI presents itself as a savior. But what we learn from history is that progress requires failure. It requires reflection."
Reposted by Dr Kelly Birtwell
By same logic
Unicorns cause autism as studies have not ruled out the possibility that unicorns cause autism. 🦄
Unicorns cause autism as studies have not ruled out the possibility that unicorns cause autism. 🦄
This is completely disgusting. Today, the CDC updated their vaccine safety page. It now says:
“The claim "vaccines do not cause autism" is not an evidence-based claim because studies have not ruled out the possibility that infant vaccines cause autism”.
“The claim "vaccines do not cause autism" is not an evidence-based claim because studies have not ruled out the possibility that infant vaccines cause autism”.
November 20, 2025 at 8:34 PM
By same logic
Unicorns cause autism as studies have not ruled out the possibility that unicorns cause autism. 🦄
Unicorns cause autism as studies have not ruled out the possibility that unicorns cause autism. 🦄
Reposted by Dr Kelly Birtwell
Looking forward to joining @autisticparentsuk.bsky.social with @tanyaadkin.bsky.social next week.
Q&A about all things Autistic/ Monotropism/ Parenting related!
Join us on Autistic Parents UK Facebook Page :)
Q&A about all things Autistic/ Monotropism/ Parenting related!
Join us on Autistic Parents UK Facebook Page :)
💻Live Q&A - Monotropism and Autistic Parenting
Helen Edgar will be joining Tanya Adkin live on our public Facebook page for a Q&A session on the topic of Monotropism and Autistic Parenting.
🗓️Tuesday 25th November at 7pm.
fb.me/e/88MNXwHwA
Helen Edgar will be joining Tanya Adkin live on our public Facebook page for a Q&A session on the topic of Monotropism and Autistic Parenting.
🗓️Tuesday 25th November at 7pm.
fb.me/e/88MNXwHwA
November 20, 2025 at 6:48 PM
Looking forward to joining @autisticparentsuk.bsky.social with @tanyaadkin.bsky.social next week.
Q&A about all things Autistic/ Monotropism/ Parenting related!
Join us on Autistic Parents UK Facebook Page :)
Q&A about all things Autistic/ Monotropism/ Parenting related!
Join us on Autistic Parents UK Facebook Page :)
⬇️⬇️ New study opportunity 📢 We are inviting autistic adults (diagnosed or self-identifying) based in the UK to take part in a focus group to give feedback on resources designed to increase access to dance. To find out more 📧: [email protected]
November 20, 2025 at 1:40 PM
⬇️⬇️ New study opportunity 📢 We are inviting autistic adults (diagnosed or self-identifying) based in the UK to take part in a focus group to give feedback on resources designed to increase access to dance. To find out more 📧: [email protected]
📢Research opportunity for #autistic adults! We are running an online focus group about autistic adults experiences of #mindfulness, and opinions on the suitability of mindfulness outcome questionnaires. We have a few spots left, please get in touch if interested 🙏
November 19, 2025 at 11:18 AM
📢Research opportunity for #autistic adults! We are running an online focus group about autistic adults experiences of #mindfulness, and opinions on the suitability of mindfulness outcome questionnaires. We have a few spots left, please get in touch if interested 🙏
Reposted by Dr Kelly Birtwell
Because the law is an expensive tool to use; because this means it is mostly rich people who get to use it; because rich people are usually men; the law has become a tool of the patriarchy, one which men use to impose their will on women.
In situations where the law tries to decide this for you, I hope there are people like @goodlawproject.bsky.social willing to stand up for your rights to not be property.
November 19, 2025 at 10:53 AM
Because the law is an expensive tool to use; because this means it is mostly rich people who get to use it; because rich people are usually men; the law has become a tool of the patriarchy, one which men use to impose their will on women.
Reposted by Dr Kelly Birtwell
"The theory of monotropism frames the difference in cognitive functioning between autistic and non-autistic people in a value-neutral way. However, the broader autism literature has traditionally described focused interests in a negative light"
@aimeespeaks.bsky.social & Sarah Dantas, Neurodiversity
@aimeespeaks.bsky.social & Sarah Dantas, Neurodiversity
Focused Interests, Motivation, and Museum/Gallery Attendance – A Mixed-Methods Survey Exploring Autistic Adults’ Experiences and Wellbeing Outcomes - Sarah Dantas, Aimee Fletcher, 2025
Focused interests are characterised by high attention and focus, and are commonly experienced by autistic people. While some research frames these interests as ...
journals.sagepub.com
November 16, 2025 at 1:09 PM
"The theory of monotropism frames the difference in cognitive functioning between autistic and non-autistic people in a value-neutral way. However, the broader autism literature has traditionally described focused interests in a negative light"
@aimeespeaks.bsky.social & Sarah Dantas, Neurodiversity
@aimeespeaks.bsky.social & Sarah Dantas, Neurodiversity
Reposted by Dr Kelly Birtwell
New #CRAEwebinar
Last week Jada Brown shared her work on 'Understanding the embodied experiences of Black, autistic university students in the UK.' It was a brilliant webinar.
And it's now up on YouTube.
Last week Jada Brown shared her work on 'Understanding the embodied experiences of Black, autistic university students in the UK.' It was a brilliant webinar.
And it's now up on YouTube.
Understanding the experiences of Black, autistic university students with Jada Brown (6-Nov-25)
Jada Brown shares her work on 'Understanding the embodied experiences of Black, autistic university students in the UK.'
youtu.be
November 15, 2025 at 6:18 PM
New #CRAEwebinar
Last week Jada Brown shared her work on 'Understanding the embodied experiences of Black, autistic university students in the UK.' It was a brilliant webinar.
And it's now up on YouTube.
Last week Jada Brown shared her work on 'Understanding the embodied experiences of Black, autistic university students in the UK.' It was a brilliant webinar.
And it's now up on YouTube.
Reposted by Dr Kelly Birtwell
I came to this country as a child refugee. No English, no certainty, no idea what my life could become. Britain gave me refuge.
Not on a timer, not with conditions attached, but with a chance to grow roots.
A thread 🧵 1/8
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Not on a timer, not with conditions attached, but with a chance to grow roots.
A thread 🧵 1/8
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
UK set to limit refugees to temporary stays
Shabana Mahmood is expected to say the era of permanent protection for refugees is over, in major changes to the UK's asylum and immigration system.
www.bbc.co.uk
November 15, 2025 at 10:29 AM
I came to this country as a child refugee. No English, no certainty, no idea what my life could become. Britain gave me refuge.
Not on a timer, not with conditions attached, but with a chance to grow roots.
A thread 🧵 1/8
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Not on a timer, not with conditions attached, but with a chance to grow roots.
A thread 🧵 1/8
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Reposted by Dr Kelly Birtwell
Honouring the life and work of Alice Wong.
Her reminder that “community is magic, power, and resistance” must continue to guide & inspire disability justice movements.
May her memory be a revolution.
In solidarity with @stimpunks.org and our wider disabled community.
|
Her reminder that “community is magic, power, and resistance” must continue to guide & inspire disability justice movements.
May her memory be a revolution.
In solidarity with @stimpunks.org and our wider disabled community.
|
November 15, 2025 at 6:35 PM
Honouring the life and work of Alice Wong.
Her reminder that “community is magic, power, and resistance” must continue to guide & inspire disability justice movements.
May her memory be a revolution.
In solidarity with @stimpunks.org and our wider disabled community.
|
Her reminder that “community is magic, power, and resistance” must continue to guide & inspire disability justice movements.
May her memory be a revolution.
In solidarity with @stimpunks.org and our wider disabled community.
|
Reposted by Dr Kelly Birtwell
Alice Wong was one of the most effective people challenging the Whiteness of disability communities and its many flaws, but who believed fiercely in us as a community, in disabled people as oracles.
Alice brought so much to so many of us, it’s hard to measure the kind of gratitude I have for that.
Alice brought so much to so many of us, it’s hard to measure the kind of gratitude I have for that.
November 15, 2025 at 1:34 PM
Alice Wong was one of the most effective people challenging the Whiteness of disability communities and its many flaws, but who believed fiercely in us as a community, in disabled people as oracles.
Alice brought so much to so many of us, it’s hard to measure the kind of gratitude I have for that.
Alice brought so much to so many of us, it’s hard to measure the kind of gratitude I have for that.
Reposted by Dr Kelly Birtwell
I am gutted to learn of @sfdirewolf.bsky.social (Alice Wong’s) passing. She was always a warm friend, a wonderful spirit, and someone who fostered my own growth. She helped me see that, as a #disabled person with chronic illness, I matter—I am whole. I’ll be posting some of Alice’s work. ❤️ forever
November 15, 2025 at 11:37 AM
I am gutted to learn of @sfdirewolf.bsky.social (Alice Wong’s) passing. She was always a warm friend, a wonderful spirit, and someone who fostered my own growth. She helped me see that, as a #disabled person with chronic illness, I matter—I am whole. I’ll be posting some of Alice’s work. ❤️ forever
This ⬇️ Brilliant exploration of what it's like to be neurodivergent in academia. This should be a must-listen for ANYONE in academia - incredibly useful for those who are not ND, and will likely resonate for those of us who are. Great podcast, must now get the book... 📕📖
After some slight delay & chaos (it happens to us too!), my interview with Lee Skallerup Bessette is now available! We had a great conversation about her recent co-edited book, the attraction of HE for neurodivergent folk, and how it can become a trap. Listen now: www.buzzsprout.com/2410711/epis...
November 15, 2025 at 1:49 PM
This ⬇️ Brilliant exploration of what it's like to be neurodivergent in academia. This should be a must-listen for ANYONE in academia - incredibly useful for those who are not ND, and will likely resonate for those of us who are. Great podcast, must now get the book... 📕📖
Reposted by Dr Kelly Birtwell
Attempts at fixing gender equality at leadership level all tell us to adopt behaviours largely exhibited by men to ‘get there’: be more assertive& ambitious, less humble, sensitive & reflective etc. They don’t tell men to adopt any of our dominant behaviours. This messaging is in itself patriarchal.
November 15, 2025 at 1:00 PM
Attempts at fixing gender equality at leadership level all tell us to adopt behaviours largely exhibited by men to ‘get there’: be more assertive& ambitious, less humble, sensitive & reflective etc. They don’t tell men to adopt any of our dominant behaviours. This messaging is in itself patriarchal.
Reposted by Dr Kelly Birtwell
📢 📕📖Thrilled to see our chapter on Autism Sensitive Mindfulness-Based Programmes is now out online: doi.org/10.1007/978-.... In The Palgrave Handbook of Third-Wave Psychotherapies. Thanks to chapter reviewers @annmemmott.bsky.social & Max Marnau for their thoughtful & constructive comments. 🙏
Autism Sensitive Mindfulness-Based Programmes
Many autistic individuals choose to practise mindfulness, and there is some evidence that mindfulness-based interventions can support the wellbeing of autistic adults. However, there is no extant guid...
doi.org
November 14, 2025 at 11:47 AM
📢 📕📖Thrilled to see our chapter on Autism Sensitive Mindfulness-Based Programmes is now out online: doi.org/10.1007/978-.... In The Palgrave Handbook of Third-Wave Psychotherapies. Thanks to chapter reviewers @annmemmott.bsky.social & Max Marnau for their thoughtful & constructive comments. 🙏
Reposted by Dr Kelly Birtwell
When it was revealed during the pandemic that autistic individuals were having DNR orders put on file I broke entirely.
That it is still going on for some is terrifying.
Disabled people's lives are not disposable or worth "less" than someone else.
www.itv.com/news/2025-11...
That it is still going on for some is terrifying.
Disabled people's lives are not disposable or worth "less" than someone else.
www.itv.com/news/2025-11...
www.itv.com
November 15, 2025 at 8:39 AM
When it was revealed during the pandemic that autistic individuals were having DNR orders put on file I broke entirely.
That it is still going on for some is terrifying.
Disabled people's lives are not disposable or worth "less" than someone else.
www.itv.com/news/2025-11...
That it is still going on for some is terrifying.
Disabled people's lives are not disposable or worth "less" than someone else.
www.itv.com/news/2025-11...
Reposted by Dr Kelly Birtwell
From the past. A look back to on this day 12th November with our farmily of farm animals & friends
November 12, 2025 at 6:54 AM
From the past. A look back to on this day 12th November with our farmily of farm animals & friends