MSc Psychology and Learning Disability
@uoppald.bsky.social
Two-year part-time online MSc course in Psychology and Learning Disability at the University of Portsmouth - core subjects, research methods, thesis! #LD #autism #ND
Pinned
Psychology and Learning Disability
Learn how to make a positive difference in the lives of people with learning disabilities, as well as their families and supporters, on our MSc Psychology and Learning Disability course. This 2 year, ...
port.ac.uk
Hello, we are a 2-year part-time (can work alongside) online ("live" *options*; costs the same, can study from everywhere) MSc course on learning/intellectual disability, autism, and neurodiversity. Students have own tutor. We are recruiting for September. To learn more: port.ac.uk/study/course...
Reposted by MSc Psychology and Learning Disability
New free @forrt.bsky.social paper co-authored by our own @drstevenkapp.bsky.social, Bridging Neurodiversity and Open Scholarship: How Shared Values Can Guide Best Practices for Research Integrity, Social Justice, and Principled Education.
spssi.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/...
spssi.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/...
spssi.onlinelibrary.wiley.com
October 22, 2025 at 6:38 PM
New free @forrt.bsky.social paper co-authored by our own @drstevenkapp.bsky.social, Bridging Neurodiversity and Open Scholarship: How Shared Values Can Guide Best Practices for Research Integrity, Social Justice, and Principled Education.
spssi.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/...
spssi.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/...
Hi! We are a part-time (can work alongside) online ("live" *options*; costs the same in/outside the UK, can study from everywhere) MSc course on learning/intellectual disability, autism, and neurodiversity. Students have own tutor. We are recruiting for this term:
www.port.ac.uk/study/course...
www.port.ac.uk/study/course...
September 18, 2025 at 7:39 PM
Hi! We are a part-time (can work alongside) online ("live" *options*; costs the same in/outside the UK, can study from everywhere) MSc course on learning/intellectual disability, autism, and neurodiversity. Students have own tutor. We are recruiting for this term:
www.port.ac.uk/study/course...
www.port.ac.uk/study/course...
Thank you Chloe! We understand difficulties with health and disability - hence the unintentional delay in seeing and responding to your message. We hope you are enjoying your well-earned summer break.
June 30, 2025 at 4:55 PM
Thank you Chloe! We understand difficulties with health and disability - hence the unintentional delay in seeing and responding to your message. We hope you are enjoying your well-earned summer break.
Reposted by MSc Psychology and Learning Disability
I have officially finished the first year of my MSc despite chronic illness flare-ups around *practically every deadline*.
For anyone interested in learning disability, autism, & neurodivergence, @uoppald.bsky.social is utterly wonderful with the most supportive tutors - do check the course out!
For anyone interested in learning disability, autism, & neurodivergence, @uoppald.bsky.social is utterly wonderful with the most supportive tutors - do check the course out!
May 31, 2025 at 3:01 PM
I have officially finished the first year of my MSc despite chronic illness flare-ups around *practically every deadline*.
For anyone interested in learning disability, autism, & neurodivergence, @uoppald.bsky.social is utterly wonderful with the most supportive tutors - do check the course out!
For anyone interested in learning disability, autism, & neurodivergence, @uoppald.bsky.social is utterly wonderful with the most supportive tutors - do check the course out!
Reposted by MSc Psychology and Learning Disability
In case you missed it, a presentation by our Director Beatriz López. @drstevenkapp.bsky.social, and @eminegurbuz.bsky.social delivered a good practice research showcase on Creating an inclusive research culture for neurodivergent researchers, as part of the Uni's Research Culture Connect-Fest.
June 30, 2025 at 4:44 PM
In case you missed it, a presentation by our Director Beatriz López. @drstevenkapp.bsky.social, and @eminegurbuz.bsky.social delivered a good practice research showcase on Creating an inclusive research culture for neurodivergent researchers, as part of the Uni's Research Culture Connect-Fest.
Please consider taking part in this quick online study about how people form first impressions in social interaction, using AI avatars, by our student @valrentinaolivieri.bsky.social. The study also presents an opportunity to give feedback about the AI-generated scenarios. To participate, see below.
Please help my student @valrentinaolivieri.bsky.social with her study on first impressions using AI avatars.
✅ 2 short scenarios
📷 Quick questions (~15 mins)
📷18+ with internet and a device
To participate: research.sc/participant/...
Visit this site or scan the QR code on poster
Please reskeet 🙏
✅ 2 short scenarios
📷 Quick questions (~15 mins)
📷18+ with internet and a device
To participate: research.sc/participant/...
Visit this site or scan the QR code on poster
Please reskeet 🙏
May 29, 2025 at 5:16 PM
Please consider taking part in this quick online study about how people form first impressions in social interaction, using AI avatars, by our student @valrentinaolivieri.bsky.social. The study also presents an opportunity to give feedback about the AI-generated scenarios. To participate, see below.
Reposted by MSc Psychology and Learning Disability
Today our own Alessandra Fasulo co-authored presentation on Improving prosocial behaviour in the primary school classroom through a school-based mindfulness programme, & @drstevenkapp.bsky.social presented on paper below on experience of autistic ppl AFAB, at Childhood & Youth Symposium. See thread:
@drstevenkapp.bsky.social presented on behalf of supervisee Bethany Fearon regarding her @uoppald.bsky.social MSc-turned-paper w/ @dramypearson.bsky.social on autistic ppl assigned female at birth's experiences of puberty & adolescence (free copy here): researchportal.port.ac.uk/en/publicati... 1/
Exploring the social and emotional impact of puberty and adolescence on autistic people assigned female at birth
researchportal.port.ac.uk
May 20, 2025 at 5:36 PM
Today our own Alessandra Fasulo co-authored presentation on Improving prosocial behaviour in the primary school classroom through a school-based mindfulness programme, & @drstevenkapp.bsky.social presented on paper below on experience of autistic ppl AFAB, at Childhood & Youth Symposium. See thread:
Accentuated emotional, social harms (eg self-sexualisation, camouflaging, menstruation). Some experienced gender dysphoria. Increased risk of bullying, violence - need for relationship education (eg on grooming). Parents, friends (online, in person) provided support - more research needed. 9/
May 20, 2025 at 5:06 PM
Accentuated emotional, social harms (eg self-sexualisation, camouflaging, menstruation). Some experienced gender dysphoria. Increased risk of bullying, violence - need for relationship education (eg on grooming). Parents, friends (online, in person) provided support - more research needed. 9/
Participants experienced verbal, physical bullying, especially at school. They felt pressured by friends to socially conform. Several described unhealthy romantic, sexual relationships and manipulation, coercion, exploitation (eg grooming by older man who "shared me with his friends": Gabby). 8/
May 20, 2025 at 5:00 PM
Participants experienced verbal, physical bullying, especially at school. They felt pressured by friends to socially conform. Several described unhealthy romantic, sexual relationships and manipulation, coercion, exploitation (eg grooming by older man who "shared me with his friends": Gabby). 8/
Many participants had support from mothers or friends (from hygiene to contraception, flirting) - novel finding that parents actively supported sexual, romantic development (maybe b/c prior to autism diagnosis?). Some lacked support but wish they had "guidance" (Maggie), eg with managing emotions 7/
May 20, 2025 at 4:56 PM
Many participants had support from mothers or friends (from hygiene to contraception, flirting) - novel finding that parents actively supported sexual, romantic development (maybe b/c prior to autism diagnosis?). Some lacked support but wish they had "guidance" (Maggie), eg with managing emotions 7/
Participants struggled to come to terms w/ being different. Later diagnosis or finding similar others helped.
Some coped w/ interest-based activities. Other behaviours harmful, risky - extreme masking, identity confusion; underage drinking, illegal drugs; self-injury: cutting, making self sick. 6/
Some coped w/ interest-based activities. Other behaviours harmful, risky - extreme masking, identity confusion; underage drinking, illegal drugs; self-injury: cutting, making self sick. 6/
May 20, 2025 at 4:53 PM
Participants struggled to come to terms w/ being different. Later diagnosis or finding similar others helped.
Some coped w/ interest-based activities. Other behaviours harmful, risky - extreme masking, identity confusion; underage drinking, illegal drugs; self-injury: cutting, making self sick. 6/
Some coped w/ interest-based activities. Other behaviours harmful, risky - extreme masking, identity confusion; underage drinking, illegal drugs; self-injury: cutting, making self sick. 6/
Puberty often precious or delayed; onset distressing regardless. Body changes were uncomfortable for participants across gender ID (eg Lola "never wanted breasts at all"; "becoming curvier" was "real issue" (Karla); Ruby was being treated like an adult but still felt like & was "legally a child". 5/
May 20, 2025 at 4:49 PM
Puberty often precious or delayed; onset distressing regardless. Body changes were uncomfortable for participants across gender ID (eg Lola "never wanted breasts at all"; "becoming curvier" was "real issue" (Karla); Ruby was being treated like an adult but still felt like & was "legally a child". 5/
Thematic analysis generated 3 themes of puberty, adolescence for autistics AFAB: overwhelming nature of puberty (distressing body changes, sensory impact of adolescence), navigating adolescent world (feeling different, finding ways to cope, finding & receiving support) & victimisation experiences 4/
May 20, 2025 at 4:43 PM
Thematic analysis generated 3 themes of puberty, adolescence for autistics AFAB: overwhelming nature of puberty (distressing body changes, sensory impact of adolescence), navigating adolescent world (feeling different, finding ways to cope, finding & receiving support) & victimisation experiences 4/
17 participants via social media (thank you!) & word of mouth. Adults (ages 19-50) via recall (14 Zoom calls, 3 email). Mostly women (13) but also not comfortable w/ binary (4), White (16), British (13), diagnosed (16, 1 awaiting assessment) in adulthood (12, as young as 9; several recent years). 3/
May 20, 2025 at 4:39 PM
17 participants via social media (thank you!) & word of mouth. Adults (ages 19-50) via recall (14 Zoom calls, 3 email). Mostly women (13) but also not comfortable w/ binary (4), White (16), British (13), diagnosed (16, 1 awaiting assessment) in adulthood (12, as young as 9; several recent years). 3/
No prior study broadly on autistic adolescents' lived experience of puberty. Limited lit suggests emotional, sensory impacts of menstruation. Little lit on sexual & romantic development even though autistic adolescents assigned female at birth often camouflage, high risk of sexual victimisation. 2/
May 20, 2025 at 4:35 PM
No prior study broadly on autistic adolescents' lived experience of puberty. Limited lit suggests emotional, sensory impacts of menstruation. Little lit on sexual & romantic development even though autistic adolescents assigned female at birth often camouflage, high risk of sexual victimisation. 2/
@drstevenkapp.bsky.social presented on behalf of supervisee Bethany Fearon regarding her @uoppald.bsky.social MSc-turned-paper w/ @dramypearson.bsky.social on autistic ppl assigned female at birth's experiences of puberty & adolescence (free copy here): researchportal.port.ac.uk/en/publicati... 1/
Exploring the social and emotional impact of puberty and adolescence on autistic people assigned female at birth
researchportal.port.ac.uk
May 20, 2025 at 4:35 PM
@drstevenkapp.bsky.social presented on behalf of supervisee Bethany Fearon regarding her @uoppald.bsky.social MSc-turned-paper w/ @dramypearson.bsky.social on autistic ppl assigned female at birth's experiences of puberty & adolescence (free copy here): researchportal.port.ac.uk/en/publicati... 1/
Have 15 minutes for a study on interactive AI-generated avatars, to inform understanding of first impressions and social interactions? This is for @valrentinaolivieri.bsky.social's MSc, supervised by @drstevenkapp.bsky.social.
Link (or use the QR code on poster below):
research.sc/participant/...
Link (or use the QR code on poster below):
research.sc/participant/...
May 9, 2025 at 5:18 PM
Have 15 minutes for a study on interactive AI-generated avatars, to inform understanding of first impressions and social interactions? This is for @valrentinaolivieri.bsky.social's MSc, supervised by @drstevenkapp.bsky.social.
Link (or use the QR code on poster below):
research.sc/participant/...
Link (or use the QR code on poster below):
research.sc/participant/...
@drstevenkapp.bsky.social's panel at International Society for Autism Research on Neurodivergence-affirming research practices for autistic people w/ high support needs illustrates relevance of neurodiversity framework for people w/ significant disabilities - an important principle of our MSc course
As an autism community we should be coming together to defend and support the services and supports that allow autistic people to live a life of their choosing
- @drstevenkapp.bsky.social
Thank you Dr. Kapp for your continued leadership and advocacy at #INSAR2025 and beyond
- @drstevenkapp.bsky.social
Thank you Dr. Kapp for your continued leadership and advocacy at #INSAR2025 and beyond
May 4, 2025 at 1:56 AM
@drstevenkapp.bsky.social's panel at International Society for Autism Research on Neurodivergence-affirming research practices for autistic people w/ high support needs illustrates relevance of neurodiversity framework for people w/ significant disabilities - an important principle of our MSc course
Reposted by MSc Psychology and Learning Disability
Following public false claims on autism causation and attacks on science, INSAR has released a statement that people are “born with autism”
www.autism-insar.org/page/insarst.... Autism as innate and lifelong is the focus my new free paper (long thread incoming): www.frontiersin.org/journals/int...
www.autism-insar.org/page/insarst.... Autism as innate and lifelong is the focus my new free paper (long thread incoming): www.frontiersin.org/journals/int...
April 25, 2025 at 12:55 AM
Following public false claims on autism causation and attacks on science, INSAR has released a statement that people are “born with autism”
www.autism-insar.org/page/insarst.... Autism as innate and lifelong is the focus my new free paper (long thread incoming): www.frontiersin.org/journals/int...
www.autism-insar.org/page/insarst.... Autism as innate and lifelong is the focus my new free paper (long thread incoming): www.frontiersin.org/journals/int...
@drstevenkapp.bsky.social has timely new paper (w/ 600+ sources) on autism as a lifelong neurodivergence underpinned by sensory+ differences prior to & if applicable even after meeting criteria. It deconstructs "autistic regression” & challenges outgrowing autism:
www.frontiersin.org/journals/int...
www.frontiersin.org/journals/int...
Frontiers | Sensory–movement underpinnings of lifelong neurodivergence: getting a grip on autism
www.frontiersin.org
April 25, 2025 at 12:45 AM
@drstevenkapp.bsky.social has timely new paper (w/ 600+ sources) on autism as a lifelong neurodivergence underpinned by sensory+ differences prior to & if applicable even after meeting criteria. It deconstructs "autistic regression” & challenges outgrowing autism:
www.frontiersin.org/journals/int...
www.frontiersin.org/journals/int...
New papers on autistic ppl's experiences by our graduates from their @uoppald.bsky.social dissertations are temporarily free. See Beth Fearon's on puberty and adolescence (free this month) www.liebertpub.com/doi/pdf/10.1089/aut.2024.0298 & below thread for @addiebabe.bsky.social's on mental health.
April 22, 2025 at 8:09 PM
New papers on autistic ppl's experiences by our graduates from their @uoppald.bsky.social dissertations are temporarily free. See Beth Fearon's on puberty and adolescence (free this month) www.liebertpub.com/doi/pdf/10.1089/aut.2024.0298 & below thread for @addiebabe.bsky.social's on mental health.
Reposted by MSc Psychology and Learning Disability
Not April Fools: @uopcidd.bsky.social has worked w/ neurodivergent ppl & local partners to co-design profiling tools. 3 temporary research assistant positions to create a website to centralise & disseminate tools+, create & maintain a database to evidence impact of benefit from tools, lead project
3 temporary UK only research assistant positions, for creating & monitoring database, designing & updating website, & project lead, for profiling neurodivergent needs in school, uni & employment. CV & short expression of interest due to @eminegurbuz.bsky.social ([email protected]) by 10 April
April 1, 2025 at 6:12 PM
Not April Fools: @uopcidd.bsky.social has worked w/ neurodivergent ppl & local partners to co-design profiling tools. 3 temporary research assistant positions to create a website to centralise & disseminate tools+, create & maintain a database to evidence impact of benefit from tools, lead project
Edward Fisher is recruiting autistic adults who have been assessed by the ADOS for his @uoppald.bsky.social project, to share experiences and views. The ADOS could have been anytime (even as children) and does not need to have resulted in diagnosis. Participation options include video, audio & email
![Poster reading Volunteers need with a rainbow infinity (neurodiversity) symbol at the top.
Autistic adults needed for research study
Autistic adults' experiences and perspectives on the ADOS autism assessment: A qualitative exploration
Eligibility
- Over 18
- Assessed for autism
- with the ADOS
- Willing to share your perspective and experience of the assessment
What is needed
Fill out a short survey
Followed by an interview
This can take place online via Zoom, Google Meet, or via audio or via email
When
Weekdays & weekends interview options available
[Symbol for location]: Online
University of Portsmouth logo
For more information
Contact Edward Fisher
[email symbol] up2148452@myport.ac.uk
This project is supervised by Dr Steven Kapp from University of Portsmouth](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:4cwedqq4f7opmbaqhl35ed6l/bafkreic6g5hhc2s3i5vgeg4wzajxsp4wrnhv7cvpuf7zvtosgxjbgwvd4m@jpeg)
March 25, 2025 at 6:09 PM
Edward Fisher is recruiting autistic adults who have been assessed by the ADOS for his @uoppald.bsky.social project, to share experiences and views. The ADOS could have been anytime (even as children) and does not need to have resulted in diagnosis. Participation options include video, audio & email
In honour of Neurodiversity Celebration Week, a paper accepted in Neurodiversity co-authored by our Neurodiversity Studies module coordinator
@drstevenkapp.bsky.social on neurodivergent researchers' views on what the neurodiversity movement is and what it should do free here:
oro.open.ac.uk/101508/
@drstevenkapp.bsky.social on neurodivergent researchers' views on what the neurodiversity movement is and what it should do free here:
oro.open.ac.uk/101508/
March 21, 2025 at 10:51 PM
In honour of Neurodiversity Celebration Week, a paper accepted in Neurodiversity co-authored by our Neurodiversity Studies module coordinator
@drstevenkapp.bsky.social on neurodivergent researchers' views on what the neurodiversity movement is and what it should do free here:
oro.open.ac.uk/101508/
@drstevenkapp.bsky.social on neurodivergent researchers' views on what the neurodiversity movement is and what it should do free here:
oro.open.ac.uk/101508/
As we close Neurodiversity Celebration Week, let's observe World Down Syndrome Day 2025 with this short video, NO DECISION WITHOUT US:
youtube.com/watch?v=xRIQ...
#EndtheStereotypes
#NeurodiversityCelebrationWeek #worlddownsyndromeday2025
youtube.com/watch?v=xRIQ...
#EndtheStereotypes
#NeurodiversityCelebrationWeek #worlddownsyndromeday2025
NO DECISION WITHOUT US | World Down Syndrome Day 2025
YouTube video by CoorDown
youtube.com
March 21, 2025 at 10:49 PM
As we close Neurodiversity Celebration Week, let's observe World Down Syndrome Day 2025 with this short video, NO DECISION WITHOUT US:
youtube.com/watch?v=xRIQ...
#EndtheStereotypes
#NeurodiversityCelebrationWeek #worlddownsyndromeday2025
youtube.com/watch?v=xRIQ...
#EndtheStereotypes
#NeurodiversityCelebrationWeek #worlddownsyndromeday2025