Kathy Szechy MSW PhD
@kszechy.bsky.social
Assistant Prof University of Windsor. Lover of tea, research, teaching and social work clinical practice
Reposted by Kathy Szechy MSW PhD
Look it's really important that we do, but it breaks my heart that I had to spell out that autism isn't an epidemic, and that it's a horrific statement for anyone but particularly people with such power to make.
September 23, 2025 at 10:12 AM
Look it's really important that we do, but it breaks my heart that I had to spell out that autism isn't an epidemic, and that it's a horrific statement for anyone but particularly people with such power to make.
Reposted by Kathy Szechy MSW PhD
We don’t become “more resilient” by ignoring needs.
We become resilient when needs are met.
When boundaries are respected.
When safety is built into the environment.
Resilience is not an individual trait.
It is a collective responsibility.
We become resilient when needs are met.
When boundaries are respected.
When safety is built into the environment.
Resilience is not an individual trait.
It is a collective responsibility.
September 23, 2025 at 6:46 PM
We don’t become “more resilient” by ignoring needs.
We become resilient when needs are met.
When boundaries are respected.
When safety is built into the environment.
Resilience is not an individual trait.
It is a collective responsibility.
We become resilient when needs are met.
When boundaries are respected.
When safety is built into the environment.
Resilience is not an individual trait.
It is a collective responsibility.
Reposted by Kathy Szechy MSW PhD
When media and policy push narratives that portray autism as a burden or a danger, Black autistic people pay a high price. We already live at the intersection of racism & ableism. These narratives increase violence, misdiagnosis, and invisibility.
September 23, 2025 at 11:50 AM
When media and policy push narratives that portray autism as a burden or a danger, Black autistic people pay a high price. We already live at the intersection of racism & ableism. These narratives increase violence, misdiagnosis, and invisibility.
Reposted by Kathy Szechy MSW PhD
Fear-based narratives around autism don't protect autistic people they dehumanize us. When autism is framed as a tragedy, we are treated like tragedies. That hurts. It isolates. It kills. We need understanding, not fear.
September 23, 2025 at 6:21 PM
Fear-based narratives around autism don't protect autistic people they dehumanize us. When autism is framed as a tragedy, we are treated like tragedies. That hurts. It isolates. It kills. We need understanding, not fear.
Reposted by Kathy Szechy MSW PhD
I don’t always reply right away.
Sometimes I need time.
To process.
To translate feelings into words.
To unmask enough to be honest.
That doesn’t mean I don’t care.
It means I care enough to answer when I can actually be real.
Autistic communication isn’t broken.
It’s just not on your schedule.
Sometimes I need time.
To process.
To translate feelings into words.
To unmask enough to be honest.
That doesn’t mean I don’t care.
It means I care enough to answer when I can actually be real.
Autistic communication isn’t broken.
It’s just not on your schedule.
August 2, 2025 at 10:37 AM
I don’t always reply right away.
Sometimes I need time.
To process.
To translate feelings into words.
To unmask enough to be honest.
That doesn’t mean I don’t care.
It means I care enough to answer when I can actually be real.
Autistic communication isn’t broken.
It’s just not on your schedule.
Sometimes I need time.
To process.
To translate feelings into words.
To unmask enough to be honest.
That doesn’t mean I don’t care.
It means I care enough to answer when I can actually be real.
Autistic communication isn’t broken.
It’s just not on your schedule.
Reposted by Kathy Szechy MSW PhD
Curious about how autism intervention researchers define and measure "problem behavior"? We examined 102 intervention studies with young autistic children and found that only 1/3 of studies give a reason for targeting the behavior they aim to reduce, 1/4
acamh.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/...
acamh.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/...
<em>Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry</em> | ACAMH Pediatric Journal | Wiley Online Library
Background Some autistic children exhibit behavior that caregivers, clinicians, and researchers consider problematic. However, there is little consensus about the types of behaviors that should be t...
acamh.onlinelibrary.wiley.com
June 2, 2025 at 12:44 PM
Curious about how autism intervention researchers define and measure "problem behavior"? We examined 102 intervention studies with young autistic children and found that only 1/3 of studies give a reason for targeting the behavior they aim to reduce, 1/4
acamh.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/...
acamh.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/...
Reposted by Kathy Szechy MSW PhD
Learn more about the ground breaking #AutRes work our SPARK colleague Prof Amina Abubakar does in Kenya here: www.thetransmitter.org/spectrum/ami...
Amina Abubakar translates autism research and care for Kenya
First an educator and now an internationally recognized researcher, the Kenyan psychologist is changing autism science and services in sub-Saharan Africa.
www.thetransmitter.org
June 2, 2025 at 9:44 AM
Learn more about the ground breaking #AutRes work our SPARK colleague Prof Amina Abubakar does in Kenya here: www.thetransmitter.org/spectrum/ami...
Thank you @autisminadulthood.bsky.social for this pub! Results: Autism knowledge was significantly associated with perceptions of #autistic employee competence and attitudes towards #workplace social inclusion. Findings support participatory autism workplace education.
tinyurl.com/4smufzam
tinyurl.com/4smufzam
Autism Knowledge Matters: Perceptions of an Autistic Employee’s Competency and Attitudes Toward Workplace Social Inclusion | Autism in Adulthood
Background: Autistic adults continue to have significant challenges obtaining and sustaining employment in a majority non-autistic world. Autistic adult employment challenges are often linked to diffe...
tinyurl.com
May 31, 2025 at 1:40 PM
Thank you @autisminadulthood.bsky.social for this pub! Results: Autism knowledge was significantly associated with perceptions of #autistic employee competence and attitudes towards #workplace social inclusion. Findings support participatory autism workplace education.
tinyurl.com/4smufzam
tinyurl.com/4smufzam
Reposted by Kathy Szechy MSW PhD
Autism researchers in the U.S., remember there are funding options beyond the U.S. government or autism organizations many neurodiversity advocates critique: Organization for Autism Research, disciplinary funding bodies, global funders, and collaborating with international colleagues among them.
May 30, 2025 at 11:33 AM
Autism researchers in the U.S., remember there are funding options beyond the U.S. government or autism organizations many neurodiversity advocates critique: Organization for Autism Research, disciplinary funding bodies, global funders, and collaborating with international colleagues among them.
Reposted by Kathy Szechy MSW PhD
🧠✨ How do neurodivergent young people manage emotional distress—on their own terms?
We have a new paper completed.
(artwork from one of the ND youth who got involved)
We have a new paper completed.
(artwork from one of the ND youth who got involved)
May 21, 2025 at 1:07 PM
🧠✨ How do neurodivergent young people manage emotional distress—on their own terms?
We have a new paper completed.
(artwork from one of the ND youth who got involved)
We have a new paper completed.
(artwork from one of the ND youth who got involved)
Reposted by Kathy Szechy MSW PhD
If you research autism, this is for you to read; and inwardly digest.
(And thank you to our team who were there - @autisticcharlie.bsky.social
@zahrablue.bsky.social
Josh & @brianirvine.bsky.social)
(And thank you to our team who were there - @autisticcharlie.bsky.social
@zahrablue.bsky.social
Josh & @brianirvine.bsky.social)
In case you missed it: #AutINSAR is a much-needed discussion between autistic people, autism researchers, family members, and professionals about priorities in autism research. This year it happened during #INSAR2025. Recap at TPGA:
thinkingautismguide.com/2025/05/what... #autism #neurodiversity
thinkingautismguide.com/2025/05/what... #autism #neurodiversity
What Autistic People Want From Autism Research: AutINSAR 2025
AutINSAR is a much-needed discussion between autistic people and autism researchers about priorities in autism research.
thinkingautismguide.com
May 26, 2025 at 6:05 AM
If you research autism, this is for you to read; and inwardly digest.
(And thank you to our team who were there - @autisticcharlie.bsky.social
@zahrablue.bsky.social
Josh & @brianirvine.bsky.social)
(And thank you to our team who were there - @autisticcharlie.bsky.social
@zahrablue.bsky.social
Josh & @brianirvine.bsky.social)
Reposted by Kathy Szechy MSW PhD
A Statement from @allianceautism.bsky.social to share massively.
Because facts matter and they point to a simple truth: « nearly everyone in Canada knows or loves someone who is autistic. » 💙
autismalliance.ca/addressing-r...
Because facts matter and they point to a simple truth: « nearly everyone in Canada knows or loves someone who is autistic. » 💙
autismalliance.ca/addressing-r...
May 3, 2025 at 5:38 PM
A Statement from @allianceautism.bsky.social to share massively.
Because facts matter and they point to a simple truth: « nearly everyone in Canada knows or loves someone who is autistic. » 💙
autismalliance.ca/addressing-r...
Because facts matter and they point to a simple truth: « nearly everyone in Canada knows or loves someone who is autistic. » 💙
autismalliance.ca/addressing-r...
Reposted by Kathy Szechy MSW PhD
Dr. Deepa Singal, Scientific Director at @allianceautism.bsky.social, shares insights about the ongoing autism prevalence conversation: why we actually need autism data and how we need to use it to make a real change in the lives of Autistic people.
autismalliance.ca/autism-data-...
autismalliance.ca/autism-data-...
May 6, 2025 at 9:25 PM
Dr. Deepa Singal, Scientific Director at @allianceautism.bsky.social, shares insights about the ongoing autism prevalence conversation: why we actually need autism data and how we need to use it to make a real change in the lives of Autistic people.
autismalliance.ca/autism-data-...
autismalliance.ca/autism-data-...
Reposted by Kathy Szechy MSW PhD
Our new study: as ppl identified more strongly w/ neurodivergent movement, rated terms more/less appropriate:
+ neuro-(diverse, divergent, minority, type)
- condition, deficit, disorder, illness, syndrome
- developmental (non-aut only)
*+ disability (aut only)*
www.liebertpub.com/doi/10.1089/...
+ neuro-(diverse, divergent, minority, type)
- condition, deficit, disorder, illness, syndrome
- developmental (non-aut only)
*+ disability (aut only)*
www.liebertpub.com/doi/10.1089/...
Neurodiversity movement identification and perceived appropriateness of terms used to describe autism
researchportal.port.ac.uk
May 7, 2025 at 1:26 PM
Our new study: as ppl identified more strongly w/ neurodivergent movement, rated terms more/less appropriate:
+ neuro-(diverse, divergent, minority, type)
- condition, deficit, disorder, illness, syndrome
- developmental (non-aut only)
*+ disability (aut only)*
www.liebertpub.com/doi/10.1089/...
+ neuro-(diverse, divergent, minority, type)
- condition, deficit, disorder, illness, syndrome
- developmental (non-aut only)
*+ disability (aut only)*
www.liebertpub.com/doi/10.1089/...
Reposted by Kathy Szechy MSW PhD
A shoutout to the gender diversity panel at #INSAR2025 who attended despite safety concerns about international travel for transgender+ people. We at the Autism Community Issues and Experiences were impressed by your submission and are happy you delivered a strong panel on important autism research.
May 4, 2025 at 2:57 AM
A shoutout to the gender diversity panel at #INSAR2025 who attended despite safety concerns about international travel for transgender+ people. We at the Autism Community Issues and Experiences were impressed by your submission and are happy you delivered a strong panel on important autism research.
Enjoying #INSAR2025 while happy to say our new paper on disability disclosure dilemmas of disabled higher education students is now out!
www.tandfonline.com/eprint/WZABN...
www.tandfonline.com/eprint/WZABN...
“Rooted in ableism:” an embedded mixed methods study of disability disclosure on a university campus
Disabled higher education students are more likely to experience academic failure and lower rates of graduation. Disability disclosure is often required to receive supports associated with academic...
www.tandfonline.com
May 2, 2025 at 3:10 PM
Enjoying #INSAR2025 while happy to say our new paper on disability disclosure dilemmas of disabled higher education students is now out!
www.tandfonline.com/eprint/WZABN...
www.tandfonline.com/eprint/WZABN...
Reposted by Kathy Szechy MSW PhD
Our PEACES team on #autistic college student success is presenting at #INSAR2025 in Seattle later this week. Come join us to learn about research on autistic student experiences, dealing with fraudulent respondents, and more! #INSAR
April 29, 2025 at 2:49 PM
Our PEACES team on #autistic college student success is presenting at #INSAR2025 in Seattle later this week. Come join us to learn about research on autistic student experiences, dealing with fraudulent respondents, and more! #INSAR
Excited to finally be attending #INSAR2025!! (could not attend 2024 or 2023 😞)
I'll be presenting my poster "Participatory Autism Knowledge Matters: Perceptions of an Autistic Employee’s Competency and Attitudes Towards Workplace Social Inclusion"
Come say "Hi" if you are there 😀
I'll be presenting my poster "Participatory Autism Knowledge Matters: Perceptions of an Autistic Employee’s Competency and Attitudes Towards Workplace Social Inclusion"
Come say "Hi" if you are there 😀
April 28, 2025 at 11:03 AM
Excited to finally be attending #INSAR2025!! (could not attend 2024 or 2023 😞)
I'll be presenting my poster "Participatory Autism Knowledge Matters: Perceptions of an Autistic Employee’s Competency and Attitudes Towards Workplace Social Inclusion"
Come say "Hi" if you are there 😀
I'll be presenting my poster "Participatory Autism Knowledge Matters: Perceptions of an Autistic Employee’s Competency and Attitudes Towards Workplace Social Inclusion"
Come say "Hi" if you are there 😀
Reposted by Kathy Szechy MSW PhD
When autism researchers from all sorts of disciplines, paradigms, methodologies, politics, and worldviews agree, you know the threats to science and to autistic people have gotten way outside the bounderies of typical scientific debate.
www.eurekalert.org/news-release...
www.eurekalert.org/news-release...
Coalition of Autism Scientists critiques US Department of Health and Human Services Autism Research Initiative
The newly formed Coalition of Autism Scientists (160 members and counting) today issued a statement in response to remarks and actions taken by Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., Secretary of the U.S. Department...
www.eurekalert.org
April 26, 2025 at 5:37 PM
When autism researchers from all sorts of disciplines, paradigms, methodologies, politics, and worldviews agree, you know the threats to science and to autistic people have gotten way outside the bounderies of typical scientific debate.
www.eurekalert.org/news-release...
www.eurekalert.org/news-release...
Reposted by Kathy Szechy MSW PhD
NEW!! SPECIAL ISSUE ON POST-SECONDARY EDUCATION: in this foreword, David B Nicolas & Brett Ranon Nachman ‘convey an ethic and urgency to move from an ableist orientation to a dynamic of honoring and valuing neurodiversity’
NEW, FREE to 21 Apr:
www.liebertpub.com/doi/10.1089/...
NEW, FREE to 21 Apr:
www.liebertpub.com/doi/10.1089/...
April 14, 2025 at 7:59 AM
NEW!! SPECIAL ISSUE ON POST-SECONDARY EDUCATION: in this foreword, David B Nicolas & Brett Ranon Nachman ‘convey an ethic and urgency to move from an ableist orientation to a dynamic of honoring and valuing neurodiversity’
NEW, FREE to 21 Apr:
www.liebertpub.com/doi/10.1089/...
NEW, FREE to 21 Apr:
www.liebertpub.com/doi/10.1089/...
Reposted by Kathy Szechy MSW PhD
If you want your autistic child and your family to have the best possible lives, try to avoid autism grievance parents. Instead, seek autistic advice, including from parents who are autistic themselves or non-autistic parents who treat their autistic kids with love and respect. /38
April 13, 2025 at 6:31 PM
If you want your autistic child and your family to have the best possible lives, try to avoid autism grievance parents. Instead, seek autistic advice, including from parents who are autistic themselves or non-autistic parents who treat their autistic kids with love and respect. /38
Reposted by Kathy Szechy MSW PhD
New article out on @theconversation.com on why many Autistic adults don't like puzzle pieces symbols being used to represent us:
theconversation.com/why-the-auti...
#Autism #ActuallyAutistic
theconversation.com/why-the-auti...
#Autism #ActuallyAutistic
Why the autism jigsaw puzzle piece is such a problematic symbol
To many autistic people, the puzzle piece represents stigma, exclusion and a harmful push to make them conform.
theconversation.com
April 10, 2025 at 5:12 PM
New article out on @theconversation.com on why many Autistic adults don't like puzzle pieces symbols being used to represent us:
theconversation.com/why-the-auti...
#Autism #ActuallyAutistic
theconversation.com/why-the-auti...
#Autism #ActuallyAutistic
The United Nations Human Rights Office of the High Commissioner is sounding the alarm on human rights violations in the U.S.
www.ohchr.org/en/press-rel...
www.ohchr.org/en/press-rel...
The new US administration must recommit to human rights at home and abroad: UN experts
GENEVA – UN human rights experts* today expressed concerns about the new US administration’s recent actions that undermine human rights and fundamental freedoms at both domestic and international leve...
www.ohchr.org
March 28, 2025 at 3:44 PM
The United Nations Human Rights Office of the High Commissioner is sounding the alarm on human rights violations in the U.S.
www.ohchr.org/en/press-rel...
www.ohchr.org/en/press-rel...
Reposted by Kathy Szechy MSW PhD
This is cool - in groups of 4, autistic people have less rapport as the number of other autistic people declines, while non-autistic people are less affected by group composition
Project by @sarah-foster.bsky.social supervised by @noahsasson.bsky.social on a grant led by @cjcrompton.bsky.social
Project by @sarah-foster.bsky.social supervised by @noahsasson.bsky.social on a grant led by @cjcrompton.bsky.social
Our new paper led by @sarah-foster.bsky.social compares rapport between autistic groups, non-autistic groups, and mixed groups of autistic and non-autistic adults during a building activity. We found that the all-autistic groups… journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/...
Sage Journals: Discover world-class research
Subscription and open access journals from Sage, the world's leading independent academic publisher.
journals.sagepub.com
February 25, 2025 at 12:21 PM
This is cool - in groups of 4, autistic people have less rapport as the number of other autistic people declines, while non-autistic people are less affected by group composition
Project by @sarah-foster.bsky.social supervised by @noahsasson.bsky.social on a grant led by @cjcrompton.bsky.social
Project by @sarah-foster.bsky.social supervised by @noahsasson.bsky.social on a grant led by @cjcrompton.bsky.social