Lightnews — Scholar-powered news

Re:Spect Lab KCL @respectlabkcl.bsky.social · 8d

The speakers can be found here on Bluesky at @helenafahey.bsky.social and @gavrobstew.bsky.social

We are also looking for more interested speakers for the next year of ARCH talks. Are you an ECR doing interesting research around autism? Stay tuned for how you can get involved...

Re:Spect Lab KCL @respectlabkcl.bsky.social · 8d

📣The ARCH seminar is back!
Join us on October 22nd to hear from Nell Fahey (with introduction from Dr Gavin Stewart) about their work on the social experiences of middle-aged and older autistic adults.
More info on our mailout - sign up and get tickets @ www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/arch-semin...

This is a poster advertising the ARCH (or Autism Research) Seminar Series. This talk takes place on the 22nd of October, 2025, at 2pm on Zoom. The talk is being given by Nell Fahey, who uses she and her pronouns, and is an MSc graduate from King's College London. She is being introduced by Dr Gavin Stewart, who uses he and him pronouns, and is a senior research fellow at King's College London. The talk title is "Exploring the Social Experiences of Autistic Adults in Midlife and Old Age: a co-produced qualitative study". The abstract reads "Being connected to other people and having good access to social support are often linked to a better quality of life as we get older. However, autistic people often experience barriers to being socially connected. Our co-produced study set out to explore the social experiences of middle-aged and older autistic adults, with a particular focus on the types of social connections they would like as they age. We interviewed 33 autistic people in midlife and old age and conducted a reflexive thematic analysis of their responses. Our findings highlighted the varying impact that ageing can have on people’s social experiences and suggest that social motivations and barriers to social interaction may differ for autistic adults in midlife compared with those in old age. In this talk, we will describe our co-production process and highlight these key findings and what they mean for autistic people."

1 3 7

Re:Spect Lab KCL @respectlabkcl.bsky.social · Sep 8

Ellen McAdams, a former lab MSc student, will be speaking in the ageing session on Thursday (11-12pm) about trauma and PTSD in middle-aged and older people.

Dr Madeleine Walpert (DementiaUK), who has teamed up with Gavin, will also be speaking about a co-produced dementia information resource.

1 1

Re:Spect Lab KCL @respectlabkcl.bsky.social · Sep 8

We're looking forward to #AutismEurope later this week!

Our lab co-lead, Dr Gavin Stewart @gavrobstew.bsky.social, will be presenting a poster on Thursday, exploring sleep problems and mental health in middle-aged and older people.

Drop by and say hello!

2 1 5

Reposted by Re:Spect Lab KCL

Dr Gavin R. Stewart @gavrobstew.bsky.social · Sep 1

If you'd like to hear more about our autism work, including lots on ageing and other topics, you can sign-up to the ReSpect Lab's mailing list here: forms.cloud.microsoft/e/ayFfhqc7pd

1 3

Reposted by Re:Spect Lab KCL

Dr Gavin R. Stewart @gavrobstew.bsky.social · Sep 1

We start by raising the issue that autism in midlife and old age are often overlooked. Using data from O'Nions et al. (2023; Lancet), we estimate that 89% of middle-aged autistic people and 96% of older autistic people in the UK are likely undiagnosed.

doi.org/10.1146/annu...

#AutRes

An infographic showing the estimated percentage of males and females in the UK who are likely to be autistic but undiagnosed.

Middle-aged adults (age 40 to 59 years old), who make up 26% of the UK's population have an overall underdiagnosis rate of 89%.

Older adults (age 60 and older), who make up 24% of the UK's population have an overall underdiagnosis rate of 96%

1 2 7

Re:Spect Lab KCL @respectlabkcl.bsky.social · Jul 1

🚨 TODAY! 🚨

Eunhee Kim, a PhD student from Bournemouth University, is presenting her research on health and wellbeing in menopause in autistic and non-autistic people. This is our last talk of the academic year: we hope to see you there!

Tickets can be found at: t.co/K5ZlvIs5YS

This is a poster advertising the Autism Research Seminar Series, or ARCH. The talk takes place on the first of July, 2025, at 2pm on Zoom. The talk speaker is Eunhee Kim, a PhD student from Bournemouth university. The talk title is: Understanding health and wellbeing during menopause: A longitudinal comparison study between autistic and non-autistic people. The abstract is: We examined whether menopause representations (thoughts, beliefs and feelings about menopause) are associated with menopausal symptoms, quality of life and mental health in autistic and non-autistic people over one month. We found that autistic participants consistently showed negative menopause representations, which predicted more severe symptoms (menopausal, depressive, anxiety) and lower quality of life. These outcomes can contribute to improving awareness of menopause in the autistic population and developing autism-specific support for menopause.

2 4

Re:Spect Lab KCL @respectlabkcl.bsky.social · Apr 29

🚨May Talk Announcement!🚨
Join us on May 28th at 2PM to hear Kayleigh Doyle (@kayleighdoyle.bsky.social) discuss her PhD work looking at using the creative arts to teach autistic students.
Tickets are available at eventbrite.co.uk/e/arch-semin...
We hope to see you there!

This is a poster advertising the Autism Research Seminar Series, or ARCH. This talk is called "Creative arts-based pegagogy (CABP) with autistic students: co-producing a manifesto", and is delivered by Kayleigh Doyle, a PhD student at the University of York. The talk will take place on May 28th at 2pm on Zoom. The talk abstract reads: "In this research, I explore how autistic young people and teachers feel about using the creative arts to teach autistic students in mainstream schools, and what they perceive to be barriers and facilitators. In this talk, I will briefly touch upon the findings from two systematic reviews, before discussing the findings from two empirical studies, a teacher questionnaire and student interviews. I will finish by outlining the planned next steps, a co-production workshop with the aim to develop a co-produced "creative arts-based pedagogy manifesto"."

3 5

Re:Spect Lab KCL @respectlabkcl.bsky.social · Mar 26

📢April Talk Announcement 📢

Join us on April 16th to see @lomasresearch.bsky.social discuss his PhD research exploring the usefulness of Theory of Mind in pedagogy.

Tickets can be found here: eventbrite.co.uk/e/arch-semin...

We hope to see you there!

This poster is advertising the Autism Research Seminar Series, or ARCH. The talk will be given by Matthew Lomas, a PhD student at the University of Exeter. The talk will take place on April 16th, 2025, at 2pm
and on Zoom. The talk title reads "How Important is Theory of Mind to Human Pedagogy?". The talk abstract reads "The ecological dominance of humans has been often suggested as being underlined by our capacity for pedagogy (i.e. teaching), but the mechanisms the enable us to transfer knowledge effectively are not well understood. Theory of Mind (ToM, i.e. the capacity to consider the minds of others) has typically been framed as human’s “silver bullet”, however empirical research is lacking and this position is contradicted by accounts of teaching by neuro-divergent people, and studies of non-human teaching. This presentation will discuss research which seeks to evidence questions about the role of ToM in human pedagogy, using experimental designs that aim to contrast and characterise Autistic and non-Autistic approaches to teaching."

4 4

Re:Spect Lab KCL @respectlabkcl.bsky.social · Mar 26

Sadly, due to circumstances beyond our control, this talk will not be going ahead today. Apologies for any inconvenience caused - look out for details of our next talk shortly.

Re:Spect Lab KCL @respectlabkcl.bsky.social · Mar 13

🎙️SPEAKER CHANGE!🎙️
Due to unforeseen circumstances, this month's talk will now be given by
@sophphillips32.bsky.social, and will be on her research on autistic women's experiences of higher education.
Tickets are still available through eventbrite.co.uk/e/arch-semin...
We hope to see you there!

This is a poster advertising the Autism Research Seminar Series, or ARCH. The next talk will be on the 26th of March, 2025, at 14:00 and on zoom. The speaker is Dr Sophie Phillips, a postdoctoral research associate at the University of Sheffield. The title of the talk is "autistic women's experiences of higher education". The abstract is "This talk focuses on research from my PhD considering autistic women's experiences of university alongside my own experiences of postgraduate study as an autistic woman. It explores topics such as conferences and belonging".

3

Re:Spect Lab KCL @respectlabkcl.bsky.social · Mar 13

Fans of memes - fret not!
Whilst Ashlea Cromby's talk on autistic communication through memes has been postponed, it is still on the docket for later this year. Stay tuned!

1

Re:Spect Lab KCL @respectlabkcl.bsky.social · Mar 13

🎙️SPEAKER CHANGE!🎙️
Due to unforeseen circumstances, this month's talk will now be given by
@sophphillips32.bsky.social, and will be on her research on autistic women's experiences of higher education.
Tickets are still available through eventbrite.co.uk/e/arch-semin...
We hope to see you there!

2 3 7

Re:Spect Lab KCL @respectlabkcl.bsky.social · Feb 27

📣New talk announcement 📣
The next ARCH talk will be held at 2pm, March 26th, with Ashlea Cromby talking about her work on autistic communication via memes!
Tickets can be found @ t.co/K5ZlvIsDOq

The poster advertises the Autism Research (or ARCH) seminar series. This talk is taking place on the 26th of March, 2025, at 2pm, and will take place on zoom. The speaker is Ashlea Cromby, a PhD student from the University of East London. The title of the talk is "Meme-Ingful Communications". The abstract reads as follows: "This study explores how autistic individuals use internet memes to communicate and express their identities. Using a qualitative, participatory approach, data were gathered from n=31 participants across three private Facebook groups, resulting in n=436 memes and n=986 comments. Semiotic analysis revealed themes such as Social Cues, Social Burnout, and Dark Humour, highlighting how memes convey complex social experiences and emotions. The findings challenge deficit-based views of autistic communication, illustrating how memes serve as powerful tools for sharing experiences, expressing identity, and challenging stereotypes in the online space."

3 6

Re:Spect Lab KCL @respectlabkcl.bsky.social · Feb 19

The day is here - join us at 2pm UK time for this amazing talk! Sign up information is linked below.

Re:Spect Lab KCL @respectlabkcl.bsky.social · Jan 27

📣February 19th! Come join us to hear about the PhD work by @ninadanon.bsky.social on musical neuroqueering.
The next ARCH talk will be held at 2pm, February 19th, and tickets can be found @ www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/arch-semin...

This is a poster advertising the Autism Research (ARCH) Seminar Series. The talk is called "Composing Neurodivergence: A Musical Neuroqueering Journey", and is delivered by Nina Danon, a PhD student at Goldsmiths, University of London. The seminar will be held on the 19th of February 2025 at 2pm on Zoom. The talk abstract reads as follows:
"This talk introduces musical neuroqueering, the practice of understanding, expanding, and creating neurodivergence through music, and music through neurodivergence. By combining self-reflection with embodied musical exploration, musical neuroqueering fosters a deep understanding of individual neurocognitive styles and auditory acuities. Drawing from my practice research PhD in composition, I will delve into the creative processes of Autistic and neurodivergent musicians, and propose a practical framework to enable anyone to embark on a musical neuroqueering journey."

1 4

Reposted by Re:Spect Lab KCL

Alice Quinton @alicequinton.bsky.social · Feb 6

Thoroughly enjoyed discussing some of the existing research on PTSD in autistic people at the Autism Hub's monthly webinar (ALAG) and hearing people's thoughts on future directions!
You can read Nick's blog about the meeting here: theautismhub.org.uk/creative-out...

Creative outlets: Research into autism and PTSD – The Autism Hub

theautismhub.org.uk

1 2

Re:Spect Lab KCL @respectlabkcl.bsky.social · Jan 27

Hi! We record the vast majority of our ARCH talks; this one is likely to be recorded and uploaded a few days after the talk takes place. A link to the YouTube playlist is available on the Eventbrite page linked above, as is a link to our mailing list for more info.

Thank you for your interest!

1

Re:Spect Lab KCL @respectlabkcl.bsky.social · Jan 27

📣February 19th! Come join us to hear about the PhD work by @ninadanon.bsky.social on musical neuroqueering.
The next ARCH talk will be held at 2pm, February 19th, and tickets can be found @ www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/arch-semin...

2 8 15

Re:Spect Lab KCL @respectlabkcl.bsky.social · Dec 17

📣 Join us for the next Autism ResearCH (ARCH) talk, which will be held on the 22nd of January at 1pm!
@heasutherland
will talk about her ethnographic work on communication in high support needs autistic adults in support services.
Register for free @ www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/arch-semin...

This is a poster to advertise a talk by Holly E A Sutherland, a Postdoctoral Research Associate at the University of Cambridge as a part of the Autism Research, or ARCH, seminar series. The talk will take place on January 22nd 2025 at 1pm on Zoom.
The talk title is "An ethnographic exploration of cross-neurotype socialising and communication in a high support needs context". The talk abstract is "This talk presents research findings from an ethnographic study of two day-support services for autistic adults with high support needs, through a neurodiversity paradigm lens. Specifically, we will look at the social dynamics, interactions, and communication between (autistic and non-autistic) staff, the supported (autistic) people, and the (autistic) researcher – and, specifically, how mutual (mis)understandings across neurotypes influence these dynamics."

3 10

Reposted by Re:Spect Lab KCL

Dr Gavin R. Stewart @gavrobstew.bsky.social · Dec 16

Since we're using BlueSky more now, I figured I'd make a thread recapping some of my ageing/autism research.

For an easy-read overview, see my open article in The Psychologist here: www.bps.org.uk/psychologist...

#autres #autism #ageing #aging #midlife #oldage 1/X

3 5 19

Re:Spect Lab KCL @respectlabkcl.bsky.social · Nov 26

All this and more at our lab showcase next week! Eventbrite link here - www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/arch-semin...

Dr Gavin R. Stewart @gavrobstew.bsky.social · Nov 22

Join us online on Dec 5th (12:30-2) for a special #ARCH seminar covering the latest work from the @respectlabkcl.bsky.social. Talks on ageing, educational support, cross-cultural differences, and the experiences of autistic people w/ brain injuries. #AutRes More info here: mailchi.mp/13c0ad84ac33...

🎙️ Autism ResearCH (ARCH): ReSpect Lab Showcase

mailchi.mp

1 3

Re:Spect Lab KCL @respectlabkcl.bsky.social · Nov 22

📣Join us for the first ARCH seminar of the academic year - the ReSpect Lab Showcase!
On December 5th, members of the ReSpect Lab will be showcasing their research from the last year.
Tickets are available @ www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/arch-semin...
We hope to see you there!

A poster advertising a seminar in the ARCH (autism research) seminar series. This talk is the ReSpect Lab Showcase, a showcase of the ReSpect Lab's latest research from 2024. The featured speakers are Dr Gavin Stewart, a postdoctoral researcher from King's College London; Alice Quinton, a PhD student from King's College London; Queenie Siu, a PhD student from King's College London; and Rich Cole, a PhD student from King's College London. The seminar will take place on December 5th 2024 at 12:30pm on Zoom.

5 7

Re:Spect Lab KCL @respectlabkcl.bsky.social · Nov 20

🗯️ We'll post about publications, on-going research and news from our lab members and alumni, as well as opportunities to get involved and participate in our studies
🗯️ ARCH Seminars will be announced via the mailing list (sign up here: tinyurl.com/bddknn66) but we hope to remind you here too!

SGDP Autism Research Series

SGDP Autism Research Series Email Forms

tinyurl.com

Re:Spect Lab KCL @respectlabkcl.bsky.social · Nov 20

🗯️ Lots of our research focuses on traditionally under-researched groups, including autistic women and girls and older adults
🗯️Mental health and wellbeing is a major topic, with ongoing work on compensation and camouflaging, as well as anxiety, and PTSD

tinyurl.com

1

Re:Spect Lab KCL @respectlabkcl.bsky.social · Nov 20

Very happy to be a part of the Autism research community on here! 👋
🗯️ We are led by @proffrancescahappe.bsky.social & are REsearching autism across the SPECTrum and lifespan.
🗯️ Our PhD Students organise the online Autism ResearCH (ARCH) seminars for ECRs to present their work (stay tuned!)

1 2 7

Re:Spect Lab KCL @respectlabkcl.bsky.social · Nov 9

For this talk, please contact [email protected] or sign up the mailing list to register (eepurl.com/dMNEqA) as it will be held on teams.