🆕👇🏽NEW NAIT Resource with practical steps for staff in different professional roles implementing #SCERTS across a setting or an authority 🏴 nait.scot/wp-content/u...
National Autism Implementation Team
@naitscotland.bsky.social
www.nait.scot Researchers and practitioners focussed on the implementation of evidence informed and neuro-affirming practice in Scotland, across sectors. A small multi-disciplinary team funded by Scottish Government 🏴
Our recap of #INSAR2026 is (finally) up! While there was much to celebrate in terms of autistic presence and impact, there was still a lot of weird old guard INSAR focus on autism as a problem to solve, rather than of autistic people as participants or fully human: tinyurl.com/INSAR2026TPGA #autism
INSAR 2026: The State of Autism Research, Prague Version — THINKING PERSON'S GUIDE TO AUTISM
We've been covering INSAR for 15 years. It is fascinating how the autism research landscape both has and has not evolved during that stretch.
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Lovely film about a personal experience of an autistic young person. Diagnosis/identification is a support need!
ACAMH - Association for Child and Adolescent Mental Health@acamh.bsky.social · 3mo agoUnderstand how a diagnosis and supportive environments can positively impact self-acceptance and #wellbeing with this Nip in the Bud lived experience film, as Tylan shares their journey of growing up with #Autism. bit.ly/3PS2RxP
Last day of #INSAR2026 We are excited to join a SIG this afternoon 👇🏽‘Enhancing autism identification, assessment and diagnostic practices in adulthood: From research to implementation’ We know what needs to change-what are the mechanisms for change in different contexts? nait.scot/document/nai...
NAIT: A Mechanism for Change 2019-2026 - National Autism Implementation Team
Implementation at pace and scale requires cross disciplinary leadership, robust mechanisms and practical solutions to support a shift from aspirational thinking to sustainable practice change.
nait.scot
Our poster today at #INSAR is at 49A - preliminary findings from work focused on ‘Understanding experiences of anxiety related absence from school through a neuro-affirming lens’ come and chat 😊
Such an important paper and we need to start talking about autistic shame and how we can make things better for autistic people now and in future through a neuro-affirming lens
Mary Doherty@autisticdoctor.bsky.social · 4mo agoI’ve published a preprint on Autistic Shame. It’s not an easy read. Shame is the hidden link between the stigma autistic people face and the mental health crisis in our community. This paper is my attempt to name it, trace it, and point toward what we might do about it. osf.io/preprints/ps...
AADC brings the 1st international network of autistic diagnosticians bring epistemic authority and advances the field… autistic clinicians can help to decide on DSM 6 content - thanks to @autisticdoctor.bsky.social and the AADC #INSAR #diagnosismatters Join at: Autisticdiagnosticians@gmail.com
Neuro-affirming report writing guidance nait.scot/document/neu... #INSAR @autisticdoctor.bsky.social
Neuro-affirming Reports Guidance for Practitioners (2024) - National Autism Implementation Team
This guide provides practical guidance for health practitioners about taking a neuro-affirming approach to writing reports or plans. It synthesises insights from published research, as well as observa...
nait.scot
So many great conversations at #INSAR in Prague and an opportunity to share NAIT resources with like-minded people 😊
AADC at #INSAR have developed neuro-affirming report guidance and other great practice based guidance and have highlighted the need for updated assessment tools
Talks include Is Optimal Outcome Really Optimal? Insights from the Autistic and Neurodivergent Community by Melissa Black, The Autistic Autism Diagnosticians Collaborative: Redefining Expertise in Autism Assessment and Diagnosis led by Hannah Morton... 2/3
Chairing #INSAR2026 panel on Autistic People's Views on Autism Diagnosis and Intervention w/ talks questioning "optimal outcome", on autistic autism diagnosticians, early intervention strategies benefits and harms, and barriers to autism identification among ethically and racially minoritised adults
Great to hear Hannah Morton and colleagues sharing the work of the autistic diagnosing clinicians group - here at #INSAR to influence current and future practice with a neuro-affirming mindset
#INSAR great talk by Melissa Black highlighting need for using optimal outcomes from a neurodivergent perspective - feeling safe and secure, having food, housing and access to care, having connections and meaningful autonomy, participation and choice and being your authentic self. #neuro-affirming
Impressed by how quickly the entire #INSAR2026 community switched to flappause (silent applause) as a sensory accommodation, without even being asked (although later we were asked). Nice.
“Functioning labels aren't very specific. They don't tell us very much about a person and what they need.” 👉 Watch on ACAMH Learn · Free CPD/CME #ChildMentalHealth #Autism #Neurodevelopmental
Autism: Myth Busting | ACAMH Learn
Amy Pearson challenges five common misconceptions about autism, using contemporary evidence to advocate for a modern perspective that promotes a more informed and inclusive understanding of autistic…
acamhlearn.org
Updated page with resources about Autistic Burnout with new signposting to @ndconnection.bsky.social autisticrealms.com/resources/bu...
Burnout Resources & Signposting: Neuro-Affirming Support For Autistic People | Autistic Realms
Burnout Resources & Signposting: Neuro-Affirming Support For Autistic People
autisticrealms.com
➡️ What are the experiences, strengths & needs of autistic teachers? ➡️ How should we re-think the teacher role to be neurodiversity-inclusive? Summary of research from the Autistic School Staff Project, with links to open access resources 👇🏻 #Autres
The Conversation UK@uk.theconversation.com · 4mo agoAutistic teachers felt they were making a significant contribution to supporting inclusion in school.
Just published, with powerful writing by lead author Dr Jason Lang, our article about core focus of the Neurodiversity in Scottish Schools project. What do neurodivergent young people, school staff, parents & policy-makers think about inclusion? Open access 👇 journals.uclpress.co.uk/lre/article/...
Diagnosis may function as both an explanatory and enabling process and environmental demands play a key role in shaping diagnosis. Explore the functions of an #autism diagnosis & the current debates around #autism with this fantastic blog by Prof. Francisco Musich. https://bit.ly/4dye8gj
What Is Autism Now?
Since the 90s, autism prevalence has increased substantially, particularly in high-income countries, prompting public & professional debate.
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Autism and Ageing Video by Wenn Lawson youtu.be/_tbFw_ZyERg?...
Autism and Aging
YouTube video by Wenn Lawson
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Clinical psychologist Tricia Squire, 45, has admitted that she took one look at your whole deal and was like “well, let’s go through the motions anyway”.
Autism assessment mostly based on vibes, admits therapist
Your autism assessor diagnosed you the second you walked into her office, tearfully fidgeting with your neon pink hair, it has been rumoured. Clinical psychologist Tricia Squire, 45, has admitted…
thedailytism.com
ndconnection.co.uk/resources/p/... This looks like a fantastic and practical resource for neuro-affirming practitioners thinking about alternatives to behaviour focused approaches.Thank you for sharing it
A practical approach to neurodiversity-affirming care and support — Neurodiverse Connection
Interactive toolkit © Neurodiverse Connection 2026 All Rights Reserved Download PDF This toolkit has been developed by Neurodiverse Connection to support our practical approach to neur...
ndconnection.co.uk
Have a read of our latest Neuro-affirming Community of Practice Scotland. Such great work going on around Scotland to make the changes we need nait.scot/document/neu...
Neuro-affirming Community of Practice Scotland Bulletin 5 (March 2026) - National Autism Implementation Team
A community update sharing examples of steps towards neuro-affirming practice from across Scotland.
nait.scot
A two-day introductory course providing an overview of methods and frameworks essential for conducting clinical research will be held by @eduedinburghcrf.bsky.social in May. Read more 🔗 https://www.nhsresearchscotland.org.uk/calendar/11th-edinburgh-clinical-research-methodology-course
Neuro-affirming language and mindsets set a foundation for all that we do. The Neuro-affirming Community of Practice Scotland language and terminology guidance is available to support conversations and evolving practice👇 nait.scot/document/neu...
Neuro-affirming Community of Practice Scotland Language Guidance 2025 - National Autism Implementation Team
Neuro-affirming Community of Scotland Language Guidance for public sector practitioners working in Scotland.
nait.scot
Like many of us, SCERTS authors have shifted training materials and language in line with autistic community preferences and our evolving understanding of neuro-affirming practices.
