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
For the online, part-time MSc Psychology and Learning Disability (autism, ID, neurodivergence) students can study from anywhere in world for the same price. Joy as @uoppald.bsky.social graduates met one another and staff face to face for the first time at graduation. www.port.ac.uk/study/course...
Happy Disability Pride month! This paper was written partly to help update @drstevenkapp.bsky.social's Neurodiversity Studies module for our @uoppald.bsky.social MSc Psychology and Learning Disability (autism, LD, ND) course - students got first access. onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/...
The neurodiversity movement vs. the medical model of autism
Click on the article title to read more.
onlinelibrary.wiley.com
Centre for Research in Autism and Education@craeioe.bsky.social · last mo.#CRAEisReading Kapp (2026) The neurodiversity movement vs. the medical model of autism A call to "maximize common ground in the autism community to fight for shared values in science and services (even if their goals are different)". doi.org/10.1002/wps....
Our MSc teaches progressively on autism, intellectual disability, & neurodivergence. Online: study anywhere, w/ option to attend "live" or study on own. Psych background not needed. Same cost everywhere! £11,200 split over 2 years - competitive for UK, US, AUS, CAN... www.port.ac.uk/study/course...
Psychology and Learning Disability
Learn how to make a positive difference in the lives of people with learning disabilities in our 2 year part-time Master's course. Study by distance learning to fit your lifestyle.
port.ac.uk
Are you a UK-based autistic adult who has - like me - been assigned the "challenging behaviour" label or similar? If so, I'm looking to hear more about your experiences for my @uoppald.bsky.social research. 📧 Chloe.Apter@myport.ac.uk Supervisor: @drstevenkapp.bsky.social
My @uoppald.bsky.social student @chloeapter.bsky.social is recruiting autistic adults in the UK who have been assigned a label like “challenging behaviour” as she has. Would you consider sharing your experience with her or reposting so others may have more opportunity to do so? Thank you.
Chloe Apter (she/her)@chloeapter.bsky.social · last mo.Are you a UK-based autistic adult who has - like me - been assigned the "challenging behaviour" label or similar? If so, I'm looking to hear more about your experiences for my @uoppald.bsky.social research. 📧 Chloe.Apter@myport.ac.uk Supervisor: @drstevenkapp.bsky.social
My @uoppald.bsky.social student @chloeapter.bsky.social is seeking more participants for her study on autistic people's experiences of being assigned a label like "challenging behaviour"/"problem behaviour" etc (like her). W/ enough participants, all going well, we hope to publish. Could you repost?
Chloe Apter (she/her)@chloeapter.bsky.social · 3mo agoHow do autistic adults make sense of being assigned the "challenging behaviour" label? *RECRUITING PARTICIPANTS* I am autistic & I have been assigned the "challenging behaviour" label Supervisor: @drstevenkapp.bsky.social Email Chloe.Apter@myport.ac.uk to express interest/for more information
Check out this influential 'double empathy problem' paper in the history of @journalautism.bsky.social, co-authored by our module coordinator and supervisor Professor Beatriz Lopez, a distinguished part of this special collection on Autism's 30th anniversary: journals.sagepub.com/topic/collec...
journals.sagepub.com
Centre for Interaction, Development and Diversity@uopcidd.bsky.social · 2mo agoIn @journalautism.bsky.social's 30th anniversary special collection w/ editor-picked papers, paper by Damian Milton, our own @eminegurbuz.bsky.social, & our Director Beatriz Lopez "The 'double empathy problem': Ten years on" was only paper selected by 2+ editors! journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10....
One of our students, @chloeapter.bsky.social, is recruiting autistic adults in the UK who have (also) been assigned the “challenging behaviour” label for interviews (emails, text chat, video, or London) on their experiences and how they make sense of the term, for her @uoppald.bsky.social MSc. 🙏
Chloe Apter (she/her)@chloeapter.bsky.social · 3mo agoHow do autistic adults make sense of being assigned the "challenging behaviour" label? *RECRUITING PARTICIPANTS* I am autistic & I have been assigned the "challenging behaviour" label Supervisor: @drstevenkapp.bsky.social Email Chloe.Apter@myport.ac.uk to express interest/for more information
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
@uopcidd.bsky.social Director Prof Beatriz López presented meta-analysis w/ ~30k participants: higher variability in autistic ppl for theory of mind & flexibility executive functioning tasks than central coherence or planning EF task. Variability was *not* higher over time #INSAR2026 #neurodiversity
Brian Irvine@brianirvine.bsky.social · 3mo agoSome variance in ToM measures, but not central cohesion. Variability in EF is even higher! This is independent of age and IQ; and publication age didn’t matter - this isn’t a changing conception of autism. There is a higher variability in autism, and it’s not evenly spread across domains.
Also the first Autism Acceptance Day for @drstevenkapp.bsky.social’s paper on how sensory and movement differences contribute to autism across the lifespan, related perception and neurological processing, their impacts, and means of supporting or addressing them. www.frontiersin.org/journals/int...
Frontiers | Sensory–movement underpinnings of lifelong neurodivergence: getting a grip on autism
While the autism diagnosis emphasizes “deficits” in social communication, the article advances that sensory–movement differences underpin autism through a re...
frontiersin.org
Steven Kapp@drstevenkapp.bsky.social · 4mo agoNeurodiversity movement: autism is difference *&*disability. 1st Autism Acceptance Day for this paper showing strengths eg enhanced auditory perception can contribute to challenges eg speech divergence. *Holistic classification* needed for assessment, support. onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10....
Neurodiversity movement: autism is difference *&*disability. 1st Autism Acceptance Day for this paper showing strengths eg enhanced auditory perception can contribute to challenges eg speech divergence. *Holistic classification* needed for assessment, support. onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10....
The Strengths of Speech Divergence in Autistic People: Implications for Assessment and Support
This narrative review analyzes the visual and auditory advantages that autistic people with speech divergence (A-SD) may have compared with autistic people without speech divergence (A-NoSD) or non-a...
onlinelibrary.wiley.com
Happy Autism Acceptance Day! Our module coordinator, supervisor & tutor @drstevenkapp.bsky.social commented on the UK Government's commissioned interim report on autism, ADHD & mental health (see below), supporting self-identification and raising concerns about further limits on access to diagnoses.
Science Media Centre UK@smclondon.bsky.social · 4mo agoexpert reaction to interim report on rise in conditions such as ADHD and Autism as commissioned by Wes Streeting www.sciencemediacentre.org/expert-react...
On April 30 at 4 pm (UK time) @drstevenkapp.bsky.social will present a free webinar on his research on neurodiversity with implications for support, @uopcidd.bsky.social, and our online MSc course. Sign up to register and receive a recording even if you cannot attend. www.port.ac.uk/news-events-...
Understanding Neurodiversity and Supporting Neurodivergent People - Webinar
Join us online to find out how you can make a positive difference in the lives of people with learning disabilities
port.ac.uk
Happy Neurodiversity Celebration Week! Thank you @drstevenkapp.bsky.social for mentioning our course at Portsmouth's Celebrating Neurodiversity event & UK clinicians via nscience. Re: US Dr Kapp & @autisticadvocacy.org raised concerns about new autism committee: www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026...
Independent autism committee that challenges RFK Jr’s overhaul draws criticism
Kennedy’s appointees promoted ‘treatments’ like bleach enemas, but new committee has only one autistic member
theguardian.com
We're hiring in Psychology at Portsmouth Uni (apps due next Fri)! Teaching Fellow: TF: mss.port.ac.uk/ce0732li_web... Perhaps place that enabled me to become British (via hire for @uoppald.bsky.social) can become your home too? (Pictured: UK passport that arrived yesterday alongside my US passport)
Centre for Interaction, Development and Diversity@uopcidd.bsky.social · 6mo agoThe University of Portsmouth is hiring a (permanent, full-time) Lecturer in Psychology! Applications are due next Friday! Come join us for inclusive research. Lecturer in Psychology: mss.port.ac.uk/ce0732li_web... See more here about our neurodiversity research: sites.google.com/port.ac.uk/c...
US gov't has awarded a non-competitive grant to study (debunked) association btwn autism & vaccines, removed warning for dangerous autism "treatments", & now announced new public antivax advocates. You can keep up w/ latest from, & early access to research by, @drstevenkapp.bsky.social+ in our MSc
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
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...
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
Steven Kapp@drstevenkapp.bsky.social · 11mo agoProud to teach on the MSc in Psychology and Learning Disability. @uoppald.bsky.social! It’s part-time & online, so students may meet in person for 1st time at graduation as below. It’s not too late to apply for this term, although next week is induction week & teaching week after, so act quickly!
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!
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.
Steven Kapp@drstevenkapp.bsky.social · last yr.As Autism Acceptance Month (AAM) comes to a close, with disability benefits internationally under threat, here is a summary of my papers since the last AAM to demonstrate autism acceptance means recognizing and supporting disability, rather than weaponization/co-option ('neurodiversity-lite'). 1/
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.
Steven Kapp@drstevenkapp.bsky.social · last yr.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 🙏
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:
MSc Psychology and Learning Disability@uoppald.bsky.social · last yr.@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/
@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
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/...
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research.sc
Valentina Olivieri@valrentinaolivieri.bsky.social · last yr.🚨 Participant Call! 🚨 I’m running a 15-min study for my dissertation & need volunteers! 🔹 2 quick AI scenarios 🔹 A few questions 🔹 Remote & voluntary Studying first impressions. Got internet + a device? You're in. Join here 👉 research.sc/.../D7CABF64... Thanks! 🙏 #AI #FirstImpressions #Research
@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
Hannah Morton@hannahmorton.bsky.social · last yr.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
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...
Frontiers | Sensory–movement underpinnings of lifelong neurodivergence: getting a grip on autism
frontiersin.org
MSc Psychology and Learning Disability@uoppald.bsky.social · last yr.@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...
@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...
Frontiers | Sensory–movement underpinnings of lifelong neurodivergence: getting a grip on autism
frontiersin.org
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.
Exploring the Social and Emotional Impact of Puberty and Adolescence on Autistic People Assigned Female at Birth | Autism in Adulthood
Background: Emerging research suggests that puberty and adolescence may be particularly difficult for autistic people assigned female at birth (AFAB), but there is currently very little exploration of this transition from a lived experience perspective. In this study, we aimed to retrospectively examine firsthand accounts of puberty and adolescence among AFAB autistic people, the first study to our knowledge to broadly do so. Methods: We conducted semi-structured interviews with 17 autistic people AFAB about their personal experience of puberty and adolescence. We used reflexive thematic analysis to generate themes from the data. Results: We developed three main themes from the data. Theme 1, “The overwhelming nature of puberty,” focused on issues such as distressing bodily changes and sensory discomfort (e.g., menstruation). Theme 2, “Navigating the adolescent world,” focused on the experience of feeling different, trying to cope with not fitting in, and finding support in others. Theme 3, “Victimization experiences,” highlighted the prevalence of social and sexual violence against our participants. Conclusions: Overall, our findings suggest that puberty and adolescence can be an especially difficult time for autistic people AFAB. In addition to bodily changes such as menstruation, dealing with sensory discomfort and a rapidly changing social landscape can result in extreme distress.
liebertpub.com
Addie - inky, pinky, thinky@addiebabe.bsky.social · last yr.New paper: “Mental health in autistic adults: Key stages in the journey from experiencing psychological distress to recovery”. This will be available in the June 2025 edition of Research in Autism, but is free to access before June 8th following this link: authors.elsevier.com/a/1kyo2ArevI... 🧵/1
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
Centre for Interaction, Development and Diversity@uopcidd.bsky.social · last yr.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 (emine.gurbuz@port.ac.uk) by 10 April
