Alanna Shand
@alannajshand.bsky.social
PhD student at King's College London | Exploring strengths and compensatory strategies in autism🔎
ORCID ID: 0009-0000-2540-6320
ORCID ID: 0009-0000-2540-6320
Pinned
Alanna Shand
@alannajshand.bsky.social
· Feb 27
Autism ReseaCH (ARCH) Seminar Series 2020 onward - YouTube
The SGDP ARCH seminar series is a student-led event open to all. To sign up to our mailing list to hear about upcoming talks, please follow this link: http:/...
www.youtube.com
Earlier this week, I shared my ongoing research at the Autism Research (ARCH) seminar series at KCL, exploring how autistic people use their strengths to manage differences.
If you’d like to catch up or revisit the talk, you can watch the recording here:
www.youtube.com/playlist?lis...
If you’d like to catch up or revisit the talk, you can watch the recording here:
www.youtube.com/playlist?lis...
Reposted by Alanna Shand
This has been a fantastic project to be involved in. The toolkit is freely available for anyone who wants to find out more about what research is, & how to get involved as a participant, or in helping design research ( #PPIE #Co-production). Useful for autistic & non-autistic people, & researchers.
We're delighted to share with you our new, free resource: the Autism@Manchester Research Involvement Toolkit, which we co-produced with #autistic contributors and researchers www.autism.manchester.ac.uk/research/pro...
Interested in research?
Takes a look at any or all of our 4 modules -
Interested in research?
Takes a look at any or all of our 4 modules -
Toolkit2 | University of Manchester
www.autism.manchester.ac.uk
September 9, 2026 at 9:45 AM
This has been a fantastic project to be involved in. The toolkit is freely available for anyone who wants to find out more about what research is, & how to get involved as a participant, or in helping design research ( #PPIE #Co-production). Useful for autistic & non-autistic people, & researchers.
Reposted by Alanna Shand
Autistic menopause: Where should research go from here?
7 priorities for future research on autism and menopause
Jenkins CA, Janse van Rensburg MG. Autistic menopause: Where should research go from here? Women’s Health. 2026;22. doi:10.1177/17455057261478347
journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/...
7 priorities for future research on autism and menopause
Jenkins CA, Janse van Rensburg MG. Autistic menopause: Where should research go from here? Women’s Health. 2026;22. doi:10.1177/17455057261478347
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
September 9, 2026 at 3:22 PM
Autistic menopause: Where should research go from here?
7 priorities for future research on autism and menopause
Jenkins CA, Janse van Rensburg MG. Autistic menopause: Where should research go from here? Women’s Health. 2026;22. doi:10.1177/17455057261478347
journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/...
7 priorities for future research on autism and menopause
Jenkins CA, Janse van Rensburg MG. Autistic menopause: Where should research go from here? Women’s Health. 2026;22. doi:10.1177/17455057261478347
journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/...
Reposted by Alanna Shand
Our new study on social connectedness and quality of life in middle-aged and older autistic adults (aged 40-93) has now been published in @autisminadulthood.bsky.social!
Journal article link: doi.org/10.1177/2573...
Open access version: kclpure.kcl.ac.uk/portal/en/pu...
#AutRes
Journal article link: doi.org/10.1177/2573...
Open access version: kclpure.kcl.ac.uk/portal/en/pu...
#AutRes
July 27, 2026 at 8:26 AM
Our new study on social connectedness and quality of life in middle-aged and older autistic adults (aged 40-93) has now been published in @autisminadulthood.bsky.social!
Journal article link: doi.org/10.1177/2573...
Open access version: kclpure.kcl.ac.uk/portal/en/pu...
#AutRes
Journal article link: doi.org/10.1177/2573...
Open access version: kclpure.kcl.ac.uk/portal/en/pu...
#AutRes
You know it's been a good conference when your camera roll is full of pictures of slides and posters! Had a great time at #INSAR2026 putting names to faces and chatting about research. I presented my poster (shown below) summarising our exploration of camouflaging, strengths, and life outcomes
April 27, 2026 at 5:24 PM
You know it's been a good conference when your camera roll is full of pictures of slides and posters! Had a great time at #INSAR2026 putting names to faces and chatting about research. I presented my poster (shown below) summarising our exploration of camouflaging, strengths, and life outcomes
Recruiting #ActuallyAutistic adults for a Community Engagement Board. Learn more about this #autism research opportunity below!
Register your interest here 👉 forms.office.com/e/MvrA1zJp1r
Register your interest here 👉 forms.office.com/e/MvrA1zJp1r
#AskingAutistics - I’m looking for #ActuallyAutistic people to help shape my #autism research.
Taking part will involve attending 1-hour meetings every other month (if you are available). Attendees will be financially reimbursed for their time.
Interested? 👉 forms.office.com/e/MvrA1zJp1r
Taking part will involve attending 1-hour meetings every other month (if you are available). Attendees will be financially reimbursed for their time.
Interested? 👉 forms.office.com/e/MvrA1zJp1r
April 8, 2026 at 11:28 AM
Recruiting #ActuallyAutistic adults for a Community Engagement Board. Learn more about this #autism research opportunity below!
Register your interest here 👉 forms.office.com/e/MvrA1zJp1r
Register your interest here 👉 forms.office.com/e/MvrA1zJp1r
#AskingAutistics - I’m looking for #ActuallyAutistic people to help shape my #autism research.
Taking part will involve attending 1-hour meetings every other month (if you are available). Attendees will be financially reimbursed for their time.
Interested? 👉 forms.office.com/e/MvrA1zJp1r
Taking part will involve attending 1-hour meetings every other month (if you are available). Attendees will be financially reimbursed for their time.
Interested? 👉 forms.office.com/e/MvrA1zJp1r
April 7, 2026 at 4:23 PM
#AskingAutistics - I’m looking for #ActuallyAutistic people to help shape my #autism research.
Taking part will involve attending 1-hour meetings every other month (if you are available). Attendees will be financially reimbursed for their time.
Interested? 👉 forms.office.com/e/MvrA1zJp1r
Taking part will involve attending 1-hour meetings every other month (if you are available). Attendees will be financially reimbursed for their time.
Interested? 👉 forms.office.com/e/MvrA1zJp1r
Excited to be heading to Prague for #INSAR2026 later this month!
I’ll be sharing my research, “Using Strengths to Engage in Compensation: A Qualitative Exploration of Autistic Adults’ Experiences”, on Friday 24th from 6–7pm.
Looking forward to hearing about others' research!
I’ll be sharing my research, “Using Strengths to Engage in Compensation: A Qualitative Exploration of Autistic Adults’ Experiences”, on Friday 24th from 6–7pm.
Looking forward to hearing about others' research!
April 7, 2026 at 10:24 AM
Excited to be heading to Prague for #INSAR2026 later this month!
I’ll be sharing my research, “Using Strengths to Engage in Compensation: A Qualitative Exploration of Autistic Adults’ Experiences”, on Friday 24th from 6–7pm.
Looking forward to hearing about others' research!
I’ll be sharing my research, “Using Strengths to Engage in Compensation: A Qualitative Exploration of Autistic Adults’ Experiences”, on Friday 24th from 6–7pm.
Looking forward to hearing about others' research!
Earlier this week, I shared my ongoing research at the Autism Research (ARCH) seminar series at KCL, exploring how autistic people use their strengths to manage differences.
If you’d like to catch up or revisit the talk, you can watch the recording here:
www.youtube.com/playlist?lis...
If you’d like to catch up or revisit the talk, you can watch the recording here:
www.youtube.com/playlist?lis...
Autism ReseaCH (ARCH) Seminar Series 2020 onward - YouTube
The SGDP ARCH seminar series is a student-led event open to all. To sign up to our mailing list to hear about upcoming talks, please follow this link: http:/...
www.youtube.com
February 27, 2026 at 12:41 PM
Earlier this week, I shared my ongoing research at the Autism Research (ARCH) seminar series at KCL, exploring how autistic people use their strengths to manage differences.
If you’d like to catch up or revisit the talk, you can watch the recording here:
www.youtube.com/playlist?lis...
If you’d like to catch up or revisit the talk, you can watch the recording here:
www.youtube.com/playlist?lis...
Reposted by Alanna Shand
It's ARCH time once again! 🥳
Join us on Wednesday the 25th for a talk by Alanna Shand (@alannajshand.bsky.social) about the psychological strengths autistic people use to compensate for difficulties.
Tickets are available @ www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/arch-semin...
We hope to see you there!
Join us on Wednesday the 25th for a talk by Alanna Shand (@alannajshand.bsky.social) about the psychological strengths autistic people use to compensate for difficulties.
Tickets are available @ www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/arch-semin...
We hope to see you there!
February 16, 2026 at 12:43 PM
It's ARCH time once again! 🥳
Join us on Wednesday the 25th for a talk by Alanna Shand (@alannajshand.bsky.social) about the psychological strengths autistic people use to compensate for difficulties.
Tickets are available @ www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/arch-semin...
We hope to see you there!
Join us on Wednesday the 25th for a talk by Alanna Shand (@alannajshand.bsky.social) about the psychological strengths autistic people use to compensate for difficulties.
Tickets are available @ www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/arch-semin...
We hope to see you there!
Reposted by Alanna Shand
🚨 ♾ Our report out yesterday calls on HM Government to deliver an effective new autism strategy. Open this link committees.parliament.uk/committee/77... to view the following:
- Full report
- Easy Read report
- Report summary with conclusions and recommendations
- Shorthand
- Full report
- Easy Read report
- Report summary with conclusions and recommendations
- Shorthand
New autism strategy must deliver change for autistic people - Committees - UK Parliament
This is the key conclusion reached by the House of Lords special inquiry committee on the Autism Act 2009 in its report ‘Time to deliver: The Autism Act 2009 and the new autism strategy’.&...
committees.parliament.uk
November 24, 2025 at 9:49 AM
🚨 ♾ Our report out yesterday calls on HM Government to deliver an effective new autism strategy. Open this link committees.parliament.uk/committee/77... to view the following:
- Full report
- Easy Read report
- Report summary with conclusions and recommendations
- Shorthand
- Full report
- Easy Read report
- Report summary with conclusions and recommendations
- Shorthand
Reposted by Alanna Shand
Oooh this looks good!
“Key concepts in the development of a neurodiversity-affirming practice” by autism research specialist Dr. Damian Milton, on 16th December 13:00-14:00 GMT.
This event is free!
events.teams.microsoft.com/event/e80ea6...
“Key concepts in the development of a neurodiversity-affirming practice” by autism research specialist Dr. Damian Milton, on 16th December 13:00-14:00 GMT.
This event is free!
events.teams.microsoft.com/event/e80ea6...
Microsoft Virtual Events Powered by Teams
Microsoft Virtual Events Powered by Teams
events.teams.microsoft.com
November 25, 2025 at 9:29 AM
Oooh this looks good!
“Key concepts in the development of a neurodiversity-affirming practice” by autism research specialist Dr. Damian Milton, on 16th December 13:00-14:00 GMT.
This event is free!
events.teams.microsoft.com/event/e80ea6...
“Key concepts in the development of a neurodiversity-affirming practice” by autism research specialist Dr. Damian Milton, on 16th December 13:00-14:00 GMT.
This event is free!
events.teams.microsoft.com/event/e80ea6...
Reposted by Alanna Shand
Recently Published:
Self-reported strengths and talents of autistic adults.
Lampinen, L. A., Singer, J., Wang, X., VanHook, B., Wilkinson, E., & Bal, V. H. (2025). Autism, 0(0). doi.org/10.1177/1362...
Self-reported strengths and talents of autistic adults.
Lampinen, L. A., Singer, J., Wang, X., VanHook, B., Wilkinson, E., & Bal, V. H. (2025). Autism, 0(0). doi.org/10.1177/1362...
September 29, 2025 at 8:56 PM
Recently Published:
Self-reported strengths and talents of autistic adults.
Lampinen, L. A., Singer, J., Wang, X., VanHook, B., Wilkinson, E., & Bal, V. H. (2025). Autism, 0(0). doi.org/10.1177/1362...
Self-reported strengths and talents of autistic adults.
Lampinen, L. A., Singer, J., Wang, X., VanHook, B., Wilkinson, E., & Bal, V. H. (2025). Autism, 0(0). doi.org/10.1177/1362...
Reposted by Alanna Shand
Looking forward to joining Neurokindred's FREE community Event with @laurahellfeld.bsky.social & @autisticallyscott.bsky.social through my work with @thrivingautistic.bsky.social
Monday 6th Oct
Creating safe spaces for Autistic people
Tickets:
neurokindred.com/creating-saf...
Monday 6th Oct
Creating safe spaces for Autistic people
Tickets:
neurokindred.com/creating-saf...
September 29, 2025 at 9:22 AM
Looking forward to joining Neurokindred's FREE community Event with @laurahellfeld.bsky.social & @autisticallyscott.bsky.social through my work with @thrivingautistic.bsky.social
Monday 6th Oct
Creating safe spaces for Autistic people
Tickets:
neurokindred.com/creating-saf...
Monday 6th Oct
Creating safe spaces for Autistic people
Tickets:
neurokindred.com/creating-saf...
As one of this year’s speakers for the Great Minds lecture series at @kingscollegelondon.bsky.social, I had a great time presenting an overview of my PhD for IoPPN students (ctd.)
September 22, 2025 at 4:41 PM
As one of this year’s speakers for the Great Minds lecture series at @kingscollegelondon.bsky.social, I had a great time presenting an overview of my PhD for IoPPN students (ctd.)
What an incredible (and full-on) three days at #AECongress2025!
On Day 3, I shared insights from my PhD research on compensation and psychological strengths, highlighting the ways strengths may be used by autistic adults to compensate.
My presentation is available here: bit.ly/3IlvHD2
#AEC2025
On Day 3, I shared insights from my PhD research on compensation and psychological strengths, highlighting the ways strengths may be used by autistic adults to compensate.
My presentation is available here: bit.ly/3IlvHD2
#AEC2025
September 16, 2025 at 11:10 AM
What an incredible (and full-on) three days at #AECongress2025!
On Day 3, I shared insights from my PhD research on compensation and psychological strengths, highlighting the ways strengths may be used by autistic adults to compensate.
My presentation is available here: bit.ly/3IlvHD2
#AEC2025
On Day 3, I shared insights from my PhD research on compensation and psychological strengths, highlighting the ways strengths may be used by autistic adults to compensate.
My presentation is available here: bit.ly/3IlvHD2
#AEC2025
#AECongress25 has come around quickly!
Looking forward to presenting our ongoing research on compensation and psychological strengths this Saturday
Looking forward to presenting our ongoing research on compensation and psychological strengths this Saturday
Looking forward to attending this year's Autism Europe Congress in Dublin!
At the upcoming #AECongress25 in September, I'll be delivering an oral presentation about my research on compensation and psychological strengths.
@autismeurope.bsky.social autismcongress2025.org
At the upcoming #AECongress25 in September, I'll be delivering an oral presentation about my research on compensation and psychological strengths.
@autismeurope.bsky.social autismcongress2025.org
September 8, 2025 at 10:48 AM
#AECongress25 has come around quickly!
Looking forward to presenting our ongoing research on compensation and psychological strengths this Saturday
Looking forward to presenting our ongoing research on compensation and psychological strengths this Saturday
Two days of great talks, workshops, and conversations at #NDAS2025. During the oral presentation sessions, I shared my ongoing qualitative work exploring strengths and compensation in autistic adults. Thanks to everyone who shared their thoughts!
June 27, 2025 at 1:12 PM
Two days of great talks, workshops, and conversations at #NDAS2025. During the oral presentation sessions, I shared my ongoing qualitative work exploring strengths and compensation in autistic adults. Thanks to everyone who shared their thoughts!
Reposted by Alanna Shand
Thank you to anyone who has taken part! We've had a great response to the survey so far.
📣 We're still looking for #ActuallyAutistic adults to take part in our autism research, particularly males and adults who haven't been to university.
Learn more about our #AutRes below👇
📣 We're still looking for #ActuallyAutistic adults to take part in our autism research, particularly males and adults who haven't been to university.
Learn more about our #AutRes below👇
📣Recruiting autistic adults for a 20min survey📣
We're exploring how autistic people use their strengths to manage differences. Participants must:
✅Self-identify as #autistic OR have an #autism diagnosis
✅18 yrs+
✅Speak English
Take part in our #AutismResearch 👉 qualtrics.kcl.ac.uk/jfe/form/SV_...
We're exploring how autistic people use their strengths to manage differences. Participants must:
✅Self-identify as #autistic OR have an #autism diagnosis
✅18 yrs+
✅Speak English
Take part in our #AutismResearch 👉 qualtrics.kcl.ac.uk/jfe/form/SV_...
April 22, 2025 at 2:28 PM
Thank you to anyone who has taken part! We've had a great response to the survey so far.
📣 We're still looking for #ActuallyAutistic adults to take part in our autism research, particularly males and adults who haven't been to university.
Learn more about our #AutRes below👇
📣 We're still looking for #ActuallyAutistic adults to take part in our autism research, particularly males and adults who haven't been to university.
Learn more about our #AutRes below👇
Reposted by Alanna Shand
Coverage of my paper with @goldage.bsky.social on similarities and differences autistic and non-autistic people's experiences of menopause.
Open access version here: kclpure.kcl.ac.uk/portal/en/pu...
#AutRes
Open access version here: kclpure.kcl.ac.uk/portal/en/pu...
#AutRes
Research from IoPPN & @goldsmithsuol.bsky.social finds that #autistic people report more bothersome psychological & physical #menopause symptoms than non-autistic people.
Read the full paper published in Journal of Women's Health⬇️
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39960820/
Read the full paper published in Journal of Women's Health⬇️
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39960820/
Self-Reported Psychological, Somatic, and Vasomotor Symptoms at Different Stages of the Menopause for Autistic and Non-autistic People - PubMed
<span><b><i>Background:</i></b> There is growing awareness that the experiences of neurodivergent people during menopause are not well understood. Menopause may be particularly challenging for autistic people due to common co-occurring conditions such as depression and differences in sensory processing. T</span> …
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
April 23, 2025 at 1:07 PM
Coverage of my paper with @goldage.bsky.social on similarities and differences autistic and non-autistic people's experiences of menopause.
Open access version here: kclpure.kcl.ac.uk/portal/en/pu...
#AutRes
Open access version here: kclpure.kcl.ac.uk/portal/en/pu...
#AutRes
Thank you to anyone who has taken part! We've had a great response to the survey so far.
📣 We're still looking for #ActuallyAutistic adults to take part in our autism research, particularly males and adults who haven't been to university.
Learn more about our #AutRes below👇
📣 We're still looking for #ActuallyAutistic adults to take part in our autism research, particularly males and adults who haven't been to university.
Learn more about our #AutRes below👇
📣Recruiting autistic adults for a 20min survey📣
We're exploring how autistic people use their strengths to manage differences. Participants must:
✅Self-identify as #autistic OR have an #autism diagnosis
✅18 yrs+
✅Speak English
Take part in our #AutismResearch 👉 qualtrics.kcl.ac.uk/jfe/form/SV_...
We're exploring how autistic people use their strengths to manage differences. Participants must:
✅Self-identify as #autistic OR have an #autism diagnosis
✅18 yrs+
✅Speak English
Take part in our #AutismResearch 👉 qualtrics.kcl.ac.uk/jfe/form/SV_...
April 22, 2025 at 2:28 PM
Thank you to anyone who has taken part! We've had a great response to the survey so far.
📣 We're still looking for #ActuallyAutistic adults to take part in our autism research, particularly males and adults who haven't been to university.
Learn more about our #AutRes below👇
📣 We're still looking for #ActuallyAutistic adults to take part in our autism research, particularly males and adults who haven't been to university.
Learn more about our #AutRes below👇
Yesterday, I presented my ongoing research at the IoPPN’s 2025 Postgraduate Showcase at @kingscollegelondon.bsky.social 🥳
It was great to what everyone is working on here at the IoPPN and to practice for my upcoming oral presentation at @autismeurope.bsky.social in September
It was great to what everyone is working on here at the IoPPN and to practice for my upcoming oral presentation at @autismeurope.bsky.social in September
April 9, 2025 at 11:04 AM
Yesterday, I presented my ongoing research at the IoPPN’s 2025 Postgraduate Showcase at @kingscollegelondon.bsky.social 🥳
It was great to what everyone is working on here at the IoPPN and to practice for my upcoming oral presentation at @autismeurope.bsky.social in September
It was great to what everyone is working on here at the IoPPN and to practice for my upcoming oral presentation at @autismeurope.bsky.social in September
📣Recruiting autistic adults for a 20min survey📣
We're exploring how autistic people use their strengths to manage differences. Participants must:
✅Self-identify as #autistic OR have an #autism diagnosis
✅18 yrs+
✅Speak English
Take part in our #AutismResearch 👉 qualtrics.kcl.ac.uk/jfe/form/SV_...
We're exploring how autistic people use their strengths to manage differences. Participants must:
✅Self-identify as #autistic OR have an #autism diagnosis
✅18 yrs+
✅Speak English
Take part in our #AutismResearch 👉 qualtrics.kcl.ac.uk/jfe/form/SV_...
March 27, 2025 at 5:23 PM
Recruiting #ActuallyAutistic adults to take part in our research about #compensation📣
Learn more below👇
Learn more below👇
📣Recruiting autistic adults for a 20min survey📣
We're exploring how autistic people use their strengths to manage differences. Participants must:
✅Self-identify as #autistic OR have an #autism diagnosis
✅18 yrs+
✅Speak English
Take part in our #AutismResearch 👉 qualtrics.kcl.ac.uk/jfe/form/SV_...
We're exploring how autistic people use their strengths to manage differences. Participants must:
✅Self-identify as #autistic OR have an #autism diagnosis
✅18 yrs+
✅Speak English
Take part in our #AutismResearch 👉 qualtrics.kcl.ac.uk/jfe/form/SV_...
March 24, 2025 at 3:00 PM
Recruiting #ActuallyAutistic adults to take part in our research about #compensation📣
Learn more below👇
Learn more below👇
📣Recruiting autistic adults for a 20min survey📣
We're exploring how autistic people use their strengths to manage differences. Participants must:
✅Self-identify as #autistic OR have an #autism diagnosis
✅18 yrs+
✅Speak English
Take part in our #AutismResearch 👉 qualtrics.kcl.ac.uk/jfe/form/SV_...
We're exploring how autistic people use their strengths to manage differences. Participants must:
✅Self-identify as #autistic OR have an #autism diagnosis
✅18 yrs+
✅Speak English
Take part in our #AutismResearch 👉 qualtrics.kcl.ac.uk/jfe/form/SV_...
March 24, 2025 at 2:48 PM
📣Recruiting autistic adults for a 20min survey📣
We're exploring how autistic people use their strengths to manage differences. Participants must:
✅Self-identify as #autistic OR have an #autism diagnosis
✅18 yrs+
✅Speak English
Take part in our #AutismResearch 👉 qualtrics.kcl.ac.uk/jfe/form/SV_...
We're exploring how autistic people use their strengths to manage differences. Participants must:
✅Self-identify as #autistic OR have an #autism diagnosis
✅18 yrs+
✅Speak English
Take part in our #AutismResearch 👉 qualtrics.kcl.ac.uk/jfe/form/SV_...
Looking forward to attending this year's Autism Europe Congress in Dublin!
At the upcoming #AECongress25 in September, I'll be delivering an oral presentation about my research on compensation and psychological strengths.
@autismeurope.bsky.social autismcongress2025.org
At the upcoming #AECongress25 in September, I'll be delivering an oral presentation about my research on compensation and psychological strengths.
@autismeurope.bsky.social autismcongress2025.org
March 22, 2025 at 8:26 PM
Looking forward to attending this year's Autism Europe Congress in Dublin!
At the upcoming #AECongress25 in September, I'll be delivering an oral presentation about my research on compensation and psychological strengths.
@autismeurope.bsky.social autismcongress2025.org
At the upcoming #AECongress25 in September, I'll be delivering an oral presentation about my research on compensation and psychological strengths.
@autismeurope.bsky.social autismcongress2025.org