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uopcidd.bsky.social
Centre for Interaction, Development and Diversity
@uopcidd.bsky.social
100 followers 73 following 16 posts
Research into #Development #Education #Empowerment #Movement #Autism #Disability #Neurodiversity #Communication #Engagement and #Identity etc.
in the School of Psychology, Sport and Health Sciences at the University of Portsmouth
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uopcidd.bsky.social
Centre for Interaction, Development and Diversity @uopcidd.bsky.social · Feb 23
We (Centre for Interaction, Development and Diversity) and our MSc course (Psychology and Learning Disability) are migrating from Twitter to BlueSky! Staff on @uoppald.bsky.social are @uopcidd.bsky.social researchers, have practical experience in the NHS or schools, or expertise in distance learning
uoppald.bsky.social MSc Psychology and Learning Disability @uoppald.bsky.social · Feb 23
Hello, we are a 2-year part-time (can work alongside) online ("live" *options*; costs the same, can study from everywhere) MSc course on learning/intellectual disability, autism, and neurodiversity. Students have own tutor. We are recruiting for September. To learn more: 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
Reposted by Centre for Interaction, Development and Diversity
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?
chloeapter.bsky.social Chloe Apter (she/her) @chloeapter.bsky.social · Apr 24
How 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 [email protected] to express interest/for more information
On a white background with pale pink highlights and black text is the information below. There is also a photo of Chloe, a white woman with long black hair and multiple facial piercings, with a speech bubble coming from it. There is the University of Portsmouth logo and School of Psychology, Sport and Health Sciences logo too: How do autistic adults make sense of being assigned the "challenging behaviour" label? Eligibility: Autistic (formally diagnosed or self-identified) Age 18+ UK-based You have been assigned the "challenging behaviour" label by staff/clinicians/professionals in an education, health, and/or care context Participation* involves one of either: An online interview** An in-person interview in London, UK*** All participants will be offered the interview questions in advance I'm Chloe, a master's student at the University of Portsmouth. I am autistic and I have been assigned the "challenging behaviour" label. This research has been given ethical approval If you are interested in taking part or want more information, please email Chloe.Apter@myport.ac.uk Supervisor: Dr Steven Kapp *Please note, there is unfortunately no financial remuneration for participation due to this research being for a master's degree **Having your camera on or off is acceptable, as is using the chat function or participating via email ***In a mutually agreed public place anywhere within London, UK (e.g. a café or a library)
June 11, 2026 at 5:14 PM
Reposted by Centre for Interaction, Development and Diversity
uoppald.bsky.social
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...
May 28, 2026 at 8:18 PM
uopcidd.bsky.social
In @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....
Sage Journals: Discover world-class research
Subscription and open access journals from Sage, the world's leading independent academic publisher.
journals.sagepub.com
May 28, 2026 at 8:04 PM
Reposted by Centre for Interaction, Development and Diversity
uoppald.bsky.social
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. 🙏
chloeapter.bsky.social Chloe Apter (she/her) @chloeapter.bsky.social · Apr 24
How 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 [email protected] to express interest/for more information
On a white background with pale pink highlights and black text is the information below. There is also a photo of Chloe, a white woman with long black hair and multiple facial piercings, with a speech bubble coming from it. There is the University of Portsmouth logo and School of Psychology, Sport and Health Sciences logo too: How do autistic adults make sense of being assigned the "challenging behaviour" label? Eligibility: Autistic (formally diagnosed or self-identified) Age 18+ UK-based You have been assigned the "challenging behaviour" label by staff/clinicians/professionals in an education, health, and/or care context Participation* involves one of either: An online interview** An in-person interview in London, UK*** All participants will be offered the interview questions in advance I'm Chloe, a master's student at the University of Portsmouth. I am autistic and I have been assigned the "challenging behaviour" label. This research has been given ethical approval If you are interested in taking part or want more information, please email Chloe.Apter@myport.ac.uk Supervisor: Dr Steven Kapp *Please note, there is unfortunately no financial remuneration for participation due to this research being for a master's degree **Having your camera on or off is acceptable, as is using the chat function or participating via email ***In a mutually agreed public place anywhere within London, UK (e.g. a café or a library)
April 24, 2026 at 9:11 AM
uopcidd.bsky.social
@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
brianirvine.bsky.social Brian Irvine @brianirvine.bsky.social · Apr 23
Some 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.
April 23, 2026 at 1:44 PM
Reposted by Centre for Interaction, Development and Diversity
uoppald.bsky.social
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
www.port.ac.uk
March 27, 2026 at 4:59 PM
Reposted by Centre for Interaction, Development and Diversity
drstevenkapp.bsky.social
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
April 2, 2026 at 10:17 PM
Reposted by Centre for Interaction, Development and Diversity
uoppald.bsky.social
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.
April 2, 2026 at 4:18 PM
Reposted by Centre for Interaction, Development and Diversity
drstevenkapp.bsky.social
Presenting my research on neurodiversity as a concept, framework & movement w/ implications for diagnosis, identity, support. A webinar ultimately for @uoppald.bsky.social, & like the session itself, that MSc has recorded sessions. MSc is also competitive priced - under $10k Year 1, under $5k year 2
uoppald.bsky.social MSc Psychology and Learning Disability @uoppald.bsky.social · Mar 27
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
www.port.ac.uk
March 27, 2026 at 5:07 PM
uopcidd.bsky.social
Also as part of Neurodiversity Celebration Week, we at CIDD were honoured to host Celebrating Neurodivergent Staff at UoP and learned more about how to work toward more accessible work environments and experiences at the University of Portsmouth. Thank you to those who shared and participated.
March 20, 2026 at 5:30 PM
Reposted by Centre for Interaction, Development and Diversity
uoppald.bsky.social
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
www.theguardian.com
March 20, 2026 at 4:29 PM
uopcidd.bsky.social
The 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...
CARING
About CARING
sites.google.com
February 13, 2026 at 3:36 PM
Reposted by Centre for Interaction, Development and Diversity
btscon.bsky.social
We received this dispatch from a @uop-ccep.bsky.social @uopcidd.bsky.social BTSCON viewing party. Look at all the Big Team Science FUN they're having! WE LOVE TO SEE IT!!

(👀 @dremalt.bsky.social @manyprimates.bsky.social)
A group of 10 smiling people pose for a photo in front of a large monitor. On the monitor, you can see the title slide from Drew Altschul's Big Team Science Conference talk about ManyPrimates. Everyone is having a GREAT TIME!
October 7, 2025 at 3:18 PM
uopcidd.bsky.social
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
October 22, 2025 at 6:38 PM
Reposted by Centre for Interaction, Development and Diversity
drstevenkapp.bsky.social
Proud 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!
A subset of MSc Psychology and Learning Disability graduates celebrating their degree on the Portsmouth Guildhall steps, with current and past course leaders Jo Nye and Axelle Philippon and Neurodiversity Studies coordinator Steven Kapp joining them in the festivities.
September 18, 2025 at 7:30 PM
uopcidd.bsky.social
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.
University of Portsmouth Centre for Interaction, Development and Diversity Director Beatriz López presents on her talk with Steven Kapp and Emine Gurbuz at the UoP Research Culture Connect-Fest, with the slide reading Good Practice Showcase 1: Creating an inclusive research culture for neurodivergent researchers.
June 30, 2025 at 4:44 PM
Reposted by Centre for Interaction, Development and Diversity
uoppald.bsky.social
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.
drstevenkapp.bsky.social Steven Kapp @drstevenkapp.bsky.social · May 29
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 🙏
CALL FOR RESPONDENTS! For study on Social Interaction and First Impression formation. QUALIFICATIONS: If you are: - Interested in taking part in a scenariobased game featuring AI-generated avatars and an interactive virtual world. - Have access to an internet connection and a device (laptop, tablet, smartphone, etc.) to use to access two scenarios and answer a couple of questionnaires. THEN YOU ARE QUALIFIED TO PARTICIPATE! To participate, simply go here: https://research.sc/participant/login/dynamic/D7CABF64-D335-400D-90FD-368DE41AF496 or scan the OR code!
May 29, 2025 at 5:16 PM
uopcidd.bsky.social
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:
May 20, 2025 at 5:36 PM
Reposted by Centre for Interaction, Development and Diversity
uoppald.bsky.social
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/...
May 9, 2025 at 5:18 PM
Reposted by Centre for Interaction, Development and Diversity
drstevenkapp.bsky.social
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...
April 25, 2025 at 12:55 AM
uopcidd.bsky.social
New paper free until June 8 in Research in Autism by @addiebabe.bsky.social & our Director Prof Beatriz Lopez “Mental health in autistic adults: Key stages in the journey from experiencing psychological distress to recovery”. Paper w/ our own @drstevenkapp.bsky.social is also free (see posts below).
uoppald.bsky.social MSc Psychology and Learning Disability @uoppald.bsky.social · Apr 22
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.
April 22, 2025 at 8:16 PM
uopcidd.bsky.social
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 ([email protected]) by 10 April
CIDD CALL FOR APPLICATIONS FOR 3 RESEARCH ASSISTANT TEMPORARY POSITIONS (3 MONTHS) Start date: 28th of April - End date 31st of July, 2025 Roles: 1. Grade 4 Research Assistant (240 hours; in total £5,460 before tax) Creation and monitoring of database 2. Grade 4 Research Assistant (180 hours; in total £4,095 before tax) Design and updates of the website/platform 3. Grade 5 Research Associate (120 hours; in total £3,049 before tax) - Project lead. Postgraduate qualification (Masters) is required. There is flexibility in how you distribute the working hours within the week over the period of employment, however your commitment will not be shorter than the duration of the project (i.e. end of July). You are welcome to apply for more than one role if you have the skills required. Please indicate this in your application. Work for all positions can be carried out online. Project description: Creation of a website to centralise and disseminate co-produced profiling tools, training, and open resources. A database will be created to register evidence of impact: who is benefiting from the tools hosted in this platform. Skills required: Role 1: Research Assistant to create and monitor databases ● Creating online questionnaires ● Analysing qualitative and quantitative data Role 2: Research Assistant to design and update the website/platform ● IT and website developing skills ● Familiarity with programming languages Role 3: Research Lead to liaise with the research team ● Project management skills ● Experience in carrying out empirical research projects ● Communication and team working skills How to apply: Please email your CV and a short Expression of Interest (one-page max) depicting how your experience and skills match with the role(s). Email both to emine.gurbuz@port.ac.uk by the 10th of April. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an interview on the week of 14-18th of April. Please indicate your availability for that week when you submit your application.
April 1, 2025 at 6:04 PM
Reposted by Centre for Interaction, Development and Diversity
drstevenkapp.bsky.social
My @uoppald.bsky.social student Edward is recruiting autistic adults who have been assessed by the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule to share your experiences of & views on ADOS, an interaction- & observation-based diagnostic measure. Participants can be anywhere globally. See more info below.
uoppald.bsky.social MSc Psychology and Learning Disability @uoppald.bsky.social · Mar 25
Edward Fisher is recruiting autistic adults who have been assessed by the ADOS for his @uoppald.bsky.social project, to share experiences and views. The ADOS could have been anytime (even as children) and does not need to have resulted in diagnosis. Participation options include video, audio & email
Poster reading Volunteers need with a rainbow infinity (neurodiversity) symbol at the top. Autistic adults needed for research study Autistic adults' experiences and perspectives on the ADOS autism assessment: A qualitative exploration Eligibility - Over 18 - Assessed for autism - with the ADOS - Willing to share your perspective and experience of the assessment What is needed Fill out a short survey Followed by an interview This can take place online via Zoom, Google Meet, or via audio or via email When Weekdays & weekends interview options available [Symbol for location]: Online University of Portsmouth logo For more information Contact Edward Fisher [email symbol] up2148452@myport.ac.uk This project is supervised by Dr Steven Kapp from University of Portsmouth
March 25, 2025 at 6:14 PM
uopcidd.bsky.social
New @autisminadulthood.bsky.social paper - Beth Fearon's @uoppald.bsky.social MSc supervised by our own @drstevenkapp.bsky.social with @dramypearson.bsky.social: "Exploring the social emotional impact of puberty and adolescence on autistic people assigned female at birth". Free for now - see below
March 21, 2025 at 1:54 PM
Reposted by Centre for Interaction, Development and Diversity
drstevenkapp.bsky.social
My @uoppald.bsky.social student Sarah Harwood is calling autistic parents (especially fathers) of autistic child(ren) to share their experiences, by e-mail or video anywhere, or in person (SW England). 5-min questionnaire to express interest (more options on poster): research.sc/participant/... Thx
RESEARCH PARTICIPANTS NEEDED Are yo an autistic parent to an autistic child? What is the study about? We are looking to talk to autistic parents of autistic children about their experiences. What would need to do? You will be invited take part completed face short interview which can face or online. What are the participant requirements? You will need be an autistic biological parent of an autistic child. You or your child can be formally diagnosed, awaiting assessment, or self identify as autistic. You will need have gained this autistic status since becoming parent. How do take part? Please scan the QR code here to register your interest in taking part, or email me directly: sarah.harwood@myport.ac.uk.
March 6, 2025 at 7:32 PM