MSc Psychology and Learning Disability
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uoppald.bsky.social
MSc Psychology and Learning Disability
@uoppald.bsky.social
81 followers 130 following 36 posts
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
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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
uoppald.bsky.social
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...
MSc Psychology and Learning Disability graduates and staff at the University of Portsmouth School of Psychology, Sport and Health Sciences 2026 postgraduate graduation
July 31, 2026 at 3:40 PM
uoppald.bsky.social
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/...
July 1, 2026 at 8:46 PM
uoppald.bsky.social
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.
www.port.ac.uk
July 1, 2026 at 8:11 PM
Reposted by MSc Psychology and Learning Disability
chloeapter.bsky.social
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.

📧 [email protected]

Supervisor: @drstevenkapp.bsky.social
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? I'm Chloe, a master's student at the University of Portsmouth. I am autistic and I have been 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 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 23, 2026 at 7:36 PM
Reposted by MSc Psychology and Learning Disability
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.
chloeapter.bsky.social Chloe Apter (she/her) @chloeapter.bsky.social · Jun 23
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.

📧 [email protected]

Supervisor: @drstevenkapp.bsky.social
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? I'm Chloe, a master's student at the University of Portsmouth. I am autistic and I have been 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 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 23, 2026 at 8:15 PM
Reposted by MSc Psychology and Learning Disability
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
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
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
Reposted by MSc Psychology and Learning Disability
drstevenkapp.bsky.social
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
April 23, 2026 at 7:12 AM
Reposted by MSc Psychology and Learning Disability
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
uoppald.bsky.social
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...
April 2, 2026 at 10:44 PM
Reposted by MSc Psychology and Learning Disability
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
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
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
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
Reposted by MSc Psychology and Learning Disability
drstevenkapp.bsky.social
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)
U.S. passport next to a British passport
February 13, 2026 at 3:46 PM
uoppald.bsky.social
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
January 28, 2026 at 10:03 PM
Reposted by MSc Psychology and Learning Disability
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
uoppald.bsky.social
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...
September 18, 2025 at 7:39 PM
Reposted by MSc Psychology and Learning Disability
chloeapter.bsky.social
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!
May 31, 2025 at 3:01 PM
Reposted by MSc Psychology and Learning Disability
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
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
Reposted by MSc Psychology and Learning Disability
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
uoppald.bsky.social
@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
May 20, 2025 at 4:35 PM
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