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Reposted by Dr Kelly Birtwell

George Gantsoudes @pedsortho.bsky.social · 1d

Please remember that the disgust people have over Christopher Columbus is not based on some modern, 21st century “woke” ideology, but rather on contemporaneous accounts of atrocities that make many modern genocides appear quaint in comparison.

Below, are the accounts of Bartlomé de las Casas.

But too many of the slaves died in captivity. And so Columbus, desperate to pay back dividends to those who had in-vested, had to make good his promise to fill the ships with gold. In the province of Cicao on Haiti, where he and his men imagined huge gold fields to exist, they ordered all persons fourteen years or older to collect a certain quantity of gold every three months. When they brought it, they were given copper tokens to hang around their necks. Indians found without a copper token had their hands cut off and bled to death.
The Indians had been given an impossible task. The only gold around was bits of dust garnered from the streams. So they fled, were hunted down with dogs, and were killed.

After each six or eight months' work in the mines, which was the time required of each crew to dig enough gold for melting, up to a third of the men died.
While the men were sent many miles away to the mines, the wives remained to work the soil, forced into the excruciating job of digging and making thousands of hills for cassava plants.
Thus husbands and wives were together only once every eight or ten months and when they met they were so exhausted and depressed on both sides... they ceased to pro-create. As for the newly born, they died early because their mothers, overworked and fam-ished, had no milk to nurse them, and for this reason, while I was in Cuba, 7000 children died in three months. Some mothers even drowned their babies from sheer desper-ation.... In this way, husbands died in the mines, wives died at work, and children died from lack of milk ... and in a short time this land which was so great, so powerful and fer-tile... was depopulated... My eyes have seen these acts so foreign to human nature, and now I tremble as I write....

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Reposted by Dr Kelly Birtwell

Robert Reich @rbreich.bsky.social · 1d

The 400 richest Americans are now worth a record $6.6 trillion.

The entire bottom 50% of America is worth just $4.2 trillion.

Read that back.

When 400 people control more wealth than half a country’s population, we have a very serious problem.

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Reposted by Dr Kelly Birtwell

Autistic Realms (Helen Edgar) @autisticrealms.bsky.social · 1d

I am presenting at The Gestalt Language Processors Conference 2025 with Cathy Shilling from The Speech Den this week. We will be exploring all things GLP and Monotropism related. This is one of our summary slides.
Find out more: registration.glpconference.co.uk/glp25

Infographic titled “Gestalt Language Processing Reframed: Monotropism, Interests & Connection.”
It contrasts a Deficit View of GLPs & Autism (left column, red boxes) with a Monotropism Informed Neuroaffirming Reframe (right column, green boxes), using arrows to show each shift in understanding:

Deficit View: Echolalia = lack of intent or understanding and meaningless repetition
Reframe: Echolalia = communication, grounded in deep attentional and emotional resonance

Deficit View: Scripts are rigid or blocking progress
Reframe: Scripts are anchors from which meaningful communication can emerge

Deficit View: GLPs have delayed or disordered language
Reframe: GLPs uniquely acquire language deeply and relationally through attentional processing

Deficit View: Structured analytic interventions needed to fix and cure
Reframe: Trust and connection support shared flow and communication

Deficit View: Redirecting attention and distractions help
Reframe: Allowing time and space for passions and processing is regulating

At the bottom, it says:
Find out more & join Cathy Shilling & Helen Edgar – Gestalt Language Processors Conference 2025.
Logos for The Speech Den and Autistic Realms – Neurodiversity Affirming appear in the corners.

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Reposted by Dr Kelly Birtwell

Alan Dettlaff @alandettlaff.com · 2d

Yesterday I was told that the class I’m scheduled to teach this month, Confronting Oppression & Injustice, is no longer part of our curriculum. This is a required class yet there was no discussion, no faculty vote, just an email saying the class no longer exists. This is what it’s like in Texas now.

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Shana Gadarian @sgadarian.bsky.social · 4d

Everyone who studies research methods just had an aneurysm

Aaron Rupar @atrupar.com · 4d

RFK Jr on Tylenol and autism: "It is not proof. We're doing the studies to make the proof."

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Reposted by Dr Kelly Birtwell

AMASE @amase.org.uk · 3d

In two hours, Alvis Cyrille Jiyong Jang from estas will be joining us the the Old College in Edinburgh, and online, to talk about Korean culture & Autistic people in Korea. Fiona from AMASE will also give a short talk about AMASE and Scotland. We will have the help of a volunteer interpreter, Lois.

AMASE @amase.org.uk · 16d

In two weeks, we welcome Jang Jiyong (장지용, aka Alvis) of Estas to Edinburgh, to talk about Korea and the status of Autistic people in the country.

We will also talk a bit about AMASE and autism in Scotland.

At the Old College and online, 1pm BST/9pm KST on Saturday 11th October.
luma.com/48s9n2w2

Korean-Scottish Autistic Cross-Cultural Exchange · Luma

We are welcoming Jang Jiyong (aka Alvis), from Korean Autistic-led organisation Estas, to Edinburgh this October. He'll be giving a talk in person and online -…

luma.com

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Reposted by Dr Kelly Birtwell

Scottish Ethnic Minority Autistics @semascot.bsky.social · 3d

This year’s theme for International Day of the Girl Child is “The girl I am, the change I lead”, it honours girls on the frontlines of crisis, those shaping their futures despite systemic inequality. Yet the global picture shows how far there is still to go.

#DayoftheGirl #GenerationEquality

A graphic by Scottish Ethnic Minority Autistics (SEMA) for International Day of the Girl Child, dated 11 October 2025. The background shows young girls of colour playing together on a playground. The text reads: “The girl I am is not defined by barriers but by how I move through them.”

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Reposted by Dr Kelly Birtwell

Dani Donovan 👩🏻‍🎨 ADHD Comics @danidonovan.com · 11d

"Why don't people like me?"

Growing up with undiagnosed ADHD, I struggled to keep friends. I always ended up being "too much" for people.

Too loud. Too weird. Too annoying.

But after all this time, I finally realized—I don’t have to make myself smaller to be worthy of love. ❤️‍🩹

#ADHDAwarenessMonth

Title: Fitting In

Excited blue triangle character approaches 4 orange circles, who laugh saying “Pffft” and “So annoying.”

The blue triangle gets an idea, and pulls out a saw. She starts shaving the corners of herself off in an effort to look more like a circle.

The mean orange circles laugh again, saying “What a loser, LOL” while the blue triangle looks sadly at all her corner pieces that read “loud,” “eager,” and “hyper.”

A green square shows up, with bandages all over its corners, carrying a red envelope. They help the blue triangle to her feet.

Green square proceeds to open the red envelope to reveal band-aids and re-attach the blue corners (starting with “loud”) to the triangle.

Triangle is all put back together. A purple hexagon and pink parallelogram enter the scene, excited to be there and also donning bandages on their corners.

Last frame: shapes standing together among a long line of same orange circles. The red envelope with bandages can be seen center stage.

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Dr Kelly Birtwell @kellybirtwell.bsky.social · 3d

I love your account and it would be great if you could add alt text to images to help people using screen readers. You can describe the main details you want to convey, or add something like "image as described in post". This is a useful prompt to add it: bsky.app/profile/auti...

Cheshire Cat ᓚᘏᗢ, @autismsupsoc.bsky.social · May 11

I see people saying

“I would use alt text but I keep forgetting!”

Thankfully, @bsky.app has a setting for that.

- Go to Settings
- Then Accessibility
- Toggle “Require alt text before posting” to the active setting.

Now Bluesky will remind you to add alt text to all of your posts.

Bluesky Accessibltg Settings menu

Alt Text submenus

Options are:
Require alt text before posting
Display larger alt text badges

Both have toggles for on or off.

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Reposted by Dr Kelly Birtwell

Cheshire Cat ᓚᘏᗢ, @autismsupsoc.bsky.social · May 11

A way to think about it is that not every Alt text user wants to "read" an Essay.

If you really want to include all the details, focus on the critical elements first ... that allows the Alt text user to get what they need an opt out of the rest. (at least that is my preference)

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Reposted by Dr Kelly Birtwell

The Oregonian @oregonian.com · 4d

Things are happening at Portland's ICE facility tonight.

Read more of our protest coverage here: www.oregonlive.com/crime/2025/1...

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Adam Serwer @adamserwer.bsky.social · 4d

www.wweek.com/culture/2025...

Can you put into words what that purpose is? You and the frog have really become icons of this protest.

There’s been a nice overall whimsy that has shown up. The frog is amazing. We had a bunch of other inflatable people here last night, too. I saw people playing Twister the other day.

What they rely on is fear. So by coming out in an absurdist manner, it speaks to them, to some extent, that we’re actually not that afraid.

It also dismantles their narrative a little bit. When they try to describe this situation as “war-torn,” it becomes much harder to take them seriously when they have to post a video saying [U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security] Kristi Noem is up on the balcony staring over the Antifa Army and it’s, like, eight journalists and five protesters and one of them is in a chicken suit.

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Reposted by Dr Kelly Birtwell

Daily Free Film Festivals @freefilmfestivals.bsky.social · 3d

Watch Today’s FREE Festival: Best of DANCE Shorts Festival

Watch the festival at 8PM EST FOR FREE by signing up for the FREE 3-DAY trial using the link, or go to www.wildsound.ca

Watch today’s Festival: www.wildsound.ca/events/best-...

#freefilmfestival #watchmovies

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Reposted by Dr Kelly Birtwell

Victoria Duncan @victoriaduncan.bsky.social · 4d

Anyway I saw a post going around about what social media did for you and this is it, for me. I got diagnosed with autism and found other autistic people and went from being a sad lonely misfit to realizing I wasn't alone. The difference after 6 months of that was noticeable to my colleagues.

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Reposted by Dr Kelly Birtwell

Thriving Autistic @thrivingautistic.bsky.social · 5d

Are you an #Autistic surgeon (diagnosed or self-identified)?

The Autism Research Centre @UAlberta is studying the lived experiences + career paths of Autistic surgeons.

📩 Confidential info/interest: [email protected]

api.typeform.com/responses/fi...

Participation request for a research study entitled 'Autistic Surgeons. Their Lived Experiences and Career Pathways'. The Autism Research Centre at the University of Alberta is looking for surgeons who are either formally diagnosed, or self described, as being Autistic and who would be interested in learning about, and possibly participating in, a confidential interview study addressing their lived experiences and career pathways. This research will inform future discussions aimed at improving neurodivergent equity, diversity and inclusion in work environments. Please email asdstudy@ucalgary.ca for confidential communication if you are interested, would like more information or have additional questions.

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Dr Kelly Birtwell @kellybirtwell.bsky.social · 5d

It's great to be at the RCGP conference sharing our research on general practice support for autistic adults, and talking about neuro-affirmative practice.

Chris Williams @drchriswilliams.bsky.social · 5d

Spiky profile. For neurodivergent people, think of a spectrum that is more like a colour wheel than a linear model. Research winner @kellybirtwell.bsky.social at RCGPAC

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Reposted by Dr Kelly Birtwell

Robin Ince @robinince.bsky.social · 7d

I love how Russell T Davies always uses his platform to fight for progress - I hate how it is always so necessary

nicola @gleanniucha.bsky.social · 7d

Please, if good television matters to you, repost or repackage this video until everyone you follow has seen it

#televisionmatters

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Dr Kelly Birtwell @kellybirtwell.bsky.social · 6d

Our survey has now closed. Thank you very much to everyone who took part 🙏

Dr Kelly Birtwell @kellybirtwell.bsky.social · 9d

Our survey about #autistic adults experiences of #mindfulness and stimming will close at 9am UK time, Tues 7th October. 👇 For autistic adults anywhere in the world. 🌎 Thanks to everyone who has taken part already 🙏 Any reposts appreciated 😊 tinyurl.com/Aut-Mindful

Dr Kelly Birtwell @kellybirtwell.bsky.social · Apr 14

💡 Our online survey for #autistic adults in any country is still open: share your experiences of stimming, #mindfulness, and other contemplative practices. To find out more and take part see: tinyurl.com/Aut-Mindful Developed with autistic project advisors. Reposts appreciated. 🙏

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Dr Kelly Birtwell @kellybirtwell.bsky.social · 7d

Last chance to take part 👇 Closing at 9am Tuesday 7th October.

Dr Kelly Birtwell @kellybirtwell.bsky.social · 9d

Our survey about #autistic adults experiences of #mindfulness and stimming will close at 9am UK time, Tues 7th October. 👇 For autistic adults anywhere in the world. 🌎 Thanks to everyone who has taken part already 🙏 Any reposts appreciated 😊 tinyurl.com/Aut-Mindful

Dr Kelly Birtwell @kellybirtwell.bsky.social · Apr 14

💡 Our online survey for #autistic adults in any country is still open: share your experiences of stimming, #mindfulness, and other contemplative practices. To find out more and take part see: tinyurl.com/Aut-Mindful Developed with autistic project advisors. Reposts appreciated. 🙏

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Reposted by Dr Kelly Birtwell

Dr Kelly Birtwell @kellybirtwell.bsky.social · 9d

Our survey about #autistic adults experiences of #mindfulness and stimming will close at 9am UK time, Tues 7th October. 👇 For autistic adults anywhere in the world. 🌎 Thanks to everyone who has taken part already 🙏 Any reposts appreciated 😊 tinyurl.com/Aut-Mindful

Dr Kelly Birtwell @kellybirtwell.bsky.social · Apr 14

💡 Our online survey for #autistic adults in any country is still open: share your experiences of stimming, #mindfulness, and other contemplative practices. To find out more and take part see: tinyurl.com/Aut-Mindful Developed with autistic project advisors. Reposts appreciated. 🙏

Poster for a research study run by the University of Manchester. Text says: Researchers at the University of Manchester seek autistic volunteers to take part in research into experiences of stimming, mindfulness, and other contemplative practices. Are you Autistic? Aged 18 or over? Able to understand written information given in English? The study involves completing an online survey. The survey takes around 30-45 minutes to complete and includes questions about your background (e.g. age, gender), and your experiences of stimming, mindfulness, and other contemplative practices. Stimming is soothing or repetitive sensory activity that can help people to feel calm or may bring joy. The research has been developed in collaboration with autistic project advisors. To find out more visit https://tinyurl.com/Aut-Mindful Or contact: Kelly.birtwell@manchester.ac.uk

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DOG of BLUD @dogblud.bsky.social · 8d

This was legitimately heartening to read.

Emily White @emwhitenoise.bsky.social · 11d

College radio stations are seeing a surge in student interest.

Stations that once struggled to fill airtime are now overflowing with student DJs.

I spoke to 7 college radio stations across the U.S. to understand what is driving the revival:

emwhitenoise.substack.com/p/gen-zs-col...

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Dr Kelly Birtwell @kellybirtwell.bsky.social · 9d

Our survey about #autistic adults experiences of #mindfulness and stimming will close at 9am UK time, Tues 7th October. 👇 For autistic adults anywhere in the world. 🌎 Thanks to everyone who has taken part already 🙏 Any reposts appreciated 😊 tinyurl.com/Aut-Mindful

Dr Kelly Birtwell @kellybirtwell.bsky.social · Apr 14

💡 Our online survey for #autistic adults in any country is still open: share your experiences of stimming, #mindfulness, and other contemplative practices. To find out more and take part see: tinyurl.com/Aut-Mindful Developed with autistic project advisors. Reposts appreciated. 🙏

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Reposted by Dr Kelly Birtwell

Jo VanEvery @jovanevery.bsky.social · 9d

Good things. 🧵

Dr Delyth Badder @folklorewales.com · 9d

Six weeks ago, I picked up a year-old tawny owl with a broken leg off the main road near our home and dropped him off at our nearest vet.

After a few days, I received one of the most bizarre phone calls I’ve ever had, asking “So when are you coming to pick up your owl?” 🧵

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Robert Chapman @drrobertchapman.bsky.social · 9d

Take a look at these events in Sheffield next month co-organsied by a friend.
thisdamnpassivesoul.wordpress.com/2025/09/26/f...

Feeling with theory / Neuroqueer music events

David Shannon and I are organising two events in Sheffield, both called Feeling with Theory: Exploring the Meaning of Music around Neuroqueer identities. More info on the respective links below, bu…

thisdamnpassivesoul.wordpress.com

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Dr Kelly Birtwell @kellybirtwell.bsky.social · 11d

📢 We'll be closing our survey for #autistic adults at 9am Tues 7th Oct (UK time) so just a few days left to take part. ⬇️ Open to autistic adults anywhere in the world 🌍 share your experiences of stimming and #mindfulness - we're keen to hear about good and bad experiences. tinyurl.com/Aut-Mindful

Dr Kelly Birtwell @kellybirtwell.bsky.social · Apr 14

💡 Our online survey for #autistic adults in any country is still open: share your experiences of stimming, #mindfulness, and other contemplative practices. To find out more and take part see: tinyurl.com/Aut-Mindful Developed with autistic project advisors. Reposts appreciated. 🙏

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