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autisticrealms.bsky.social
Autistic Realms (Helen Edgar)
@autisticrealms.bsky.social
8.7K followers 8K following 2.2K posts
💜 ♾️ AuDHD | Monotropic | Neuro-affirming Autism advocate & consultant. Interests: monotropism, flow, burnout & neuroqueer theory. Writer • Trainer • Resource Creator | Former SEND EY/Primary teacher ♾️ 💜 https://www.autisticrealms.com/
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autisticrealms.bsky.social
Autistic Realms (Helen Edgar) @autisticrealms.bsky.social · Nov 15
I have lots of downloads and resources to support young people who are experiencing Autistic Burnout.
Ideal for families and professionals!

www.autisticrealms.com/shop
Shop | Autistic Realms
Autistic parent & teacher advocating for a better understanding of neurodivergence in education & mental health
www.autisticrealms.com
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Reposted by Autistic Realms (Helen Edgar)
k2mey.bsky.social
Dr Katie Twomey @k2mey.bsky.social · 8h
We know that some autistic children and adults produce echolalia (gestalts, or repeated bits of language) to convey unconventional meanings. That is a beautiful and in my view very complex way of metaphor making. But we don't know if they *process* language in a gestalt way
autisticrealms.bsky.social
Autistic Realms (Helen Edgar) @autisticrealms.bsky.social · 8h
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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autisticrealms.bsky.social
Autistic Realms (Helen Edgar) @autisticrealms.bsky.social · 7h
Ah, thank you.
Yes, this is very much an exploration and an invitation to be curious, child-led and honour authentic Autistic ways of being and communicating. VERY little research about GLPs and Monotropism at all.....may be more will start emerging soon?! Seems to make sense to me?
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autisticrealms.bsky.social
Autistic Realms (Helen Edgar) @autisticrealms.bsky.social · 8h
@thespeechden.bsky.social
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autisticrealms.bsky.social
Autistic Realms (Helen Edgar) @autisticrealms.bsky.social · 8h
@thespeechden.bsky.social
Reposted by Autistic Realms (Helen Edgar)
autisticrealms.bsky.social
Autistic Realms (Helen Edgar) @autisticrealms.bsky.social · 8h
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 Autistic Realms (Helen Edgar)
autisticrealms.bsky.social
Autistic Realms (Helen Edgar) @autisticrealms.bsky.social · 8h
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 “Supporting Gestalt Language Processors Through the Lens of Monotropism.” Five green-grey boxes list supportive, neuroaffirming strategies: Validate scripting and use as building blocks Follow interests and join their flow – allow silence and child-led direction Avoid direct prompting – reduce questions and redirecting Model language from the child’s perspective (examples: “I love…”, “Let’s try…”, “How about…”) Respect sensory needs, bodily autonomy, and allow processing time Decorative pink hearts and infinity symbols appear along the sides. At the bottom, text reads: 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 lower corners.
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autisticrealms.bsky.social
Autistic Realms (Helen Edgar) @autisticrealms.bsky.social · 8h
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 “Supporting Gestalt Language Processors Through the Lens of Monotropism.” Five green-grey boxes list supportive, neuroaffirming strategies: Validate scripting and use as building blocks Follow interests and join their flow – allow silence and child-led direction Avoid direct prompting – reduce questions and redirecting Model language from the child’s perspective (examples: “I love…”, “Let’s try…”, “How about…”) Respect sensory needs, bodily autonomy, and allow processing time Decorative pink hearts and infinity symbols appear along the sides. At the bottom, text reads: 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 lower corners.
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autisticrealms.bsky.social
Autistic Realms (Helen Edgar) @autisticrealms.bsky.social · 8h
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 Autistic Realms (Helen Edgar)
isabellefk.bsky.social
Isabelle Finn-Kelcey @isabellefk.bsky.social · 1d
eg sensory stress, offering choice, avoiding interrupting ‘flow’ states etc are all important approaches, as outlined by Helen & Tanya here:

autisticrealms.com/neuro-affirm...
Neuro-Affirming Research in Practice: Supporting Autistic Students, Embracing Monotropism In The Classroom And Beyond | Autistic Realms
Written by Tanya Adkin and Helen Edgar, based on the presentation we delivered to the National Autistic Society Professionals’ Conference in March, 2025. Sh ...
autisticrealms.com
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Reposted by Autistic Realms (Helen Edgar)
stimpunks.org
Stimpunks Foundation @stimpunks.org · 16h
“This neurodiversity-lite approach is often a sugar-coated version of old outdated models that still centre neurotypical comfort over authentic neurodivergent wellbeing. It’s a way of maintaining control and conformity while speaking the language of inclusion.”

autisticrealms.com/why-interest...
Why “Interest-Led” Isn’t Enough: Embracing Monotropism & Neuro-Affirming Practice
Being “interest-led” isn’t enough. Monotropism means honouring deep attention, autonomy & sensory safety, not weaponising interests for compliance.
autisticrealms.com
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autisticrealms.bsky.social
Autistic Realms (Helen Edgar) @autisticrealms.bsky.social · 16h
Will do!
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autisticrealms.bsky.social
Autistic Realms (Helen Edgar) @autisticrealms.bsky.social · 16h
Yes.... my back ground is working with those with profound and multiple learning disablities, often non/minimally-speaking and/or very early lang development learning AAC...all this has made me re-think lots of things over the past few years and my own practice.
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autisticrealms.bsky.social
Autistic Realms (Helen Edgar) @autisticrealms.bsky.social · 18h
@thinkingautism.com
@ausometraining.bsky.social
@autismadvocate.co.uk
@stimpunks.org
@monotropism.bsky.social
@againstrestraint.com
@autisticgirlsnet.bsky.social
@spectrumgaming.bsky.social
@gr0ve.bsky.social
May be of interest
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autisticrealms.bsky.social
Autistic Realms (Helen Edgar) @autisticrealms.bsky.social · 18h
Fabulous!
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Reposted by Autistic Realms (Helen Edgar)
kosjenka.bsky.social
Kosjenka @kosjenka.bsky.social · 18h
Not weaponising interests

As a teacher I will think twice about utilising intense interests in the classroom.

Some of my autistic Sts report abandoning their interests due to schools using them.
autisticrealms.bsky.social
Autistic Realms (Helen Edgar) @autisticrealms.bsky.social · 18h
Being “interest-led” isn’t enough.
Monotropism means honouring deep attention, autonomy & sensory safety, not weaponising interests for compliance.

https://autisticrealms.com/why-interest-led-isnt-enough-embracing-monotropism-neuro-affirming-practice/?utm_source=bluesky&utm_medium=jetpack_social
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autisticrealms.bsky.social
Autistic Realms (Helen Edgar) @autisticrealms.bsky.social · 18h
Yes, that is what happens if interests get weaponised in this way and then a child hits burnout and takes even longer to recover as they can no longer hook in that flow state that helps them and may be don't have enough capacity to find new interests- it is sad...
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Reposted by Autistic Realms (Helen Edgar)
icarszoey.bsky.social
ICARS Zoey @icarszoey.bsky.social · 1d
🎉 I’m ADHD! No You’re Not is a Lovie Awards Finalist — in three categories!
🏆 Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
🏆 Health & Wellness
🏆 Best Individual Episode
These awards are decided by public vote please read the thread, click the links and support by sharing 💜
A purple graphic announcing that a show is a finalist in The Lovie Awards. At the top, the pink “TLA” logo appears beside the text “THE LOVIE AWARDS” and the phrase “We’re Lovie Finalists!” Beneath it, there’s a photo of two smiling hosts — Dr. Mine Conkbayir, a woman with long dark hair, glasses, hoop earrings, and red lipstick, and Paul Whitehouse, a man with short gray hair wearing a black shirt. The title of their show reads “I’m ADHD! No You’re Not.” At the bottom, white text says, “Please vote for me… I have RSD!”
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Reposted by Autistic Realms (Helen Edgar)
autisticrealms.bsky.social
Autistic Realms (Helen Edgar) @autisticrealms.bsky.social · 18h
Being “interest-led” isn’t enough.
Monotropism means honouring deep attention, autonomy & sensory safety, not weaponising interests for compliance.

https://autisticrealms.com/why-interest-led-isnt-enough-embracing-monotropism-neuro-affirming-practice/?utm_source=bluesky&utm_medium=jetpack_social
Post Image
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Reposted by Autistic Realms (Helen Edgar)
icarszoey.bsky.social
ICARS Zoey @icarszoey.bsky.social · 1d
Thank you Helen 😍 go.bsky.app/6ftC1uS
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autisticrealms.bsky.social
Autistic Realms (Helen Edgar) @autisticrealms.bsky.social · 18h
Being “interest-led” isn’t enough.
Monotropism means honouring deep attention, autonomy & sensory safety, not weaponising interests for compliance.

https://autisticrealms.com/why-interest-led-isnt-enough-embracing-monotropism-neuro-affirming-practice/?utm_source=bluesky&utm_medium=jetpack_social
Post Image
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Reposted by Autistic Realms (Helen Edgar)
isabellefk.bsky.social
Isabelle Finn-Kelcey @isabellefk.bsky.social · 1d
I mean some phonics teaching is a good idea, but strengths-based approaches are #neuro-affirming, imv.

@autisticrealms.bsky.social & @tanyaadkin.bsky.social have more info here:

autisticrealms.com/neuro-affirm...
Neuro-Affirming Research in Practice: Supporting Autistic Students, Embracing Monotropism In The Classroom And Beyond | Autistic Realms
Written by Tanya Adkin and Helen Edgar, based on the presentation we delivered to the National Autistic Society Professionals’ Conference in March, 2025. Sh ...
autisticrealms.com
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autisticrealms.bsky.social
Autistic Realms (Helen Edgar) @autisticrealms.bsky.social · 1d
Thanks for sharing :)
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Reposted by Autistic Realms (Helen Edgar)
isabellefk.bsky.social
Isabelle Finn-Kelcey @isabellefk.bsky.social · 1d
Ooh, great q!

Fab glossary here from @autisticrealms.bsky.social ✨

autisticrealms.com/neurodiversi...
Neurodiversity Affirming Glossary of Key Words - for families and professionals | Autistic Realms
(Glossary written & and originally published for THE PDA SPACE SUMMIT 2023 ) A full version of The Neurdodiversity Affirming Glossary is now avai ...
autisticrealms.com
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Reposted by Autistic Realms (Helen Edgar)
isabellefk.bsky.social
Isabelle Finn-Kelcey @isabellefk.bsky.social · 2d
I guess until schools are safe & #neuro-affirming for children & teens, parents/carers will push for ‘additional’ if they can?

Fab explainer here by @autisticrealms.bsky.social & @tanyaadkin.bsky.social

autisticrealms.com/neuro-affirm...
Neuro-Affirming Research in Practice: Supporting Autistic Students, Embracing Monotropism In The Classroom And Beyond | Autistic Realms
Written by Tanya Adkin and Helen Edgar, based on the presentation we delivered to the National Autistic Society Professionals’ Conference in March, 2025. Sh ...
autisticrealms.com
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