MSc Psychology and Learning Disability
LightNews LightNews
banner
uoppald.bsky.social
MSc Psychology and Learning Disability
@uoppald.bsky.social
60 followers 73 following 25 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
Posts Replies Media Videos
Pinned
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 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
uoppald.bsky.social
@drstevenkapp.bsky.social's panel at International Society for Autism Research on Neurodivergence-affirming research practices for autistic people w/ high support needs illustrates relevance of neurodiversity framework for people w/ significant disabilities - an important principle of our MSc course
hannahmorton.bsky.social Hannah Morton @hannahmorton.bsky.social · May 3
As an autism community we should be coming together to defend and support the services and supports that allow autistic people to live a life of their choosing
- @drstevenkapp.bsky.social

Thank you Dr. Kapp for your continued leadership and advocacy at #INSAR2025 and beyond
Steven Kapp presenting at a podium at INSAR
May 4, 2025 at 1:56 AM
Reposted by MSc Psychology and Learning Disability
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
uoppald.bsky.social
@drstevenkapp.bsky.social has timely new paper (w/ 600+ sources) on autism as a lifelong neurodivergence underpinned by sensory+ differences prior to & if applicable even after meeting criteria. It deconstructs "autistic regression” & challenges outgrowing autism:
www.frontiersin.org/journals/int...
Frontiers | Sensory–movement underpinnings of lifelong neurodivergence: getting a grip on autism
www.frontiersin.org
April 25, 2025 at 12:45 AM
uoppald.bsky.social
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 8:09 PM
Reposted by MSc Psychology and Learning Disability
drstevenkapp.bsky.social
Not April Fools: @uopcidd.bsky.social has worked w/ neurodivergent ppl & local partners to co-design profiling tools. 3 temporary research assistant positions to create a website to centralise & disseminate tools+, create & maintain a database to evidence impact of benefit from tools, lead project
uopcidd.bsky.social Centre for Interaction, Development and Diversity @uopcidd.bsky.social · Apr 1
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 6:12 PM
uoppald.bsky.social
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 6:09 PM
uoppald.bsky.social
In honour of Neurodiversity Celebration Week, a paper accepted in Neurodiversity co-authored by our Neurodiversity Studies module coordinator
@drstevenkapp.bsky.social on neurodivergent researchers' views on what the neurodiversity movement is and what it should do free here:
oro.open.ac.uk/101508/
March 21, 2025 at 10:51 PM
uoppald.bsky.social
As we close Neurodiversity Celebration Week, let's observe World Down Syndrome Day 2025 with this short video, NO DECISION WITHOUT US:
youtube.com/watch?v=xRIQ...
#EndtheStereotypes
#NeurodiversityCelebrationWeek #worlddownsyndromeday2025
NO DECISION WITHOUT US | World Down Syndrome Day 2025
YouTube video by CoorDown
youtube.com
March 21, 2025 at 10:49 PM
uoppald.bsky.social
New @autisminadulthood.bsky.social paper: social and emotional impact of puberty and adolescence on autistic people assigned female at birth. Beth Fearon's @uoppald.bsky.social MSc thesis supervised by @drstevenkapp.bsky.social with @dramypearson.bsky.social.
Free: www.liebertpub.com/doi/10.1089/...
Exploring the Social and Emotional Impact of Puberty and Adolescence on Autistic People Assigned Female at Birth | Autism in Adulthood
Background: Emerging research suggests that puberty and adolescence may be particularly difficult for autistic people assigned female at birth (AFAB), but there is currently very little exploration of...
www.liebertpub.com
March 21, 2025 at 1:37 PM
Reposted by MSc Psychology and Learning Disability
drstevenkapp.bsky.social
Thanks to those who shared a version of this study on the experiences of autistic parents of autistic children (who became aware of being autistic or sought their autism assessment since having an autistic child). Here is the corrected link - @thinkingautism.bsky.social kindly shared an older post.
sarahharwood.bsky.social Sarah Harwood (she/her) @sarahharwood.bsky.social · Mar 12
#Autism #Research #LateDiagnosis

Are you an autistic parent of an autistic child? Did you discover your autistic status after becoming a parent? Then I need you!

Interviews conducted via email or Teams.

Please register here: research.sc/participant/...

Please share 📚
Yellow poster recruiting participants for research involving autistic parents of autistic children in association with the University of Portsmouth.
March 17, 2025 at 5:54 PM
Reposted by MSc Psychology and Learning Disability
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
uoppald.bsky.social
Our student Sarah Harwood is recruiting autistic fathers of autistic child(ren) living anywhere for a short interview. Online (e-mail, video) and in-person (in SE England) options. If you think you meet criteria, please fill in the initial (5-min) questionnaire: research.sc/participant/ Thank you
Powered by Gorilla
Make the world a better place by participating in cutting edge behavioural research. Powered by Gorilla
research.sc
March 6, 2025 at 6:47 PM
Reposted by MSc Psychology and Learning Disability
uopcidd.bsky.social
We are recruiting for a study on the support experiences and needs of autistic university students in the UK, alongside @notts-psych.bsky.social @uniofnottingham.bsky.social researcher Dr Lauren Marsh. Please consider participating if eligible and share widely with your networks. More info below!
drstevenkapp.bsky.social Steven Kapp @drstevenkapp.bsky.social · Mar 4
Calling autistic uni students in UK (UG, masters): our survey on your support experiences & needs, developed from community-based participatory research w/ autistic & non-autistic students & disability support staff. Pls share widely
Scan QR code in flyer -> send drafted email to receive direct link
Flyer titled "Recruitment call: Supporting autistic students at university". The University of Portsmouth logo is in the top-left corner and the University of Nottingham logo is in the top-right corner. It says "Are you an autistic university student in the UK? We are inviting you to take part in our study on support experiences and needs", followed by "You can take part if: • You are a university student in the UK (18 and above) • You have a formal autism diagnosis or you self-identify as autistic" "To complete the questionnaire, scan the QR code, which will take you to a draft email to the researcher. Please send this email to get your unique ID to complete the questionnaire." The QR code is presented to the right. The flyer ends with "For questions, please email emine.gurbuz@port.ac.uk".
March 4, 2025 at 4:59 PM
uoppald.bsky.social
@uoppald.bsky.social graduate Addie originally gave MSc course unsolicited, positive review on Twitter prior to Musk's takeover. Here are her updated thoughts, having since been graduation speaker for all of Psychology at Portsmouth, presented her thesis at ITAKOM w/ paper on the way, started a PhD.
addiebabe.bsky.social Addie - inky, pinky, thinky 😉 @addiebabe.bsky.social · Feb 23
Delighted to see my former MSc course is now on Bluesky! I graduated from this course in 2022 and can honestly say it was life-changing! The modules were v. interesting and informative, lecturers incredibly knowledgeable and supportive, small cohort and online learning at my own pace...
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...
February 23, 2025 at 4:56 PM
uoppald.bsky.social
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
February 23, 2025 at 2:18 PM