Dr Keren MacLennan
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kerenmaclennan.bsky.social
Dr Keren MacLennan
@kerenmaclennan.bsky.social
970 followers 150 following 26 posts
👩‍🔬 Lecturer in Psychology, University of Bath
📚 Researching sensory experiences and inclusive spaces for Autistic and Neurodivergent people (she/her)
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kerenmaclennan.bsky.social
Dr Keren MacLennan @kerenmaclennan.bsky.social · Sep 25
New publication on Autistic adults’ experiences of attending live music! I am really proud of this study! You can read it for free here: doi.org/10.31219/osf...
New research: “It's like all of my senses and my body become more awakened”: Autistic adults’ experiences of attending live music. Herbet, G., Smith, A. & MacLennan, K. (2025). Autism in Adulthood Journal Music matters for Autistic people: Live music can be deeply meaningful for many Autistic people - bringing both joy and social connection. Barriers to live music: Autistic people encounter challenges at music venues and events. We investigated Autistic adults’ experiences to understand what could make live music more inclusive. Planning is essential: Attending a gig can feel like a “military operation” - from mapping exits to packing earplugs, Autistic attendees prepare carefully to manage uncertainty. Crowds are complex: Being in a crowd can be a positive experience (social connection, shared energy) but also stressful (noise, closeness, unpredictability). Sensory duality: Live music can create moments of immersive joy (“the vibrations bring out the colours in my mind”), but also sensory overload (“my brain is screaming at me”). Staff make the difference: Supportive, understanding staff can transform the experience - reducing stigma and creating safe, inclusive spaces. Inclusion reduces isolation: Working together to improve inclusivity at live music venues and events would help Autistic people access the joy of live music - fostering social connection and belonging.
Reposted by Dr Keren MacLennan
autisminadulthood.bsky.social
This reflexive thematic analysis explores autistic adults' experiences of attending live music 🎶
kerenmaclennan.bsky.social Dr Keren MacLennan @kerenmaclennan.bsky.social · Sep 25
New publication on Autistic adults’ experiences of attending live music! I am really proud of this study! You can read it for free here: doi.org/10.31219/osf...
New research: “It's like all of my senses and my body become more awakened”: Autistic adults’ experiences of attending live music. Herbet, G., Smith, A. & MacLennan, K. (2025). Autism in Adulthood Journal Music matters for Autistic people: Live music can be deeply meaningful for many Autistic people - bringing both joy and social connection. Barriers to live music: Autistic people encounter challenges at music venues and events. We investigated Autistic adults’ experiences to understand what could make live music more inclusive. Planning is essential: Attending a gig can feel like a “military operation” - from mapping exits to packing earplugs, Autistic attendees prepare carefully to manage uncertainty. Crowds are complex: Being in a crowd can be a positive experience (social connection, shared energy) but also stressful (noise, closeness, unpredictability). Sensory duality: Live music can create moments of immersive joy (“the vibrations bring out the colours in my mind”), but also sensory overload (“my brain is screaming at me”). Staff make the difference: Supportive, understanding staff can transform the experience - reducing stigma and creating safe, inclusive spaces. Inclusion reduces isolation: Working together to improve inclusivity at live music venues and events would help Autistic people access the joy of live music - fostering social connection and belonging.
November 4, 2025 at 8:56 PM
kerenmaclennan.bsky.social
New publication on Autistic adults’ experiences of attending live music! I am really proud of this study! You can read it for free here: doi.org/10.31219/osf...
New research: “It's like all of my senses and my body become more awakened”: Autistic adults’ experiences of attending live music. Herbet, G., Smith, A. & MacLennan, K. (2025). Autism in Adulthood Journal Music matters for Autistic people: Live music can be deeply meaningful for many Autistic people - bringing both joy and social connection. Barriers to live music: Autistic people encounter challenges at music venues and events. We investigated Autistic adults’ experiences to understand what could make live music more inclusive. Planning is essential: Attending a gig can feel like a “military operation” - from mapping exits to packing earplugs, Autistic attendees prepare carefully to manage uncertainty. Crowds are complex: Being in a crowd can be a positive experience (social connection, shared energy) but also stressful (noise, closeness, unpredictability). Sensory duality: Live music can create moments of immersive joy (“the vibrations bring out the colours in my mind”), but also sensory overload (“my brain is screaming at me”). Staff make the difference: Supportive, understanding staff can transform the experience - reducing stigma and creating safe, inclusive spaces. Inclusion reduces isolation: Working together to improve inclusivity at live music venues and events would help Autistic people access the joy of live music - fostering social connection and belonging.
September 25, 2025 at 11:36 AM
Reposted by Dr Keren MacLennan
mmellon.bsky.social
🤓 Here you can find the first article of the series, published in Autism: doi.org/10.1177/1362....

🤓 And here is a collaborative effort together with @hleemasson.bsky.social, @kerenmaclennan.bsky.social, and Macy Li on a very similar project: doi.org/10.31234/osf....

Cheers!
September 25, 2025 at 8:13 AM
kerenmaclennan.bsky.social
We all still recruiting for this study! Please take part and/or share with your networks!
kerenmaclennan.bsky.social Dr Keren MacLennan @kerenmaclennan.bsky.social · Jun 19
If you are Autistic and aged 16 years+ please take part in our online study! We would like you to tell us about your sensory experiences and your views on a couple of existing sensory measures.

The survey will take around 20-60 mins to complete:

This is the link to the survey: lnkd.in/d-bps77X
September 4, 2025 at 3:37 PM
Reposted by Dr Keren MacLennan
bathcaar.bsky.social
@kerenmaclennan.bsky.social from our centre was quoted in a recently published article by Jessica Furseth for Slate about the rise in use of ear protection.

You can read the full article here: slate.com/technology/2...

#autism #autistic #neurodivergent #neurodiversity #sensoryprocessing
Screen shot of the Slate website showing the article 'Ear protection is the new sunscreen' by Jessica Furseth. The image in the article is of a white man with short dark hair and a beard on a bus with headphones in. Screenshot of a quote from Keren MacLennan in the Slate article saying "The neurodivergent brain takes in a lot more information,” Keren MacLennan, a researcher with the Centre for Applied Autism Research at the University of Bath, U.K., whose work focuses on sensory experiences and inclusivity, told Slate. “With the inability to filter that, it just stacks and stacks, until the point [of] overwhelm.”
August 14, 2025 at 2:30 PM
Reposted by Dr Keren MacLennan
bathcaar.bsky.social
Are you #autistic and gave evidence in Magistrates or Crown Court (or supported an autistic person who did)?

Join CAAR online focus groups in summer 2025 to create resources for autistic court users and professionals.

Find out more: tinyurl.com/2hbmr5x5
QuestionPro Survey
QuestionPro Survey
tinyurl.com
July 7, 2025 at 2:09 PM
Reposted by Dr Keren MacLennan
hleemasson.bsky.social
‼️ Preprint alert ‼️
Led by master's student Macy, with collaboration from @kerenmaclennan.bsky.social and @mmellon.bsky.social.

Link: osf.io/preprints/ps...

1. Autistic adults engage in social touch as frequently as non-autistic adults, with similar satisfaction.
OSF
osf.io
June 26, 2025 at 12:44 PM
kerenmaclennan.bsky.social
Our brand new paper, led by our incredible PhD student Emmie, has just been published: 'Neuro-Normative Epistemic Injustice – Consequences for the UK Education Crisis and School Anxiety'.

@bathcaar.bsky.social @psychologybath.bsky.social @uniofbath.bsky.social

journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/...
Neuro-Normative Epistemic Injustice – Consequences for the UK Education Crisis and School Anxiety - Emmie Fisher, Keren MacLennan, Sinéad Mullally, Jacqui Rodgers, 2025
The UK education system is failing to meet needs, leading to an attendance and school anxiety crisis. However, the system faults those disproportionately and mo...
journals.sagepub.com
June 24, 2025 at 9:43 AM
Reposted by Dr Keren MacLennan
bathcaar.bsky.social
Hello! We are the Centre for Applied Autism Research, based in @psychologybath.bsky.social‬ at @uniofbath.bsky.social‬. Follow us to keep up to date about our news, research, and other exciting things we are up to!

#autism #autistic #research #university
Pale red background with text that reads 'hello!' with the Centre for Applied Autism Research logo
June 23, 2025 at 3:45 PM
Reposted by Dr Keren MacLennan
psychologybath.bsky.social
Continuing our Pride celebrations...

Congratulations to Dr Catherine Butler who has been appointed the new University LGBTQ+ Lead. She shared with us how she will be bringing her incredible experiences and research to this role.

#pride #LGBTQ #psychology #research
Image of Dr Catherine Butler, a White Woman with short blonde curly hair, with the text 'congratulations Dr Catherine Butler, new University LGBTQ+ Lead'. 'How do you feel about your new role as LGBTQ+ Lead and what do you have planned?' Catherine answered: 'As it is a new role, the first priorities will be to update current policies and documents in this area and conduct a wide scale survey to do a needs-analysis of LGBTQ+ students and staff.' White text on a purple background, with an image of the pride flag: 'What experience do you have that will help you in this role?' Catherine: 'I have been working in the area of LGBTQ+ for 25 years, including clinically, as a trainer in the private sector, and at various universities.' 'What amazing research are you bringing to your new role?' Catherine: 'I was one of the authors on the BPS guidelines for working with LGBTQ+ clients and have published books, book chapters and articles on LGBTQ+ lived experiences.'
June 23, 2025 at 12:31 PM
kerenmaclennan.bsky.social
If you are Autistic and aged 16 years+ please take part in our online study! We would like you to tell us about your sensory experiences and your views on a couple of existing sensory measures.

The survey will take around 20-60 mins to complete:

This is the link to the survey: lnkd.in/d-bps77X
June 19, 2025 at 3:04 PM
kerenmaclennan.bsky.social
We are still recruiting for this study - please take part and share with your networks 🤗
kerenmaclennan.bsky.social Dr Keren MacLennan @kerenmaclennan.bsky.social · May 1
New study! We are looking for anyone (aged 18 years+) who attends live music to share their experiences so we can understand how to make live music more inclusive.

Please complete this ~30min online survey: lnkd.in/e-52MrAr

#neurodiversity #music #neurodivergent #inclusion #accessibility #EDI
Study flyer including the information that is in the accompanying post
June 17, 2025 at 6:31 AM
Reposted by Dr Keren MacLennan
mindtheflap.bsky.social
I read the best-selling book on "overdiagnosis". I was not a fan. There are some really important ideas that don't quite stick the landing, but it gets very culture-war very quickly.

A first attempt at YouTube by @ftw.bsky.social and I:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=JDxV...
Is Autism Overdiagnosed? I Read "The Age Of Diagnosis"
YouTube video by Georgia Harper
www.youtube.com
June 15, 2025 at 6:56 PM
kerenmaclennan.bsky.social
Go us!
psychologybath.bsky.social Department of Psychology, University of Bath @psychologybath.bsky.social · Jun 11
We are super pleased that we have ranked 4th in the Complete University Guide 2026 by subject, up one place since last year 🥳

This shows our department's continued dedication to excellence in education, student experience, and research.

#psychology #university #belongatbath
A photograph of the Department of Psychology with text overlaid that says "4th in the Complete University Guide 2026" with the department of psychology logo.
June 11, 2025 at 3:41 PM
kerenmaclennan.bsky.social
Please take part in our study! Neurodivergent, neurotypical - all are welcome!
kerenmaclennan.bsky.social Dr Keren MacLennan @kerenmaclennan.bsky.social · May 1
New study! We are looking for anyone (aged 18 years+) who attends live music to share their experiences so we can understand how to make live music more inclusive.

Please complete this ~30min online survey: lnkd.in/e-52MrAr

#neurodiversity #music #neurodivergent #inclusion #accessibility #EDI
Study flyer including the information that is in the accompanying post
May 30, 2025 at 12:46 PM
kerenmaclennan.bsky.social
Such a lush day at the Community and Inclusion Celebration Event @uniofbath.bsky.social representing the Centre for Applied Autism Research at @psychologybath.bsky.social

We shared our work related to making the University a more inclusive space for Autistic and Neurodivergent students.
Stand with the Center for Applied Autism Research banner and information People mingling at the community and inclusion celebration event at the University of Bath
May 14, 2025 at 4:34 PM
kerenmaclennan.bsky.social
Follow our department's new social media accounts for exciting updates!
psychologybath.bsky.social Department of Psychology, University of Bath @psychologybath.bsky.social · May 13
We are really excited to launch the Department of Psychology @uniofbath.bsky.social social media channels! Follow us to hear all about our research, staff and student experiences, and our exciting department, faculty and university-wide initiatives and projects.

#university #bathUK
Photo of 10 West, the Department of Psychology with the words 'hello' and the department logo
May 13, 2025 at 4:38 PM
kerenmaclennan.bsky.social
Our Neuroinclusion e-training website has had a little makeover! I think it is looking rather slick but would love to know what you all think 😊 If you've loved our training, please share with your networks!

www.neuinsight.co.uk
NeuInsight training
Evidence-based neurodiversity e-training
www.neuinsight.co.uk
May 2, 2025 at 8:28 AM
kerenmaclennan.bsky.social
New study! We are looking for anyone (aged 18 years+) who attends live music to share their experiences so we can understand how to make live music more inclusive.

Please complete this ~30min online survey: lnkd.in/e-52MrAr

#neurodiversity #music #neurodivergent #inclusion #accessibility #EDI
Study flyer including the information that is in the accompanying post
May 1, 2025 at 2:01 PM
Reposted by Dr Keren MacLennan
ljthomas1991.bsky.social
Two new NIHR funding calls announced today. To test behavioural interventions to treat anxiety disorders in children and young people, and adults with moderate to severe learning disability (including autistic and non-autistic). 2-stage process, stage 1 deadline 30/07. Links in comments.
March 27, 2025 at 3:29 PM
kerenmaclennan.bsky.social
In the Department of Psychology at University of Bath we are trialling these fantastic Nook Wellness Pods as a restorative space for staff and students. We are striving to make our department more neuro-inclusive by creating different spaces that provide a calming refuge for those who need it 🙌
Two Nook Huddle pods side by side
February 18, 2025 at 1:08 PM
kerenmaclennan.bsky.social
Looks like I’m off to Seattle in May 🥳 Really looking forward to presenting our study on Autistic adults’ experiences of attending live music!
Screen shot of abstract submission approval email
January 31, 2025 at 7:46 AM
Reposted by Dr Keren MacLennan
journalautism.bsky.social
New video with Meghan Carey talking about the recently published paper on Methods to reduce fraudulent participation and highlight Autistic voices in research.

Watch the full video on our YouTube: youtu.be/1sWH-tC1hkw

Paper: doi.org/10.1177/1362...
December 5, 2024 at 3:41 PM
kerenmaclennan.bsky.social
Preprint now available for our study: “It's like all of my senses and my body become more awakened”: Autistic adult’s experiences of attending live music, co-authored with Gemma Herbert and Abbie Smith. Thanks to the Autistic adults who shared their experiences with us 💖 doi.org/10.31219/osf...
OSF
doi.org
December 4, 2024 at 11:42 AM
kerenmaclennan.bsky.social
Reviewing a paper that has used deficit language related to autism, which is already depressing to read, but then in the discussion they refer to autism as a disease... Reviewing papers like this honestly ruins my day and I don't think we talk about this emotional burden enough
November 25, 2024 at 1:41 PM