Welcome to Autistic Realms Newsletter!
I have a new blog about Autistic Play and the importance of understanding and embracing the theory of monotropism.
This is supported by a comprehensive resource page about Autistic Play - jam packed with neuro-affirming signposting, research, websites and lots of other useful information!
Earlier this month I presented at the National Autistic Society Professional's Conference alongside Tanya Adkin. Our blog is now published on their website with all other conference material for those who have tickets.
An edited version of our blog is available on Autistic Realms: Neuro-affirming research into practice – monotropism in the classroom and beyond.
Upcoming Webinars
Upcoming webinar with David Gray-Hammond and Tanya Adkin.
Autistic Wellbeing Series -
Autism Awareness or Autism Acceptance?
16th April 6pm GMT.
What does it really mean to move from awareness to acceptance—and why does it matter?
Sponsor Stimpunks
I volunteer with Stimpunks as their co-creative director and support with advocacy and training.
We have created a map of monotropic experiences and have started a new community story project if you'd like to join in and share your experiences of being monotropic - stories, poems, art, music - all welcome from all age groups!
I will also be talking about this with Dr Wenn Lawson and the Yellow Ladybugs Team at their annual conference later this year.
Date: Online and in-person 3-5 June 2025
Focus: Mapping the Monotropic Mind: An Introduction to This Autistic Thinking and Processing Style alongside Wenn Lawson
A deep exploration of monotropism and mapping the autistic mind as an interest system. Learn about this affirming theory of Autism and how we can better support young people through understanding concepts including attention tunnels and flow states.
National Neurodiversity Awards
It is soon time for the National Neurodiversity Awards. It is an honour to have been nominated for the second year. If you'd like to vote for me or anyone else please follow the link - many thanks!
Exciting newly published research related to Autistic Experience (and some specifically related to Monotropism!)
Aiston, J., Koteyko, N., & Van Driel, M. (2025). Discourse-based approaches to autistic focussed interests: Understanding shared focus, mutual accommodation, and multimodal expression. Applied Linguistics. https://doi.org/10.1093/applin/amaf006
Bruno, G., Lindblom, A., Masternes, J., Tupou, J., Waisman, T., Toby, S., Vining, C., & Magiati, I. (2025b). Global Indigenous perspectives on autism and autism research: Colonialism, cultural insights and ways forward. Autism. https://doi.org/10.1177/13623613251318399
Fearon, B., Pearson, A., & Kapp, S. K. (2025b). Exploring the social and emotional impact of puberty and adolescence on autistic people assigned female at birth. Autism in Adulthood. https://doi.org/10.1089/aut.2024.0298
Hughes, E., Ekdahl, D., & Boldsen, S. (2025). Between essence and diversity: Challenges for phenomenological Autism research. Theory & Psychology. https://doi.org/10.1177/09593543251315074
Kiera, A., Jonahs, S., Mary, B., Geoffrey, B., & Polly, W. (2025). Experiences of interoception and anxiety in autistic adolescents: A reflexive thematic analysis. Autism. https://doi.org/10.1177/13623613251314595
LaPoint, S. C., Kiernan, B., Heinly, J., Hector, B. L., Benevides, T. W., & Maddox, B. (2025). Quality of Life Defined by Autistic People: A Thematic analysis. Autism in Adulthood. https://doi.org/10.1089/aut.2024.0180
Tarragnat, O. (2025). Biodiversity, neurodiversity, ethodiversity: towards a morethan-human and more-than-neurological turn in neurodiversity studies. Laboratoire d’Études de Genre et de Sexualité (LEGS) Université Paris 8 Vincennes Saint-Denis, France
Looking forward to sharing more blogs, resources, research and upcoming events soon!
If you find this news letter valuable please do share and encourage people to sign up and visit Autistic Realms.
Best Wishes,
Helen
