Fungayi

I found your talk at #AECongress25 really informative… I learned so much

Looking forward to the next three days

Gold text on royal blue background reading: Please leave the autistics out of these shenanigans.

Stop dragging an entire group of already-vulnerable disabled people into your political rhetoric. Lack of empathy isn’t autism, many of us are hyperempathetic to the point it almost hurts. What do you gain by spreading stigmatizing ideas like this? Just…leave us alone for the love of God.

Neurodivergence in Ancient Africa: What History Forgot but Our Ancestors Knew How West African societies embraced autism, ADHD, and neurodivergence as spiritual gifts and essential community roles—long before diagnosis existed. This essay reconnects Black neurodivergent readers...

In West Africa, traits like deep focus, sensory sensitivity, speech loops, and emotional intensity weren’t pathologized.

They were sacred.

Not diagnosed respected, and supported in community.

🔗 : lovettejallow.substack.com/p/neurodiver...

#Neurodivergence #BlackHistory #AutismAcceptance

Seasonal migration is common for many Yemeni people. Now, the country’s beekeepers have adopted the nomadic practice, toting their hives with them in pursuit of blooming flowers. It's a beautiful new twist on an age-old way of life that has helped bee populations recover & thrive.

ow.ly/lV4K50VzrV9

Public Toilet Info Start searching for toilets here:

This is a useful new website on public loos, for autistic people, and many others. For example which ones have the dreaded-by-many 'airblade' hand dryers that sound like a jet engine taking off.
Got useful info on loos? Add it.
www.publictoiletinfo.org.uk?fbclid=IwY2x...
Do share.

Birmingham looking beautiful today in the sunshine ☀️

Thank you to the research participants who took part in our #NoBarriersHere study workshop today, exploring the views and experiences of LGBTQ+ people from ethnically diverse backgrounds accessing palliative care and wider healthcare 🏳️‍🌈 🏳️‍⚧️

Yes please

Lench's Close has been going strong since 1982, 43 years!

#halfamillenniumsworthofhistory#lenchsClose #Moseley #lenchs500

In 1995, the Duchess of Gloucester visited Tanner’s Close, to meet residents and staff and understand the work of the Trust.

#Lenchs500 #Brumsoldestcharity #halfamilleniumsworthofhistory

Collage of three images: (1) Laura - smiling woman with long hair - at a train station; (2) conference programme, name badge and 'thank you' chocolate; (3) screen at the conference displaying the conference programme (in Dutch!)

Really enjoyed presenting at the National Autism Congress in Amersfoort this week, sharing my work on best practices when talking to autistic children about their diagnosis. Huge thanks to Els Blijd-Hoogewys for inviting me 🥰

Did you know we are 251 years older than the United States! Now they didn't tell you that in Hamilton!

#Lenchs500 #Brumsoldestcharity #halfamilleniumsworthofhistory
#unitedstates #Hamilton

Re-reading through my thesis in advance of my viva (which is tomorrow?!) and, out of 112,000 words worth of sentences, I think these two might be my favourite:

An image that reads PhD Student Reminders - Your Mental Health is More Important than Your Thesis

I really enjoyed speaking at several universities recently about the importance of supporting PhD candidates' mental health. And love that my art collaboration with @luciatypes.bsky.social has encouraged lots of discussion about reminders. What would you add to the list?

@thephdplace.bsky.social

Applied Principles for Inclusive Practice in Neurodevelopmental Research: A Selection and Report of Illustrative Case Studies - Current Developmental Disorders Reports Purpose of Review Inclusive research practices are important for neurodevelopmental studies, facilitating the involvement of community members throughout the research process. Highlighting this value,...

Really pleased to have been part of the team who authored this new article: 'Applied Principles for Inclusive Practice in Neurodevelopmental Research: A Selection and Report of Illustrative Case Studies'. Huge thanks to @cjcrompton.bsky.social & @suereviews.bsky.social for bringing us all together!

Film for women’s health Women with learning disabilities often do not go for cervical screening, so a health organisation worked with women to create an accessible video on the procedure. Vanica Patel reports

Women with learning disabilities often do not go for cervical screening, so a health organisation worked with women to create an accessible video on the procedure. Vanica Patel reports communitylivingmagazine.com/film-for-wom...

Submit your abstract for a conference paper, flash talk, or poster by 24th March

🌙 Ramadan is just round the corner!🌙 While we prepare for this blessed month, let's also consider the needs of those around us, including the Autistic Muslims. Whether it's the transitions or sensory differences, the sleep disruption or community events, Ramadan can bring on some challenges. However, when those around us; family, friends, schools, or workplaces reflect on our Autistic experiences, they can make changes to accommodate us and make this special time accessible, inclusive and joyful. Join Dr Sofia Rehman (PhD Islamic Theology) in conversation with Co-Founder of Scottish Ethnic Minority Autistic's Sofia Farzana to explore what it's like being Autistic and Muslim during Ramadan, and how we can all foster belonging and support. 📅 Saturday 22nd Feb ⏰ 5:45pm GMT 📍YouTube Live on the SEMA YouTube Channel - link in bio or here: https://youtube.com/live/XQ0L2mtC9RE?feature=share ✨ Don't forget to hit "Notify me" on the YT link to be reminded! or set reminder in your own calendar. #Ramadan #Autistic #Community #Islam #autisticmuslim #ramadanready

Ramadan is just round the corner! 🌙

While we prepare for this blessed month, let's also consider the needs of those around us, including the Autistic Muslims.

Whether it's the transitions or sensory differences, the sleep disruption or community events, Ramadan can bring on some challenges.

Having to do a timeline for my studies for the next few years is proving to be more challenging than I imagined! I hardly plan my days…

On the topic of conferences and friendly forums to present your research...

The Midlands Graduate School 2025 Conference has now opened its call for papers

More info here: warwick.ac.uk/fac/cross_fa...

📍 Black communities often lack access to early diagnosis & accommodations.

5️⃣ This is why centering Black autistic experiences is necessary. Saying “all girls struggle” ignores the fact that not all struggles are created equal.

4️⃣ For Black autistics, the barriers to diagnosis aren’t just gender-based they’re rooted in racism, classism, & cultural stigma.

📍 Black autistic kids are more likely to be labeled “defiant” instead of supported.
📍 Black autistic adults are less likely to be believed by medical professionals.

YouTube video by Lovette Jallow Autistic & Black? Why So Many of Us Were Misdiagnosed

7️⃣ Black autistic voices deserve space without being derailed.
Instead of saying “all girls struggle,” try listening.
Instead of redirecting, try asking: “How do race and culture make this experience different?”

Because if we don’t talk about it, who will? youtu.be/a_UkJ5tJvGg?...

1️⃣ Black experiences are constantly redirected. Every time we try to discuss how Black autistic people experience misdiagnosis, masking, or medical neglect, someone jumps in with “Well, all girls struggle with this.”

But we aren’t all struggling in the same way. Let’s talk about it. 🧵👇🏾

What is a Girl Today? Reflections on Young Women and the Politics of Popular Culture Celebrating the publication of Feminism, Young Women and Cultural Studies: The Birmingham Essays from 1975 Onwards (Goldsmiths Press/MIT)

Join me online/in person 29th Jan 2-4pm UK time for a talk from the iconic Angela McRobbie! I’ll be responding + sharing insights from my arts-based research w/ disabled, girls celebrating Angela’s work + the legacy of the CCCS sign up ⬇️
www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/soci... @uofglasgow.bsky.social

Another fascinating new podcast… Richard asks Rachael Wanjagua about her work with people with intellectual disabilities in Kenya; inclusive research – and elephants! Listen here: on.soundcloud.com/sH724GgpE6Ls...

Ah well that’s that. Let me find another way to spend my day then…

Planned to catch up on some PhD work after a few very hectic weeks at work but alas Sky Broadband has other ideas… No internet… so that’s today’s plan out of the window

Welcome to Britain’s Victorian Christmas, where volunteers in Santa hats fulfil the basic functions of the state | Frances Ryan There is something inescapably bleak about a nation that relies on charity appeals to fix its social and economic problems, says Guardian columnist Frances Ryan

“Welcome to Britain’s Victorian Christmas, where volunteers in Santa hats fulfil the basic functions of the state.”

For my last column of the year, I wrote about the increasing charity drives this time of year and what it says about the country. www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...

One of the best things I ever did for myself was stop comparing my life trajectory to people who have support systems. I won’t say I never had help, but I’m just now truly understanding the difference between “assistance” and “support”.