Ava Gurba (she/her)

"You interrogate your privilege, but never your abled privilege. You educate yourself about oppression, but never ableism."

@miamingus.bsky.social

Thank you! I am also excited.

Unity in strength: cultivating harmony and camaraderie in partnerships with neurodivergent colleagues to enhance research. Visit the link in the tweet to register for our three sessions.

Please come join the @abctautism.bsky.social for their fall seminar series exploring neurodivergent partnerships in research.

I am very excited to be presenting with my wonderful colleagues. I will be presenting TOMORROW Friday September 12th at 12 to 1 pm EDT

Register: zoom.us/webinar/regi...

Co-authors: @michelledodd.bsky.social @rachelcalderon.bsky.social
@suereviews.bsky.social
@cjcrompton.bsky.social
@noahsasson.bsky.social

#Hiring #PostdoctoralFellow #Postdoc #AutismResearch #Autism #Neurodiversity #SocialConnections #Research #ResearchJobs #SocialIsolation #Loneliness

Careers at Drexel - Human Resources

I'm excited to share that my team is recruiting a Postdoctoral Fellow for a new 5-year participatory, mixed methods longitudinal study focusing on accessing experiences of loneliness across life transitions among autistic young adults!

For information & to apply: careers.drexel.edu/en-us/job/50...

This is a neat paper continuing to build on important work on relationships & rapport for autistic adults in group settings, & continues to add to our understanding of autistic people's relationships & the double empathy problem.

#AutismResearch #ActuallyAutistic

Abstract for the paper: "A Multidimensional Model of Social Autistic Function and Its Effects on Quality of Life". As summarized, it reads: this study aimed to examine the contributions of social dimensions to the autistic neurotype, and then use causal inference to identify which of them have adverse effects on quality of life. They looked at six social traits: social anhedonia, theory of mind, affective empathy, social anxiety, prosopagnosia, and alexithymia using questionnaires from 366 adults with a wide range of autistic traits, with 78 being diagnosed with autism. They found that five dimensions (all except affective empathy) explained most variation in autistic social traits. However, only alexithymia and social anhedonia were found to adversely affect quality of life. These findings suggest that autistic social function can be explained by variation across multiple dimensions that are specific, neurally and behaviorally, than broad autistic traits. This includes the transdiagnostic constructs of alexithymia and social anhedonia, which disproportionally affected quality of life. These may serve as markers for poor outcomes.

A Multidimensional Model of Social Autistic Function and Its Effects on Quality of Life by Pieslinger et al examines the contributions of socail autistic traits and whether these dimensions affect the quality of life of autistic people. ‪

NEW FREE

www.liebertpub.com/doi/10.1089/...

Abstract for the paper: Verbal Collaboration in Same- and Mixed-Neurotype Groups of Autistic and Non-Autistic Adults by Sarah Foster et al. As summarized, it reads: Background: Research suggests that some autistic adults communicate more effectively and build stronger rapport with other autistic individuals than with non-autistic people. This suggests that outcomes for autistic people in group settings may depend on the diagnostic composition of the group. Here, we examined verbal collaboration among autistic and non-autistic adults in same- and mixed-neurotype groups during a shared task. Methods: We assigned 136 adults (73 autistic, 63 non-autistic) to 34 four-person groups: all autistic, all non-autistic, majority autistic, or majority non-autistic. Researchers video recorded groups during a 5-minute Jenga tower-building task, and participants reported their rapport with the group. Researchers transcribed and coded the videos for collaborative speech using a validated coding scheme. Results: Preregistered analyses revealed that autistic participants expressed more positive opinions about the group and their own contributions than did non-autistic participants. Non-autistic participants expressed more negative group evaluations and elicited more building ideas. Participants in mixed-neurotype groups directed more negativity toward others than participants in same-neurotype groups. Autistic—but not non-autistic—participants verbalized more negativity in mixed groups. Exploratory correlations revealed links between aspects of collaborative speech and rapport. Discussion: Autistic adults expressed greater overall positivity but expressed more negativity in mixed group settings. These findings support evidence that autistic people often experience better rapport in all-autistic groups and may be more sensitive to mixed group environments than non-autistic people.

Verbal Collaboration in Same- and Mixed-Neurotype Groups of Autistic and Non-Autistic Adults by @sarah-foster.bsky.social
et al. examined verbal collaboration during a group tower-building task among autistic and non-autistic adults (1/)

NEW FREE to Aug 28

www.liebertpub.com/doi/10.1089/...

Abstract for the paper "It Was a Completely Different Lens": Autistic Adult & Parent Perceptions of Autistic-Led Autism Information Workshops. It reads: Research shows that when autistic people mentor and share information about autism with other autistic individuals. It provides benefits. However, researchers are yet to determine whether parents of autistic children benefit from learning about autism directly from autistic people. Autistic people leading information workshops for parents of autistic children are an emerging practice. In this coproduced study, researchers used a mixed-methods approach to examine the perceptions of 12 parents of young autistic children and 7 autistic adults who participated in, or facilitated, three 2-hour autism information workshops. Quantitative survey results showed that parents were generally satisfied with the workshops, but some would have liked more time. The qualitative findings suggest that the workshops fostered a more positive narrative around autism. The workshops helped build connections both within and across groups for the autistic adults, the parents, and their autistic children. The workshop’s “cosy” nature helped participants to feel comfortable in sharing their experiences and questions. Participants expressed a preference or desire for a diverse range of facilitators. These results highlight the important role that autistic adults could play in supporting and sharing information with parents of young autistic children.

“It Was a Completely Different Lens”: Autistic Adult and Parent Perceptions of Autistic-Led Autism Information Workshops by Waddington & colleagues examines perceptions of parents of autistic people who participated in autistic-led workshops.

NEW FREE to July 30

www.liebertpub.com/doi/10.1089/...

How Heeding Disabled People Can Help Everyone Survive Crises An expert on the social and cultural implications of technology responds to Aliza Greenblatt’s “If We Ever Make It Through This Alive.”

I wrote "How Heeding Disabled People Can Help Everyone Survive Crises" and for a second there it really looked like policymakers and government folks understood what i was poiting at.

Guess not tho.
slate.com/technology/2...

As applications may close before the end of the month, interested applicants should apply ASAP! For more information and to apply: careers.drexel.edu/mob/cw/en-us... (5/)

This job posting closes on Thursday August 7th, 2025 (but likely will close sooner than that, so apply ASAP if you are interested).

Please feel free to share this with anyone who may be interested in applying. (9/)

#Autism #AutismResearch #JobPosting #Hiring #AutismAcceptance

or more information and to apply: careers.drexel.edu/mob/cw/en-us... (8/)

Applications for this position are open now with the expectation that they will close before the end of July 2025. This position has an anticipated start date of early August 2025. As applications may close before the end of the month, interested applicants should apply ASAP! (7/)

Social Networks and Autism - A.J. Drexel Autism Institute

For more information about SoDI Lab projects: drexel.edu/autisminstit... (6/)

We use qualitative and quantitative measures to capture social capital dynamics in ecosystems throughout different life stages. (6/)

such as belonging, trust, and social reciprocity, and instrumental resources, such as problem-solving, advice-giving, the sharing of autism knowledge and resources, and the creation and sustainment of supportive social norms. (5/)

We use rigorous network measures to investigate social networks and the resources that flow through social connections. Social capital includes key resources, including emotional resources (4/)

Elizabeth McGhee Hassrick, PhD is the Lab Director. The SoDI Lab applies the social model of disability, primarily targeting research and interventions that change society to improve the outcomes of autistic people. (3/)

The Social Dynamics of Intervention Lab (SoDI Lab) works to understand and strengthen the social ecosystem of people on the autism spectrum, their families and communities to positively impact their outcomes at different stages of life. (2/)

My colleagues in the Social Dynamics of Intervention Lab (SoDI Lab) at the Life Course Outcomes Program at the AJ Drexel Autism Institute is looking for a full-time Research Associate II ASAP!

For more information and to apply: careers.drexel.edu/mob/cw/en-us... (1/)

This job posting closes on Wednesday July 30th, 2025 (but likely will close sooner than that, so apply ASAP if you are interested).

Please feel free to share this with anyone who may be interested in applying! (6/)

#AutismResearch #Autism #Research #JobPosting #NowHiring #ActuallyAutistic

Applications for this position are open now with the expectation that they will close before the end of July 2025. This position has an anticipated start date of early August 2025. (4/)

community-led project that aims to develop and evaluate novel community engaged research methods that bring together a range of groups across the autistic and autism community to help set priorities for the future of behavioral intervention research. (3/)

This full-time Research Associate will work with Dr. Matthew Lerner, Dr. Dena Gassner and an incredible Leadership Team of autistic scholars and advocates as well as non-autistic professional allies. This associate will be responsible for coordinating efforts on a 3-year (2/)

I am excited to share that my team here at the at the Social Connections and Treatment Lab at the Life Course Outcomes Program at the AJ Drexel Autism Institute, and we are looking for a full-time Research Associate!

For more information and to apply: careers.drexel.edu/mob/cw/en-us... (1/)

This has surprised a few people when I mentioned it, so maybe it’s worth mentioning: Medicaid is what pays for many of the basic services for my child who has a disability, even though I have commercial insurance. Slashing Medicaid will hurt kids with disabilities and their families.

A flyer from Drexel University’s A.J. Drexel Autism Institute offering free expert assistance for first-time applicants of Social Security Income (SSI) and Disability Insurance (SSDI), specifically targeting transitioned and late-diagnosed adults. The flyer advertises an online training session on June 17, 2025, from 1:00 to 2:30 PM US Eastern led by expert Dena Gassner, PhD, MSW. It outlines that attendees will learn strategies to improve approval chances, receive clarity on reporting forms and processes, build confidence in managing the application process, and gain insights from real-life experiences. Registration is available at bit.ly.SSI-Training, with a Zoom link provided upon signing up. Questions or need help with registration, Call (215) 571-3401 or email at sctl@drexel.edu. The bottom of the flyer features illustrations of diverse individuals seated in a row.

Join us at the AJ Drexel Autism Institute for a free special presentation that gives you expert guidance for your first-time Social Security funding request.

Click on the link below to register for free

bit.ly/SSI-Training

#Disability #DisabilityBenefits #CommunitySupport #SSI #SSDI

What Autistic People Want From Autism Research: AutINSAR 2025 AutINSAR is a much-needed discussion between autistic people and autism researchers about priorities in autism research.

In case you missed it: #AutINSAR is a much-needed discussion between autistic people, autism researchers, family members, and professionals about priorities in autism research. This year it happened during #INSAR2025. Recap at TPGA:

thinkingautismguide.com/2025/05/what... #autism #neurodiversity