Science Communication – Working with The Conversation.
As part of our outreach for the project, we often collaborate with The Conversation to create shorter, accessible articles about our work, and wider topics of interest to us.
The Conversation is “an independent source of news analysis and informed comment written by academic experts, working with professional journalists who help share their knowledge with the world.”
Our articles are written by our research team and our Community Council members. Here’s a summary of some of our more recent publications:
From our study:
2025:
Autistic people’s experiences of periods are under-researched – here’s why that needs to change
Our most recent publication was a summary piece of a systematic review focusing on Autistic experiences of periods, led by Research Officer Dr Rebecca Ellis.
This explained how we found a reduced understanding of, and limited focus of research on, autism-specific experiences of periods. We summarised our recommendations for future research to fill the gaps in our knowledge and improve support for Autistic menstruators. You can read that here.
2024:
Why autistic people must be at the heart of autism research
Historically, autism research has been conducted by those outside of the autistic community. In this article, Dr Gemma Williams, a previous member of our research team, discusses the importance of meaningful co-production in research. This involves including the voices of those with lived experience in decision-making processes.
She also mentions our Community Council, members of our community who help the research team in shaping and conducting this research project. You can read it here.
A row of wombs in shades of pink, red and brown.
Other wider interests:
Beyond our research project, our team have written pieces on topics which have interested them. Here are some examples.
2025:
Why the autism jigsaw puzzle piece is such a problematic symbol
This piece looks at the historical context behind the use of the puzzle piece symbol for autism awareness. Covering why some community members no longer want it used. Read about it here.
Autistic women face barriers to safe and supportive maternity care – new research
This piece is about improvements which can be made to UK maternity services to improve their accessibility for pregnant autistic people. This is a summary of their research paper which can be found in full on our resources page. The summary can be read here.
Autistic stimming explained – and why stopping it can lead to burnout
Dr Aimee Grant, our Principal Investigator, recently wrote a piece explaining stimming, having realised how many people didn’t know the term or understand how important it was. You can read about this here.
Misokinesia: when repetitive movements are infuriating to some people
A member of our research team, Dr Rebecca Ellis, wrote about misokinesia, the condition in which the repetitive physical movements of others can cause physical and emotional distress to a person. Read it here.
Limerence: why some people experience intense infatuation that feels like love, and how it affects them
Dr Ellis has also written about Limerence, an involuntary obsession with another person, which differs to feelings of love and lust. Find it here.
2024:
How autistic parents feel about breastfeeding and the support they receive – new research
An article summarising research which asked 152 autistic parents from the UK about their experiences with breast-feeding and formula feeding. This outlines the positives and negatives reported, adaptation strategies made and hopes for the future. Read it here.
Five things that can help autistic students settle into university
A member of our research team, Dr Harriet Axbey, outlines key things for autistic students to consider when they start university, taken from her recently published book: University: The Autistic Guide: Everything You Need to Survive and Thrive. Read top tips for university here.
Alexithymia: why some people find it so hard to identify emotions, and how this affects them
This piece discusses Alexithymia, difficulties in identifying, distinguishing and expressing emotions. It covers when Alexithymia was first coined, how people experience it and how to encourage and develop better emotional awareness. Read it here.
2023:
No evidence to show whether autism health passports are effective – new review
A summary of a review of health passports, documents designed to help communication important patient information in healthcare settings, determining whether they meet their aims. Read about it here.
Keep an eye out for future publications about our findings, the project itself and other autism and healthcare related topics.
Best wishes,
The AM2M team.