Skip to main content

The Latest Bulletin

Do autism researchers focus on things that autistic people want them to?

Do autism researchers focus on things that autistic people want them to?

Millions of pounds are invested every year in research on autism, yet few of these projects actively seek to include autistic people in their design phases. Many scholars and activists have called for more participatory approaches, arguing that there is a disconnect between the types of studies that are undertaken and what autistic people and their allies actually want from research. Identifying issues that the autistic community would like to see researchers prioritise on is the central focus of a new study by the University of Sterling's Eilidh Cage and colleagues, which itself utilises a participatory design: the project was partly led by autistic researchers, as well as community-based autistic co-researchers from the Striving to Transform Autism Research Together — Scotland (STARTS) initiative. Click here to…
Dr Neil Thompson
April 10, 2024
Neil Thompson’s Lessons for Living – Customer care: Getting it right

Neil Thompson’s Lessons for Living – Customer care: Getting it right

We don’t get a second chance when it comes to first impressions, and yet sadly many organizations pay relatively little attention to how people are greeted when they have their first contact with the organization concerned. If we want to make a positive difference, then it is important that we get off to a good start by giving a positive, welcoming message, letting people know that they are valued and respected. Much of ‘customer care’ is basic communication skills, but there can sometimes be additional challenges involved (for example, where someone is irate or threatening). Of course, however difficult such situations may be, we need to remain focused and respectful – even if we feel very uncomfortable. This will help…
Dr Neil Thompson
March 26, 2024
20,000 people off work in the UK every month for mental ill health

20,000 people off work in the UK every month for mental ill health

Thousands of people in the UK are being deemed incapable of any work every month due to mental health problems, figures have shown. According to official data published by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), at least 20,000 incapacity benefit claims are for mental health problems – making up more than two-thirds of the total. Previous figures have shown that mental health and learning disabilities are among the main contributors to disability benefits, which are paid regardless of whether someone can work. But until now, there had been no such data for incapacity benefits paid through universal credit when people struggle to work. Click here to read more
Dr Neil Thompson
March 26, 2024
10 Tips to boost wellbeing in the workplace in 2024

10 Tips to boost wellbeing in the workplace in 2024

Research from the American Heart Association shows that routine stress, including job strain and long working hours, may contribute to serious health problems, including elevated risk for heart disease and stroke and experiencing depression for the first time. Working on fast-paced, demanding projects and constantly being connected to technologies can make the workplace exciting — and very challenging. While being challenged at work can help strengthen resilience as a skill, it can also come with a cost. Approximately two in three employees report that work is a significant source of stress. And stress can lead to depression and anxiety. Click here to read more
Dr Neil Thompson
March 26, 2024
Women’s Aid – About us

Women’s Aid – About us

Women’s Aid is the national charity working to end domestic abuse against women and children. We have been at the forefront of shaping and coordinating responses to domestic violence and abuse through practice for almost 50 years. We empower survivors by keeping their voices at the heart of our work, working with and for women and children by listening to them and responding to their needs. Women’s Aid was founded on women’s struggle against patriarchy, sexism and male violence and grew out of the Women’s movement in the 70’s and 80’s. Today we take an intersectional approach to our work to end domestic abuse and stand with other feminist organisations leading the way in eradicating Violence Against Women and Girls.…
Dr Neil Thompson
March 26, 2024
Neil Thompson’s Lessons for Living – There’s no need to shout

Neil Thompson’s Lessons for Living – There’s no need to shout

Stereotyping can be seen as a very real danger when you consider how often we are fed inaccurate, distorted and oversimplified stereotypes by the media. There is therefore a very strong need to be ‘stereotype aware’ and try to makes sure as far as possible that we do not allow ourselves to be influenced by them. One such stereotype that I have come across time and time again is the assumption that certain people are likely to be hard of hearing and that it is therefore necessary to shout. Older people are a prime target for this type of stereotyping, but disabled people are not immune to it either. While the incidence of hearing loss is indeed greater in the…
Dr Neil Thompson
March 12, 2024