Open Society

Is screen use really sapping our ability to focus and lowering our IQs? The scientists who have actually analysed the data give their verdict

The following chapter explores and explains what ‘lies beneath’ the diagnosis of autism. The foundation for this chapter is based on original knowledge grounded in the theory of monotropism, heralded in the 2005 paper by Murray, Lesser and Lawson. The work on monotropism began in the 90’s and has been followed through until present times. Current research is supportive of the monotropism theory of autism which posits autism as ‘a matter of attention’, specifically ‘monotropic attention’. When attention is captured by interest (for whatever reason) it occupies the whole of one’s attention. This impacts concepts such as being literal (not reading between the lines), missing the subtle cues of social interaction and highlighting or underwhelming our sensory systems, challenges with object permanence and being misunderstood. But it also leads to incredible strengths and allows for one’s passion to be a source of joy, stability and an aid to mental fitness. When an individual’s autism is understood and accommodated, self-compassion can flourish and we can live life to the best of our ability. This chapter offers original knowledge to aid the understanding of autism that has not previously been accommodated.

Autistic shielding is leaning into your neurological differences and behaviours. It is embracing neuro-anarchy: being who you are, doing what you do and bollocks if others don’t like it. Shie…

For all of humanity’s many, many flaws, one of our most redeeming characteristics as a species is an almost-universal desire to connect with one another. When terrible things happen and communities…

Disclosure: I’m on the board of Bluesky, so feel free to take as many grains of salt as you want in reading it, even though part of this is cheering on a new entrant looking to build an alternative…

Background While it's clear that autonomous motivation significantly boosts academic success, there are conflicting findings regarding the opposite relation. Besides, the reciprocal relations among ...

Community power

I’ve recently finished three nonfiction books, and without particularly planning this, I realised that they complement each other very…

Incorporating nature via biophilic design has interested architects and landscape architects for a long time, but its benefits for neurodiversity are not very well-known.

The Power of Biophilic Design in Schools and Nurseries Over the past few years, many schools and nurseries have started...

A review of research presenting the financial potential for a broad deployment of biophilic design in offices, communities, schools, retail and hospitals.

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In the last week we've seen the emergence of the true Meta — and the true Mark Zuckerberg — as the company ended its fact-checking program, claiming that (and I quote) "fact checkers have been too politically biased and have destroyed more trust than they've created" on both Instagram and Facebook, the

Now you can look up detailed demographic information about thousands of private schools across the country and compare them to nearby public schools.

Why the framing of autistic characteristics and behaviours as ‘symptoms’ is misleading, harmful and helps nobody

PDF | Routines are the backbone of what is deemed a high-quality early years environment. When routines are converted into an adult-regimented timetable... | Find, read and cite all the research you need on ResearchGate

I am suggesting a reclaiming and reframing of the word resilience.

In an effort to boost engagement while also nurturing 21st century skills such as collaboration and critical thinking, a growing number of U.S. public schools h...

BustED Pencils; Fully Leaded Education Talk is a powerful radio show/podcast dedicated to public education. BustED Pencils is known for its commitment to the hard facts with a humorous twist. Hosts Dr. Tim Slekar and Dr. Johnny Lupinacci cover the “real” issues in education. The show establishes an alternative space and discusses education reform from an entirely progressive perspective. Our approach is funny, edgy, passionate, witty and gritty and features an array of guests. BustED Pencils explores the political and commercial influences behind education policy. We deliver trending education news without the jargon, and most importantly, we promote a vision of public schools that all children deserve. BustED Pencils appeals to ”your neighbor”—parents, grandparents, guardians, teachers, policymakers, taxpayers and students alike.

He can’t sell himself for $100,000 per afternoon by arguing for real solutions to the problems bedeviling our children, but he can jump on…

Or, why we are more progressive with our dogs than our children

Is neurodiversity scientific? It’s an interesting question, which perhaps hasn’t received as much attention as it deserves.

Or, why we are more progressive with our dogs than our children

We round up our most notable autism stories of the past 12 months.

Dr Aspasia Paltoglou (Manchester Metropolitan University) hears from her colleague, Dr Rossella Sorte, about being ED&I Lead Representative for Neurodiversity, and more.