Author: jakobbencotton@gmail.com
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Neurodivergence and Political Identity
Jan 2026 – Written for Ability Beyond Borders (www.abilitybeyondborders.org) Neurodivergence, a mode of being in which an individual’s mind operates differently to what is considered “typical” by many people in society, is inherently a highly political subject. In understanding the roles taken by neurodivergent individuals in society, it is important to consider how neurodivergence can…
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Insights From My Journey in North Korean Studies
by Jakob Cotton – MA North Korean Studies, University of Lancashire Image credit: North Korea – Pyongyang by Roman Harak, CC BY-SA 2.0 Just over a couple of years ago, I received an offer from the University of Lancashire (previously called the University of Central Lancashire) to study something very uncommon. This is something so unique that the university…
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Appearance on KBS World Radio – Disability Rights in North Korea
Great conversation with Alannah Hill on 19th Sept 2025 about my research on disability rights and human rights abuses in North Korea (starting at 29:45).
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Understanding Barriers to Healthcare in Neurodivergence
September 2025 – Written for Ability Beyond Borders (www.abilitybeyondborders.org) For neurodivergent individuals such as those diagnosed with Autism or ADHD, access to healthcare to the same standard as others can be a complicated issue. For example, someone may encounter issues with communicating their needs to medical professionals, or they may require extra support with the…
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Understanding Intersectionality in Disability – With East Asian Case Studies
Image Credit: Shelby Murphy Figueroa on Unsplash.com. July 2025 – Written for Ability Beyond Borders (www.abilitybeyondborders.org) In fighting for our rights, it is very important that members of the disabled community understand the concept of intersectionality and always consider how it applies to our advocacy. What does intersectionality mean and why is it important? Intersectionality…
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Crisis Point – Autism in UK Psychiatric Hospitals
July 2025 – Written for Ability Beyond Borders (www.abilitybeyondborders.org) The experience of autistic people in psychiatric hospitals is an area of significant concern, and has received harrowing media coverage in the UK in recent years. The UK government pledged that, in March 2024, they would reduce the amount of Autistic and learning-disabled people in psychiatric…
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The Right to a Voice – Experiences and Perceptions of Stuttering
September 2025 – Original article written for Ability Beyond Borders (www.abilitybeyondborders.org) In advocating for the rights of the neurodivergent community, the ability of such individuals to communicate within society’s “norms” is an extremely important factor to consider. Within this, those who speak with a stutter are one example of a group that faces social exclusion…
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The Costs of Authoritarianism and War for Neurodivergent Lives and Rights
March 2025 – Written for Ability Beyond Borders (www.abilitybeyondborders.org) As we all know, authoritarianism and armed conflict are both factors that can have profound implications on human rights and quality of life. What is important to remember, however, is that both of these affect disabled and neurodivergent individuals (such as those with diagnoses such as…
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Discussing North Korean State Ideology and Human Rights on Tall Boy Radio Episode #258
My appearance on UK-based podcast “Tall Boy Radio” (www.tallboyradio.wordpress.com), providing my insights into the way North Korea sees the world.