Projects

Current Research

Developing mechanistic models of emotion-processing

To date, we have constructed mechanistic models linking the conceptualisation, experience, visualization, expression, and recognition of emotion in both autistic and non-autistic people. Going forward, I aim to interrogate these links through studies involving causal manipulation and/or longitudinal designs. This work will enable us to understand the mechanisms underpinning emotion recognition challenges for both autistic and non-autistic individuals.

Identifying movement-based indicators of autism

In prior work, we have systematically compared the facial and bodily movements of autistic and non-autistic individuals, identifying movement patterns that effectively distinguish these groups. Our next step is to develop digital tools to examine arm and facial movements in children, potentially improving screening for autism in the long-term.

Addressing issues of diversity, equity & inclusion in autism research

In 2020, I co-founded the U21 Autism Research Network - a network of autistic and non-autistic researchers across 10 countries aiming to tackle issues regarding diversity and inclusion in autism research. In our current work, we aim to determine the research priorities of a diverse range of autism community members across the globe. By doing so, we hope to ensure that future research is tailored to, and has a meaningful benefit for, the autism communities it aims to serve.

Previous Research

In this video, two of the co-founders of the U21 Autism Research Network speak about the findings from their recent collaborative project and publication entitled "Autism-related language preferences of English-speaking individuals across the globe: A mixed methods investigation".

The Countries Least Accepting Of Autistic IndividualsA new survey of 306 autistic individuals residing in eight countries found that participants from Japan and Belgium experienced the lowest levels of societal acceptance.

Disorder or difference? Autism researchers face off over field’s terminologySometimes acrimonious debate is playing out in scientific papers, at conferences, and on social media

In this video, two of the co-founders of the U21 Autism Research Network speak about the findings from their recent collaborative project entitled "Cross-cultural variation in experiences of acceptance, camouflaging and mental health difficulties in autism: A registered report".

Research on facial expressions challenges the way we think about autismAutistic and non-autistic facial expressions may ‘speak a different language’ when conveying emotion.

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