51cg

Biography

I am currently a PhD researcher in the School of Psychology at the 51cg. My research explores autism in women across the lifespan, with a particular focus on the factors that lead women to seek a diagnosis, the adult diagnostic journey, the impact of receiving a diagnosis later in life, and how differences across sex and age should be considered in autism assessment and diagnostic practice.

Prior to starting my PhD, I completed both an MA (Hons) in Psychology and an MRes in Psychology at the 51cg, graduating with a First Class Honours degree and a distinction respectively. My undergraduate dissertation, which received full marks, examined the effectiveness of autism screening questionnaires in identifying autism in adult women. My MRes thesis continued my interest in autism research, using qualitative methods to explore autistic adults experiences of communicating pain within healthcare settings.

Alongside my PhD, I am interested in the relationship between autism and eating disorders. I am currently collaborating with Dr Michelle Sader on a project with the Eating Disorder and Autism Collaborative (EDAC), investigating neuroanatomical differences associated with masking behaviours in autistic people. More broadly, I am interested in improving the assessment and support for autistic women, and in improving healthcare experiences and outcomes for autistic adults.

Prizes and Awards

Commended for the Alan Berkley Milne Prize for Best UG Psychology Thesis 2023-2024

Research Overview

Autism in women across the lifespan, with a particular interest in the factors leading to diagnosis, the adult diagnostic journey, late diagnosis, and improving autism assessment and diagnostic practice. 

Past Research

My previous research has focused on the efficacy of autism screening tools in adult women, and healthcare experiences among autistic adults.

MA (Hons) Psychology Dissertation (First Class, awarded full marks): Investigated the effectiveness of autism screening questionnaires in identifying autism in adult women, with a particular focus on their ability to identify women who may be under-recognised by existing screening tools.

MRes in Psychology Dissertation (Distinction): Used qualitative methods to explore autistic adults experiences of communicating pain within healthcare settings, identifying barriers to effective communication and highlighting ways to improve healthcare experiences in clinical practice.

Funding and Grants

PhD Studentship Awarded by the School of Psychology 2024 - 2027

INSAR 2026 Autistic Researcher Award

Teaching Responsibilities

Level One Methods and Applications Tutor on PS1011 and PS1015 courses