Autism across the life course

Dr Sharon Elley is developing research into experiences of autism, institutional policy and practice and related barriers and pathways in education and employment.

Sharon is a project partner working as an interdisciplinary team on a 2-year research project called ‘A Society Fit for Autistics’. This is an autistic-led project funded by DRILL (2017-19) and team members include autistic academics and professionals. The project explores two central questions from the perspectives of autistic people and practitioners:

1. How do autistic people use strategies –including logic, reasoning and rules– to understand social situations and other people’s reactions and to empower themselves?
2. What are the barriers –including stereotypes, misconceptions and systemic issues– to autistic people using their strengths and appropriate strategies to participate in decision making, the economy and community?