If you are interested in late-diagnosed autistic women and the impact peri/menopause may have on them, you’ve come to the right place…
I’m Gemma, a PhD researcher at Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh looking to add knowledge to a woefully under-researched area: autistic women at work. My interests include stigma, additional labour and normative expectations. My research looks at the multi-layered experiences of autistic women relating to gender, neurodivergence, disability and aging. I also utilise co-creation and creative methods.
PhD Research.
I am currently researching the workplace decisions of professional autistic women during peri/menopause (specifically senior leaders/managers). As well as my completed Steering Groups and current Pilot Study, I will be undertaking my main research later this year.
Churchill Fellowship.
In 2023, I was awarded a Churchill Fellowship to explore innovative social and employment opportunities for autistic women in the US, Canada and Australia. I created six thematic podcasts for my report, observing the issues of stigma and bias whilst uncovering the positive steps taking place.
My Musings.
Undertaking a PhD as a mature student and heading back into academic work after a 25 year break has been a very steep learning curve but hugely rewarding too. It has also been an immense privilege, being able to deep dive into a neglected research area and collaborate with autistic women. I will be creating a series of blog posts throughout my PhD.