Elise Guthrie Stirling

Following a successful teaching career as an autism specialist, I have lectured as an evening and guest lecturer in further education colleges, and subsequently as a visiting lecturer/associate within higher education institutes. I am a full time PhD researcher at the University of Strathclyde, researching authentic autistic play, currently in my final year. I have developed a unique mobile research app for an all-inclusive video survey, professional learning programme, and critical reflection portal for teachers embracing authentic autistic play in Scottish classrooms. I welcome opportunities to collaborate with other researchers and education professionals, particularly seeking to pursue further engagement within supporting teacher learning, and hope to engage a wider audience in recognising the value and importance of autistic authenticity, anti-ableism and inclusion in education and beyond.

Having researched autism, additional support needs (ASN) and inclusion for a number of years, I have maintained an ongoing interest in researching the support, education and care of the autistic community as well as the wider field of ASN and disability. I am now applying this interest specifically to researching the value of understanding authentic autistic play for successful inclusion of autistic pupils within a play-based curriculum in Scottish schools. Through a focus on professional learning for teachers in Scotland, I will continue to engage in research around inclusive education as well as a general interest in maximising the dignity and success of the autistic community (among others) in education and beyond.