Gillian McConnell

Mrs

  • United Kingdom

Personal profile

Personal Statement

I am currently a Teaching Fellow for the Masters in Autism Programme and Course Leader for the full time MSc and part time MEd in Autism Studies Courses. I am the module leader for the core Theory and Practice 1-3 modules, the Independent Study Module, Autism and Related Conditions Module, Autism and Placement Practice Module and provide individual supervision to students carrying out their Masters Research dissertations. I also supervise undergraduate students completing their dissertations for Primary Education Degree course.

I support the part time MEd in Autism Studies students with the Research Methodology and Reasoning module.

I have over 30 years’ experience working with autistic people in a variety of settings, such as social care, criminal justice and education. Prior to joining the University, I held Senior Management positions and for 20 years, have been responsible for the service development, design and delivery of a wide range of services for autistic people  of all ages. My specialist areas of interest are Autism and co-occurring conditions, especially Learning Disabilities, Epilepsy and Mental Health. I have contributed to Government Policy and Good Practice Guidelines for autistic people, learning disabilities and Mental Health issues.

I am also the Strathclyde Institute of Education Disabilty and Wellbeing Co-ordinator and support students across the Institute.

I am currently undertaking my PhD focusing on the educational experiences of Autistic pupils with co-occurring Epilepsy and Learning Disabilities

Personal Statement

I was awared the Senior Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy in October 2024

Expertise related to UN Sustainable Development Goals

In 2015, UN member states agreed to 17 global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure prosperity for all. This person’s work contributes towards the following SDG(s):

  • SDG 3 - Good Health and Well-being
  • SDG 4 - Quality Education
  • SDG 10 - Reduced Inequalities
  • SDG 16 - Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

Education/Academic qualification

Master of Arts, Masters Degree in Professional Development: Disability Studies: Autism, University of Huddersfield

1 Sept 199830 Jun 2000

Award Date: 31 Jul 2000

Post Graduate Certificate of Education: Special Needs, University of Huddersfield

1 Sept 199630 Jun 1998

Award Date: 1 Sept 1998

Bachelor of Arts, BA Honours Degree, University of Strathclyde

1 Sept 198931 May 1993

Award Date: 5 Jul 1993

Doctor of Education, PhD: Current research project is focusing on the educational experiences of Autistic pupils with co-occurring Epilepsy and Learning Disabilities, University Of Strathclyde

1 Mar 2020 → …

External positions

External Examiner, University of South Wales

28 Jan 2022 → …

Keywords

  • Autism
  • Epilepsy
  • Co-occurring Conditions

Collaborations and top research areas from the last five years

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