Biography
Michelle is an active researcher in the field of autism and is currently pursuing her PhD in the area of peer-based supports. She is a member of the School of Allied Health's research cluster SLCN@UL and is a postgraduate member of the University's Health Research Institute. Michelle is a co-founder of the Autism@UL Special Interest Group. The Autism@UL SIG is a network of people and organisations from within UL and across the wider community who share an interest in autism and aim to lead and contribute to initiatives and research focused on supporting inclusion and creating a neurodiversity affirmative environment. Michelle is also involved in research projects on Interprofessional Education and Health Service Delivery. Michelle has worked as a Speech and Language Therapist in New Zealand with a Paediatric population in a variety of settings; home, preschool, school-age and the clinic. As part of a multidisciplinary team she had the opportunity to develop workshops with teachers and other professionals on a variety of topics. She held a national position as a facilitator for tips for autism, a three-day course for teams who support autistic students aged 5 to 12. Michelle believes in promoting autonomy and building strong teams. She has also completed further study in the area of Assistive Technology.Research Interests
Peer Mediated InterventionAutism
Health Service Delivery
Interprofessional Education
Professional Activities
Association
- Member, Irish Association of Speech and Language Therapists