AID
Autism International Development
My Philosophy
The underlying theme throughout my work has been how our assumptions about autism are being challenged constantly, not least by autistic people whose experiences and perspectives are being articulated with increasing confidence.
Underpinning all my research is an emphasis on retrieving lived experience as a vital source of data or information and a focus on how we can ensure voices previously marginalised or just not heard are given expression and listened to.
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I am passionate about giving people the information and support they need to make positive choices, to challenge what they need to, to access tools for self-development and self-care and to improve their quality of life.
Autism is an emerging field of interest that challenges us to ask profound questions about what it means to be human. I have worked for years to challenge stigma and stereotyping and to promote a positive narrative around autism, gender, human rights, diversity and inclusion.
I have delivered numerous presentations, training and talks and acted in an advisory and ambassadorial role.
For a wider selection go to "Delivered and Available" page
Selected conference presentations and Continuing Professional Development training:
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Presentation: II Congreso Internacional, Autismo Sevilla, Seville, 2022
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3 hour training workshop for schools, Singapore, 2022
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Presentation: Human rights, policing, & autism, in a global pandemic, with Lord John Scott QC for Scottish Autism Strategy Conference, 2020 https://youtu.be/WDwzXFMsG50
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Conference paper, Autism Europe Congress Nice 2019
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Training in Research Ethics and Methodologies Scottish Autism Research Group (SARG) Edinburgh 2019
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Conference paper NAS Professionals Conference Birmingham 2019
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Atlass Training for Studio III 2018
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Conference paper, Globalisation of Autism, St Mary's University, London 2018
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Chaired and workshop delivery NAS Women's Conference 2018 London
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Conference Paper Meeting of Minds International Conference 2017 Copenhagen
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WomenBeing International Conference on gender studies 2017 Edinburgh
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IV International Conference on Advancement in Women's Studies 2017 Toronto
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Globalising Autism 2017 London
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Autism Europe Congress 2016 Edinburgh
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Shaping Autism Research UK seminar 2015 Edinburgh
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Scottish Autism Strategy Research Seminar Series 2014 Glasgow
Dr Catriona Stewart OBE
I am an advisor, regional chair and ambassador to Scottish Government's Improving Understanding of Autism/DifferentMinds.OneScotland campaigns and work closely with Scottish Government on their Autism Strategy.
From April 2020 I was a member of the Independent Advisory Group (IAG) to the Scottish Police Authority (SPA) chaired by John Scott QC established to provide public scrutiny and oversight in a human rights context of the policing of the COVID legislation. I wrote a briefing on autism for Police Scotland and ran a survey of autistic people's experiences, the analysis and report from which I presented to the SPA in 2021.
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I founded and chaired SWAN: Scottish Women's Autism Network from 2012 - 2019. SWAN was shortlisted for a National Diversity award in 2016 and won a Social Services Scotland award in 2018. As Executive Trustee and CEO, I worked from 2019 and during the COVID pandemic to gain funding and recruit staff to deliver the Scottish Government-funded Employment Project, SWAN's contribution to the National Post-Diagnostic Service and the 2nd phase of the Improving Understanding of Autism funded project. In March 2022 I was delighted to recruit 2 more members of staff and pass on the role of CEO to my successor.
I have experience in the Education sector, as a university and college lecturer, module leader, student training clinic supervisor and professional mentor.
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My training
and qualifications
Applied Research Gender Studies PGDip (Merit) 2016
Stirling University
PhD Hermeneutic phenomenology: the experiences of girls with Asperger's syndrome and anxiety 2011
Edinburgh Napier University
Selected other professional and research training
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In My Shoes Training for licence to use computer-based interview software for vulnerable children and adults update training (2012)
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Diagnostic issues: training for professionals with Drs Judith Gould and Susan Shepherd Lorna Wing Centre for Autism (2011)
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Theory into Practice SVQ Level 4 Training on working with children and young people National Autistic Society (NAS) and Edinburgh Napier University (2005)
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Listening to Children 8 week assessed post-graduate training in research involving children Edinburgh University/ESRC/Centre for Family and Relationship Research (CFRR) (2005)
Other qualifications
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MSc (2004) How can western herbal medicine respond to the challenges and controversies involved in experiences of autism?
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PGCert Com Ed (1983)
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BA (Hons) Fine Art (1980)
Other
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Non-parliamentary Member Cross Party Group on Autism
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Scottish Convenor for PARC: Participatory Autism Research Collective
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National Autistic Society Professional Awards Judges panel 2016 - 2019
Published:
Diversity, Gender, Intersectionality and Feminism in Spectrum Women: Walking to the Beat of Autism
Edited: Barb Cook and Michelle Garnett JKP 2018
#1 Indy Best Buy Books on Autism 2019
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The future I'd like to see: National Autism Project 2018
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Where can we be what we are? Experiences of girls with AS and their mothers
Good Autism Practice May 2012 BIL