Suzi Sapiets

In 2013, I obtained my BSc in Psychology from the University of East Anglia and subsequently gained extensive experience working with neurodivergent people (e.g., autism, learning disabilities) in a range of clinical, educational and community settings. This experience sparked my passion to conduct research to improve quality of life for neurodivergent people, their families and those that support them.

In 2022, I completed my PhD at the Centre for Research in Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (CIDD), University of Warwick. My PhD explored barriers and facilitators of access to early support for neurodivergent children and their families. I am currently a Postdoctoral Research Associate at the Tizard Centre, University of Kent, working on a range of research projects.

“I grew up in a council estate in Suffolk. Growing up, I never expected to go to university – no one in my family had gone to university before me and I didn’t know I could get funding for it! I discovered I am neurodivergent during my PhD (autism diagnosis). Being neurodivergent has many benefits to conducting research, such as intense attention (for things that interest me!), attention to detail, a strong sense of justice paired and a desire to improve the world for other neurodivergent people.”