Irish Neurodiversity Research Conference 2025

The conference will take place in the Haughton Building which is located at South East Technological University, Kilkenny Road Campus, Carlow, R93 V960.

For information on campus location, car parking, and travelling by bike, air, rail, bus and taxi, click here.

Car parking next to the building will be accessible on the day free of charge.

Should anyone have any particular accessibility requirements please let us know as soon as possible so we can ensure you are fully accommodated.

28 October 2024: Abstract Registration Opens

20 December 2024: Abstract Submission Deadline

22 December 2024: Notification of Abstract Decision

Dr Mary Doherty | Clinical Associate Professor, University College Dublin (UCD) School of Medicine

Dr Mary Doherty is an autistic consultant anaesthetist, as well as being the founder of Autistic Doctors International (ADI). ADI is a community of over 1,000 autistic medical doctors that aims to adopt a neurodiversity-affirmative approach to work centering on peer support, advocacy, research, and education. 

Mary's research interests focus on two separate, but related, areas: the experiences of autistic doctors and medical students; and the healthcare experiences, access barriers, and adverse outcomes for the autistic adult community. 

Some of her most recent research projects include: the experiences of autistic doctors, in particular autistic psychiatrists; the experiences of autistic medical students; and barriers to healthcare for autistic adults. 

Mary also has significant experience as an autistic representative (“A-Rep”) on the AIMS-2-Trials autism research consortium. She developed the Autistic SPACE framework as a potential solution to the challenges faced by autistic people in healthcare settings, whether as patient or healthcare provider.

Professor Geraldine Leader | University of Galway

Dr Geraldine Leader is a Professor at the School of Psychology at the University of Galway. She is a behavioural psychologist who specialises in the area of neurodevelopmental conditions, especially autism and intellectual disabilities.  

She is the Director of the Irish Centre for Autism and Neurodevelopmental Research. Her research focuses on the expansion of our understanding of the autism spectrum and thereby enhancing the life experience and potential of individuals with autism and their families. She studies autism across the lifespan with an emphasis on increasing the quality of life of children, adolescents, and adults through evidence-based research. She has published over 100 peer-reviewed articles in the leading journals in her field. 

Tristan Casson-Rennie, Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Ireland 

Tristan Casson-Rennie is the founder and CEO of Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FSAD) Ireland. FASD Ireland is one of the first organisations of its kind in Ireland providing education, awareness, and support for those effected by FASD. As a father to three boys, two of whom live with FASD, Tristan has first-hand experience of the challenges this disorder presents for those living with the condition and their families. Tristan has been a strong advocate for his own children and for other parents of children who require support.

Tristan is also a qualified Interactive Hypnotherapist, working with people coping with early years trauma and stress anxiety. He has also previously worked as an Additional Education Needs Governor at a primary school.

Irish Neurodiversity Research Conference

Abstract word count is limited to 500 words (not including spaces, title or author block).

Submissions of abstracts with preliminary aims and methods, but without data, is permissible.

Title of manuscript

Should be descriptive and include the type of study, e.g., a cross-sectional survey, a randomised controlled trial.

Names and affiliations of authors

• Provide full names and affiliations (name of organisation, city, state if applicable, and country) for all authors.
• Provide email address for corresponding author.

Background

• Context
• Why the study was done, in one or two sentences.
• Aim
• State specific aim/s or hypothesis, if appropriate

Methods

Study design

• Indicate where the study was completed. What was the study design—e.g., randomised controlled.
• If appropriate, provide information about randomisation, masking, and stratification (how were participants allocated to groups? Were participants, investigators, and those assessing outcomes masked to group assignment?)

Participants

• Who were they? 
• How were they recruited? 
• How many were studied? 
• Were they male or female, children or adults? 
• What were the inclusion and exclusion criteria?

Interventions (If appropriate)

• What was the intervention design?
• Where did this take place?

Analysis

• What were the primary outcomes; how did you decide on or calculate the number of individuals to be included in the study; what statistical tests did you use?
• Details of ethics approval and patient consent. Was informed consent (written or verbal) obtained from the participants or their guardians? Who approved the study?

Findings

Provide number of participants assigned and analysed in each group.

Describe outcomes, data, and statistical tests if appropriate.

Any important adverse events/ side effects.

Interpretation

• General interpretation of the results and their significance.
• Outline limitations and strengths of the study.

Funding

Source of funding (if none, say so)

Topics of interest for submission include, but are not limited to, the areas of:

• Education
• Genetics
• Physical Activity
• Public patient involvement
• Enabling landscapes for neurodiverse individuals

Contact

All questions about submissions should be emailed to [email protected]