SETU hosted the second annual Irish Neurodiversity Research Conference 2025 at its campus in Carlow. The conference brought together researchers from across higher education institutions (HEIs) of Ireland and academics interested in neurodiversity research.
The one-day conference, hosted by the Autism and REACH Research Groups at SETU, provided the environment for collaborative and interdisciplinary knowledge exchange between Irish researchers whose work focuses on neurodivergence.
Dr Sharon Kinsella, SETU Head of Department of Health and Sport Science and Research Lead of the Autism Research Group, said, “This conference provided a great opportunity for all those interested in neurodiversity and its research to come together. We were thrilled to have such a diverse group of attendees at the conference and for the information stands provided by ASIAM and ADHD Ireland.”
Academics, research students, and post-doctorate researchers presented their work to peers across the themes of education, genetics, physical activity, public patient involvement, and the theme of enabling landscapes for neurodiverse people.
Additionally, keynote speeches were delivered on a series of insightful topics. Professor Geraldine Leader, from the School of Psychology at University of Galway and behavioural psychologist, shared insights from her research that focuses on the use of technology in enhancing the quality of life of neurodiverse individuals. She spoke to conference attendees about the importance of social inclusion for neurodiverse people. Her research has given insight into advancing this inclusion through technology to empower people with disabilities.
This was followed by Tristan Casson-Rennie’s address on Ireland’s silent epidemic of foetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) and its impact on people who are neurodiverse. Tristan is CEO of Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Ireland, one of the first organisations of its kind to provide education, awareness, and support for those affected by the disorder.
Dr Mary Doherty, Associate Clinical Professor at UCD School of Medicine, shared her work on ‘Autistic SPACE’, a novel framework for meeting the needs of autistic people in healthcare. This was followed by an impactful talk from Dr Brian Avery from the University of Minnesota. Brian spoke about empowering neurodiverse patients within the healthcare context, with particular focus on self-determination and supported decision-making.
For more information on neurodiversity research at SETU, contact [email protected]