Dr Alyssa Alcorn
BA, MSc, PhD
Expertise
I am an applied researcher focusing on the neurodiversity paradigm, and participatory methods. I am particularly interested in the role of neurodiversity knowledge, attitudes, and stigma in educational experiences and practices.
Current positions
Lecturer
School of Psychological Science
Contact
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Research interests
Alyssa’s research uses the neurodiversity paradigm and participatory methods to develop evidence-based interventions that facilitate children’s and young people’s educational inclusion and wellbeing. She is particularly interested in support for neurodivergent learners and those with additional support needs, school-based interventions, and the role of knowledge, attitudes, and stigma in educational practice. She is also interested more broadly in promoting community involvement in academic research, and supporting colleagues to use participatory methods.
Publications
Recent publications
17/02/2025Applied Principles for Inclusive Practice in Neurodevelopmental Research
Current Developmental Disorders Reports
Digital Media and Neurodevelopmental Differences
Handbook of Children and Screens
Learning About Neurodiversity at School
Neurodiversity
Neurodiversity Can Explain Differences in How People Experience Everyday Life
Frontiers for Young Minds
Short report
Autism
Teaching
Previously, I have taught on a range of modules related to research design and methods, as well as developmental science, autism research, cognitive science, educational technology, design informatics, and research ethics.
Prior project supervision at undergraduate and masters’ level has included topics related to applying the neurodiversity paradigm to develop educational materials, autistic children and social interaction, and designing/evaluating technologies for autistic users.
I also offer professional training related to neurodiversity awareness and the neurodiversity paradigm. Audiences have included NHS Fife, the University of Edinburgh, the National Autistic Society, Middletown Centre for Autism (NI), and West Lothian Local Authority.