Kirsty Spencer
Biography
Kirsty Spencer is a Research Fellow within the NIHR Research Better Together (RBT) programme and a PhD student at Birmingham Newman University.
Her doctoral research investigates experiences of loneliness among autistic young adults with higher support needs, with an emphasis on co-producing an intervention to address these experiences. Her research interests include neurodiversity, loneliness, co-production, and inclusive methodologies that bridge academic research and community practice. She also supports teaching within the Health and Social Care department, contributing to the development of inclusive, values-based learning environments for undergraduate students.
Kirsty works collaboratively with community partners such as Communicate 2U, Black Country all Age Autism Framework Board and local public health teams to promote inclusive, accessible research opportunities for neurodiverse individuals. She also engages in cross-institutional collaboration with the University of Birmingham, contributing to the Neurodiversity and Mental Health Research Network and participating in a range of neurodiversity-focused talks, webinars, and conferences.
Brief statement of educational background, previous employment, research interests and activities, co-operation with people outside Newman, external recognition (eg prizes awarded, editorial boards membership, fellowships of professional associations, research grants, external examination, PhD/EdD supervision, professional qualifications, consultancies).
“The most powerful thing we can do is make others feel seen”