Dr Julia Leatherland
Julia Leatherland has comleted her doctorate which explored the school experiences of mainstream secondary pupils with a diagnosis of autism. She has designed and developed a new system to communicate individual pupil’s classroom support needs to teachers via the class register and an evaluation of this system (FAMe™) is an integral part of her PhD. Julia has a BSc in Psychology and started her career as a psychology assistant before becoming a researcher at Sheffield Children’s Hospital and then leaving work to be a full-time parent. Since 2010 all five of Julia’s children have received an autism diagnosis and she has focused on furthering her understanding of autism, completing a Post-Graduate Certificate in Asperger Syndrome, and an MA in autism. She has written and contributed to a number journal articles and book chapters. Julia is passionate about undertaking research in areas considered to be a priority by the autistic population and has a particular interest in education - barriers to learning and successful outcomes; children and young people; and mental-health and well-being. Julia represents a local parent support group, working with the Local (education) Authority Autism Team, helping to shape future strategy and practice to best meet the needs of autistic children and young people in Sheffield schools. Julia Received an autism diagnosis in 2016.
Julia has worked on the following project/s:
The 'Achieving More in College' Project: Support for Autistic Students Attending Further Education Colleges. Good Autism Practice (GAP) Journal. 19:1, pp 50-62(13)
