Personal statement

Leanne McNeill is a Teaching Fellow on the Masters in Autism courses, bringing over two decades of dedicated experience in the field of autism. Her career spans a variety of leadership and management roles across Scotland and Australia, including the National Autistic Society, HOPE for Autism, other disability support organisations and direct work with individuals and families. Leanne is trained in a wide range of autism support approaches and has delivered impactful education and training programmes to parent carers of autistic children, as well as to professionals in various fields and the broader community. She played a leading role in developing Lanarkshire’s first autistic-led training team, which is an initiative that has helped increase understanding of autism and embed neuro-affirmative practices within both charity and professional contexts. She has spent time working closely with schools to promote a deeper understanding of autism amongst staff and school children and developed social inclusion programmes for autistic children and young adults. Additionally, she has served as a mentor to young autistic adults during their final years at school and into early adulthood. Her work extends beyond autism into mental health having held positions with mental health charities focused on stigma reduction and suicide prevention through innovative projects in North-East Glasgow. At the University of Strathclyde, Leanne is an active member of the Institute of Education Ethics Committee and contributes to the Disability and Wellbeing team. Her academic interests include family support and holistic wellbeing, inclusion, and autism and spirituality with a strong commitment to social justice and human rights. Leanne holds a Master’s degree in Autism from the University of Strathclyde and another from the University of Glasgow in Psychological Studies and remains deeply engaged in issues that affect the autistic community and inclusive practice.