For this session we welcomed Priscila Beni, a visiting PhD researcher from Brazil. Priscila was successful in gaining a one-month visiting scholarship from CAPES Brazil. She was embedded into the Autism Research Lab and hosted by Dr Marc Fabri. During her stay, Priscila met several autism researchers to find out about their work and also to obtain feedback on her own research plans and methodology. Her research, in short, is about the following:
Priscila’s PhD research in Informatics and Education focuses on developing a technological tool to enhance self-knowledge and autonomy for autistic individuals. Using a SWOT matrix approach, the project aims to help individuals assess their traits, understand their unique strengths and challenges, and articulate their specific needs. Collaborating with neurologists, neuropsychologists, and occupational therapists, the research seeks to move beyond generic accommodations, empowering autistic people to advocate for themselves in universities, workplaces, and personal relationships.
Priscila talked about the opportunities a visiting scholarship provides, especially the exchange of ideas and approaches. Within the wider PARTICIPATE group we talked about hosting other researchers in the future, and also how cluster member can become visiting researchers elsewhere. PARTICIPATE actively invites researchers from other institutions to spend some time with us, collaborate and find out about our work.