Lauren Walker

My research interests are focused on Neurodiversity, Autism, ADHD, mental health, disabilities, emotion regulation and affective technologies. My recent work has focused on reducing inequalities and creating neuro-inclusive environments for Neurodivergent populations. 

I am also interested in promoting inclusion within higher education and keen to explore new ways this can be achieved within teaching and learning practice.

I completed a BA (Hons) in Psychology at the University of The West of Scotland, followed by an MSc in Research Methods in Psychology at The University of Strathclyde and a PhD at The University of The West of Scotland. My PhD explored the use of technology based on physiological signals to support Autistic emotion regulation. Previously, I was a Lecturer in Psychology/Health and Social Care in Further Education (2016-2022) and also worked as an Associate Lecturer in Psychology/Social Science at The University of The West of Scotland (2015-2019, 2021-2022).

Outwith academia, I spent several years working within the Health and Social Care sector (2013-2019). Here, I specialised in crisis response, providing bespoke training for staff teams who supported people with disabilities and/or mental health issues. This focused on using communication strategies and verbal de-escalation. I also worked briefly within the NHS within a drug and alcohol unit where I was involved in relapse prevention and health promotion.

I have also previously worked as a research assistant in projects such as: Improving dementia care in prisons, The under-valuation of care home workers during COVID 19 and Investigating F(0) contour shape in infant and foreigner directed speech. 

• Deputy Programme Lead for a new programme MSc Neurodiversity
• Module Lead - Neuro-Inclusive Communication
• Module Lead - First Steps to Collaborative Health & Social Care

I teach on the Mental Health Nursing (Pre-registration & MSc) programmes accross various modules (Values in Practice, Understanding Self & Society, Research Methods, Leadership in Mental Health Nursing).

I have also been invited as a guest lecturer on the following topics:

• Introduction to Neurodiversity (Feb 2025)
• Neurodiversity in Healthcare (March 2022)
• Troubling Normaility (Feb 2022)
• Disability and Culture (Aug 2022)
• Disability and The Normal Body (Nov 2022)
• Organisational Ethics (Oct 2022)

My teaching practice is underpinned by both my healthcare and research experience, particularly in relation to how psychological research and theoretical frameworks can be applied within health and social care settings.

• NHS
• Third sector organisations