Catherine Crompton MA(Hons), PhD

Dr Catherine Crompton is a research neuropsychologist at the Patrick Wild Centre, University of Edinburgh. Her current research explores neurodiverse social interaction, and how autism-specific social behaviours facilitate interactions between autistic peers. Her research re-conceptualises social intelligence within a neurodiversity framework, challenging the notion that there is only one legitimate form of social intelligence.

She also consults on projects linking participatory design and big data in mental health, ensuring that large scale studies include the voices of those with lived experience. She has also recently been granted funding to create a multi-expertise group to explore best practice for understanding the experiences of elderly autistic people in residential care.

She is a leader in participatory research and was awarded Autistica’s Public Engagement Award for her outstanding contribution to research with autistic community involvement. She was previously on the committee of the Scottish Autism Research Group and has co-ordinated several research, practice and community events in Scotland.