Wales Autism Research Centre (WARC)

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Wales Autism Research Centre (WARC)

The Wales Autism Research Centre, Cardiff University was launched in 2010 and is the UK's first national autism centre.

The Wales Autism Research Centre, Cardiff University is the UK's first national autism research centre.

02/06/2026

Exciting news from our very own Dr Ari Dyer:

"Really excited to share that the first paper from my PhD has been published in Neurodiversity!

Sensory rooms are used across UK schools to support autistic pupils but little is known about autistic pupils' experiences of using them, so we asked them!

We interviewed thirteen autistic pupils about their use of sensory rooms in mainstream schools, using an adaptable interview to support different communication needs. We also observed them using the rooms.

Autistic pupils told us that sensory rooms supported their wellbeing, learning, and ability to manage sensory overwhelm. Self-directed use was key, and pupils appreciated adaptable equipment, as they could alter it to meet their context-dependent needs. They also used sensory rooms as a safe environment for broader activities, like hanging out with friends or using an iPad. Through observations, we saw that autistic pupils spent a lot of time relaxing, exploring or avoiding sensory features, and stimming in the sensory rooms.

Overall, our results show that autistic pupils find sensory rooms to benefit their wellbeing, learning, and sensory needs, but that self-direction is key.

This project was a labour of love, and I'm really grateful to everyone involved: Eloise Crossman, Claire Bowsher-Murray, and my supervisors Catherine Jones and Georgie Powell."

The paper can be accessed for free here: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/27546330261448357

Congratulations Ari from all at WARC! The photo shows Ari presenting at a Cardiff University event during their PhD.

06/05/2026

Please see below for details of another free online event from the Tîm Niwrowahaniaeth Cymru / Wales Neurodivergence Team

Understanding and Supporting Neurodivergent LGBTQ+ Teens - Ian Timbrell, More Than Flags & Rainbows

Tuesday, 16 June 2026, 10:00am - 12:00pm

About the session
Join us for a live, interactive workshop exploring the experiences of neurodivergent and LGBTQ+ teenagers. This session will challenge common misconceptions, build understanding, and share practical ways to support young people across home, school, and professional contexts. It will explore identity, trust, safeguarding, communication with schools, and the specific challenges faced during adolescence and puberty.

About the presenter
Ian Timbrell is the founder and Executive Director of More Than Flags and Rainbows, a social enterprise supporting schools and communities to create more inclusive environments for all children and young people. With 17 years of teaching experience, including 5 years as a Deputy Headteacher, Ian has worked extensively in education and inclusion. He is also the author of the book "It’s More Than Flags and Rainbows” and delivers training, workshops, and consultancy across the UK.

To book your place please use this link:

960c4c60-bbe9-4810-b172-7f82448c51dd@6850a7f1-4cc1-4482-a1c1-79439f679966" rel="ugc" target="_blank">https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/960c4c60-bbe9-4810-b172-7f82448c51dd@6850a7f1-4cc1-4482-a1c1-79439f679966

30/03/2026

Congratulations to WARC PhD student, Ari Dyer, who passed their PhD exam (viva) last month. This means they are now Dr Ari Dyer! They explored what autistic young people in mainstream secondary schools thought about their school sensory room, producing lots of important insights that we looked forward to sharing soon. They also explored the sensory experiences of mainstream primary school pupils experiencing emotional and behavioural differences in the classroom. Ari is now a lecturer at Cardiff University School of Psychology and we are very pleased to have them still part of WARC! Congratulations Ari on your success! The photo shows Ari after their PhD viva with their PhD supervisors (L-R: Georgie Powell, Ari Dyer, Catherine Jones).

16/02/2026

The Neurodivergent Friendly Cardiff initiative has led to the publication of a five year strategy for making Cardiff a more inclusive city. You can read their strategy here:https://www.neurodivergentfriendlycardiff.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/NFC_Strategy_E.PDF.pdf . Within the strategy, WARC, along with many other organisations, pledge how they will contribute to making Cardiff more neurodivergent friendly. You can also find out more information about Neurodivergent Friendly Cardiff on their webpage: https://www.neurodivergentfriendlycardiff.co.uk/

12/02/2026

Please see below for a free online (and in-person) public lecture on supporting autistic children in schools. Professor Mary Hanley at Durham University (working with many others across research, local government, education and the autistic community) has been doing some fantastic work and it should make for an informative and important talk. Registration link is pasted below. Here is a message from Mary:

Dear All,

You may be interested in this public lecture taking please on 11th March at 17:30 GMT - both in-person and online. The event will also be recorded and sent to everyone who has registered to attend, so if the time difference does not work for you, please feel free to register so you will receive the link to the event recording.

Full details are available on the attached flyers - please feel free to share with colleagues and friends - all welcome.

Speaker: Prof Mary Hanley, Durham University

Title: Why are so many autistic learners struggling in mainstream schools? And what can we do about it?

Synopsis: School can be a really difficult place for autistic learners – there’s so much to contend with beyond academic learning. There are now clear indicators that many autistic and neurodivergent learners are struggling particularly in mainstream schools. What underpins these challenges? In this lecture, I will present studies from a programme of research that has focused on the experiences of autistic and neurodivergent learners in schools, on critical issues such as school distress, attendance, attention and sensory differences, inclusion and school success. I will argue that we need to reframe our understanding of difficulties at school in terms of a mismatch between needs and environment. With evidence from our Triple-A training for education professionals (www.tripleadurham.co.uk ), I will discuss how research on attention, sensory arousal and anxiety can change understanding of these needs and practice of support, leading to positive impacts for school staff and the autistic (and neurodivergent) learners they support.

Time and Date: Wednesday 11th March 2026 at 17:30 GMT

Location: Durham University (in-person attendance) and Teams (online attendance)

Professor Mary Hanley (she/her)

06/02/2026

Please see below for upcoming events from Tîm Niwrowahaniaeth Cymru / Wales Neurodivergence Team.

The National Neurodivergence Team is delighted to share that registration is now open for Neuroinclusion Matters! – a pair of FREE online events taking place during Neurodiversity Celebration Week.

These online events will explore the why and the how of building a more neuroinclusive Wales. Each session will feature a keynote speaker alongside a host of neurodivergent voices from across our communities offering their living expertise, tips and valuable insights.

🌟 Neuroinclusion Matters! – Session 1

📅 Monday 16 March 2026
🕙 10:00am – 12:00pm
💬 Theme: Why We Need a Neuroinclusive Society

🎤 Featuring: leading neuroaffirming advocate and professional speaker, Tigger Pritchard, who will share his insights on neuroinclusive language and why shifting our thinking truly matters.

🌟 Neuroinclusion Matters! – Session 2

📅 Friday 20 March 2026

🕙 10:00am – 12:00pm

💬 Theme: How We Create a Neuroinclusive Society

🎤 Featuring: Rosie Higgins of Unquiet Media, who will guide us through practical ways to create more neuroinclusive workplaces and communities.

Neuroinclusion is everyone’s business. Whether you’re joining from lived experience, professional curiosity, allyship, or simply a passion for positive change, this is your moment. Step in, join us, and help shape a more neuroinclusive Wales. Neuroinclusion Matters!

23/01/2026

Thank you to Innovate Trust for this wonderful post celebrating the achievements of Richie Horrigan and Jess Cray! Jess and Richie have been working together as part of Jess's PhD. Richie is a valued member of the research team and we are very thankful to Innovate Trust for being such engaged and supportive partners.

24/09/2025

Tîm Niwrowahaniaeth Cymru / Wales Neurodivergence Team are offering another free online session for parents and carers - with a focus on managing anxiety in neurodivergent teenagers. Please see below for details.

Managing Anxiety in Neurodivergent Teenagers
Angela McMillan, Elemental Health
Thursday 16th of October, 10am – 12pm

About the session

This practical workshop explores how anxiety shows up in neurodivergent teenagers and offers strategies for effective, compassionate support. We’ll cover sensory needs, communication differences, co-regulation techniques, and adapting evidence-based tools. Participants will gain greater confidence in recognising triggers, reducing overwhelm, and creating safer, more inclusive environments for young people to manage anxiety and thrive.

About the presenter

I am a late diagnosed autistic counsellor with 18 years’ experience working with young people, parents, and carers. I know first-hand how important it is to really listen and adapt support to each teenager’s needs. I’m committed to sharing practical, realistic strategies that help reduce anxiety and build understanding, safety, and trust with neurodivergent young people.

To book your place please use this link:

68fde292-80a3-4ba7-ba92-75a704b1b3dc@6850a7f1-4cc1-4482-a1c1-79439f679966" rel="ugc" target="_blank">https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/68fde292-80a3-4ba7-ba92-75a704b1b3dc@6850a7f1-4cc1-4482-a1c1-79439f679966

(Please note: this session is for parents & carers only)

03/09/2025

Are you an autistic non-binary adult interested in being involved in a research study?

Dr Charli Babb, a former WARC PhD student, is conducting a study as part of her clinical psychology training at Cardiff University School of Psychology. We are so pleased that Charli is continuing to research the experiences of autistic people. When Charli finishes her training she will be a qualified clinical psychologist and it is fantastic to see her progressing so well in her career.

Charli's new study will help us learn more about how autistic non-binary adults experience, think, and feel about their bodies. We hope this research will help improve support and care for autistic non-binary people.

The study is open to autistic adults (18+) who are non-binary. It will involve taking part in a 1-hour interview (online or in-person at Cardiff University) with Charli, and completing a short questionnaire.

If you’re interested in taking part or want to learn more, please contact Charli via email at [email protected]. A study advert is attached, as well as a photo of Charli and WARC Director, Dr Catherine Jones, from Charli’s PhD graduation in July 2023!

19/08/2025

Please see below for details of a Tîm Niwrowahaniaeth Cymru / Wales Neurodivergence Team Parents and Carers Virtual Advice Session that may be of interest:

Autism & Teenagers
Melissa Hutchings, ASD Family Help
Thursday, 18th of September 2025, 10:00am - 12:00pm

An autistic teenager may have a lot of questions as they enter adolescence about how autism may impact them. They may even be struggling to acknowledge their needs or diagnosis. As a parent/carer you may also have questions – This session will look at being an Autistic Teenager and how important it is to allow them to be themselves, with you by their side, supporting them all the way with life skills and relationships. The session will look at friendships, relationships, touching on gender identity, the world of dating and staying safe.

ASD Family Help provides information and support through a wide range of events and activities for families and individuals who are affected by Autism and/or Learning Difficulties/Disabilities (pre and post assessment).

Melissa has an autistic son, who was the reason why she became involved in the world of autism. She worked for a Local Authority for 17 years as an autism specialist, supporting and empowering many families.

To book your place please use this link:

d15a929b-9109-475e-9698-458e9e71af92@6850a7f1-4cc1-4482-a1c1-79439f679966" rel="ugc" target="_blank">https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/d15a929b-9109-475e-9698-458e9e71af92@6850a7f1-4cc1-4482-a1c1-79439f679966

(Please note: this session is for parents & carers only)

Address

Cardiff
CF103AT

Website

https://www.cardiff.ac.uk/research/explore/research-units/wales-autism-research-centre

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