Liz Pellicano

Professional Summary: Professor Liz Pellicano

Professor Liz Pellicano is a distinguished developmental psychologist and autism researcher based at Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia. With a career dedicated to understanding autism and improving the lives of autistic individuals, she is recognized internationally for her contributions to participatory research and inclusive education practices.

Academic Background and Degrees

Professor Pellicano holds the following academic qualifications:

• PhD in Developmental Psychology, University of Western Australia
• Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Psychology, University of Western Australia

Research Specializations and Academic Interests

Her research focuses on autism, with particular emphasis on:

• Cognitive and perceptual differences in autistic individuals
• Participatory and community-engaged research methodologies
• Inclusive education and support for autistic children and adults
• Ethical considerations in autism research

Career History and Appointments

Professor Pellicano has held several prestigious positions across leading institutions:

• Professor of Autism Education, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia (current)
• Professor of Autism Research, University College London (UCL), UK (until 2019)
• Director, Centre for Research in Autism and Education (CRAE), UCL, UK
• Senior Lecturer and Lecturer, University of Western Australia

Major Awards, Fellowships, and Honors

Her work has been recognized through numerous accolades, including:

• Fellow of the Academy of Social Sciences, UK (elected for contributions to autism research)
• Neil O’Connor Award, British Psychological Society (for early career contributions to developmental psychology)

Key Publications

Professor Pellicano has authored and co-authored numerous influential works. A selection of her key publications includes:

• ‘Which terms should be used to describe autism? Perspectives from the UK autism community’ (2014, Autism)
• ‘Autism: A new introduction to psychological theory and current debate’ (2019, co-authored with Sue Fletcher-Watson)
• ‘The current state of autism research: A personal perspective’ (2020, Autism)
• ‘Knowing autism: The place of experiential expertise’ (2018, Behavioral and Brain Sciences)

Influence and Impact on Academic Field

Professor Pellicano is a leading voice in autism research, particularly in advocating for participatory approaches that involve autistic individuals and their families in shaping research agendas. Her work has influenced policy and practice in education and autism support, emphasizing ethical, inclusive, and community-driven methodologies. She has played a pivotal role in shifting academic and public understanding of autism from a deficit-based model to one that values neurodiversity.

Public Lectures, Committees, and Editorial Contributions

Professor Pellicano is actively engaged in the broader academic and public sphere:

• Regular speaker at international conferences on autism and education
• Member of editorial boards for leading journals, including Autism and Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders
• Advisor to autism advocacy organizations and policy bodies in the UK and Australia