Personal profile
Research interests
I am an autism researcher, working from a Neurodiversity paradigm perspective. My research focus is on sensory experiences and how to make spaces more sensory-inclusive for Autistic people. In my work I use mixed methods and also participatory research approaches.
NeuInsight training on Neurodiversity and Sensory-Inclusive Spaces for Autistic People - Click here for the free training
Live Music Inclusion at Venues and Events for Autistic People - Click here to visit the project's LinkedIn page
Key topics:
- Autism
- Neurodiversity
- Sensory processing differences
- Inclusive spaces
- Mental health
- Music
- Sex, intimacy, and relationships
Education/Academic qualification
Psychology, Doctor of Philosophy, University of Reading
Award Date: 24 Sept 2021
Psychology, Bachelor of Science in Psychology, University of Reading
Award Date: 29 Jun 2018
Expertise related to UN Sustainable Development Goals
In 2015, UN member states agreed to 17 global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure prosperity for all. This person’s work contributes towards the following SDG(s):
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SDG 3 Good Health and Well-being -
SDG 10 Reduced Inequalities
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Collaborations and top research areas from the last five years
Projects
- 3 Finished
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Producing an engaging and clear guide to decolonising curricula
MacLennan, K. (CoPI) & Butler, C. (CoPI)
18/02/25 → 31/07/25
Project: Central government, health and local authorities
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Decolonisation: a how to guide for teaching in humanities and social sciences
Butler, C. (PI) & MacLennan, K. (PI)
1/01/25 → 1/12/25
Project: University consultancy
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A Video on how to Decolonise Psychology Teaching
Butler, C. (PI) & MacLennan, K. (PI)
1/12/24 → 1/06/25
Project: Other
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School Anxiety Experienced by Autistic Children: A Systematic Review of Contributing Factors
Fisher, E., Rob, P., MacLennan, K., Mullally, S., Rodgers, J. & Tzemou, E., 21 Mar 2026, In: School Mental Health.Research output: Contribution to journal › Review article › peer-review
Open Access -
Autistic adults prefer social touch less but engage just as much: The impact of social context, relationship type, sensory responsivity, and psychological factors
Li, M. T. W., Mello, M., MacLennan, K. & Masson, H. L., 30 Dec 2025, (E-pub ahead of print) In: Autism.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Open Access -
Autistic Adults Prefer Social Touch Less but Engage Just as Much: The Impact of Social Context, Relationship Type, Sensory Responsivity and Psychological Factors
Wing Li, M. T., Mello, M., MacLennan, K. & Lee Masson, H., 25 Jun 2025, Open Science Framework (OSF).Research output: Working paper / Preprint › Preprint
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Investigating the Efficacy of the Web-Based Common Elements Toolbox (COMET) Single-Session Interventions in Improving UK University Student Well-Being: Randomized Controlled Trial
Lambert, J., Loades, M., Marshall, N., Higson-Sweeney, N., Chan, S. W. Y., Mahmud, A., Pile, V., Maity, A., Adam, H., Sung, B., Luximon, M., MacLennan, K., Berry, C. & Chadwick, P., 31 Jan 2025, In: Journal of Medical Internet Research. 27, 18 p., e58164.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Open Access1 Link opens in a new tab Citation (SciVal) -
Neuro-Normative Epistemic Injustice – Consequences for the UK Education Crisis and School Anxiety
Fisher, E., MacLennan, K., Mullally, S. & Rodgers, J., 31 Dec 2025, In: Neurodiversity. 3Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Open Access
Activities
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Autism research team seminar
MacLennan, K. (Speaker)
18 Mar 2025Activity: Knowledge Exchange (Industry, Government, NGOs) › Stakeholder engagement, presentation
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Advisory board member
MacLennan, K. (Advisor)
Jun 2025 → …Activity: Knowledge Exchange (Industry, Government, NGOs) › Advisory board membership
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Training delivery
MacLennan, K. (Speaker)
26 Jun 2025Activity: Knowledge Exchange (Industry, Government, NGOs) › Running a training course or CPD
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PhD Supervision
MacLennan, K. (Supervisor)
2024 → 2028Activity: External examination and supervision › External supervision / mentoring
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Disability confidence Network South West
MacLennan, K. (Speaker)
25 Feb 2025Activity: Knowledge Exchange (Industry, Government, NGOs) › Stakeholder engagement, presentation