Reshaping the views on social interactions and autism

Why it matters? 

Understanding the experiences of autistic people across the lifespan is key to changing perceptions and promoting social inclusion. 

Using participatory methods, Professor Mary Stewart engages seldom-heard individuals to include their perspectives in service design. Her projects span primary and secondary education, university, employment, and social and health care, addressing life course inequalities through interdisciplinary work.  

Collaborate to innovate 

By exploring concepts like social interaction and connectedness, Mary examines their impact on quality of life, wellbeing, and identity. Through conceptualisation and measurement of thematic areas such as social interaction and connectedness, Mary explores the impact social participation (or lack of access to social participation) has on quality of life, wellbeing, and identity. 

Challenging existing perceptions 

Mary's research contradicts the thinking that autistic people are not socially motivated, and therefore indicates that a lack of social interaction can have negative consequences on mental wellbeing. Findings from Mary's projects highlight that social confidence is key in the relationships between social motivation, loneliness, and depressive symptoms and that being a member of social groups can be protective to mental wellbeing. This work contributes to a growing body of evidence which is slowly but surely changing the often-stigmatised needs and attitudes of autistic people. 

Real World Impact  

The rigorous research initiatives and impactful contributions by Mary to the Healthy Ageing theme of Heriot-Watt's Global Research Institute, are raising awareness and advocating for solutions that enhance the future health and care for older autistic adults. Through editorial publications, a parliamentary motion, presenting at Curious Festival and at the Scottish Autism Conference, Mary is changing the way that people view older age, and how and when to address ageing issues within neurodiverse groups.  

Mary and her team of researchers are actively engaged in the NIHR RfPB, Research for Social Care project, which is designed to equip social workers with the requisite skills and knowledge to effectively support autistic individuals. This project, in collaboration with institutions like Northumbria University, seeks to improve access to care for autistic individuals. Through continuous partnerships with Scottish Autism and Blackwood Homes and Care, they strive to create impactful, user-centred solutions. Using innovative methods, such as film and artwork to support communication, highlighting the importance of connection and community engagement in her research.