Dr Laura Cristescu PhD

PhD in Education, University of Birmingham (2023)

MEd in Autism (Children), University of Birmingham (2017)

BA in Drama, University of Loughborough (2012)

Laura completed her MEd in Autism (2017) and PhD (2023) in DISN at the University of Birmingham. Her PhD research focused on developing the teaching practice in an autism specialist school to support students’ self-determination. This work was grounded in close collaboration with the students, their teaching staff and their families, and led to the development of an approach founded on the strengths of existing teaching practice and informed by lived experience. During her doctoral studies, Laura contributed to a variety of departmental research projects including a systematic review, qualitative and intervention studies in autism and special education. She also delivered guest lectures and supported the  supervision of students on the MEd in Autism and SPMLD courses.

In 2023, Laura moved to the University of Surrey as a postdoctoral researcher on the project Shape Research, Change Lives: Setting priorities in genetic syndrome research, funded by the Baily Thomas Charitable Fund. Her work involved analysing the relationship between the portfolio of research on Down Syndrome, Fragile X Syndrome and Williams Syndrome, and the research priorities of individuals with the three genetic syndromes and their communities. 

In 2024, Laura returned to DISN as a Research Fellow on the project School MOVES (School Mobility Outcomes, Voices, Experiences and Support) working with Dr Clara Joergensen. She currently contributes to teaching on MA Inclusion modules.

Laura is an accredited Video Interaction Guidance practitioner, having worked for the AVIuk as a researcher on a project funded by The AIM Foundation to develop a national digital data collection platform for perinatal service practitioners.

Alongside her academic work, Laura is an experienced practitioner, having worked in specialist schools, led programmes in assistive technology in collaboration with local authorities, and served as a school governor.

MA Inclusion