Angela Holland

Project Title: The perspectives of late-diagnosed autistic adults on local post-diagnostic support in Nottingham & Nottinghamshire

What is your connection to Nottingham, and what were you doing before starting this research placement?

I first came to Nottingham when I worked full time as a Medic in the Army Reserve Training Mobilisation Centre at Chetwynd Barracks, Chilwell. I then worked for East Midlands Ambulance Service for Nottinghamshire, before moving to the Derbyshire divisions. During lockdown, I then started fulltime work as a Research Delivery Assistant for Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust. I have been working in this role for the past few years, performing a number of tasks including screening for potential participants, putting questionnaire packs together for colleagues performing the assessments and entering participant data from the research visits. 

What motivated you to apply for this specific research placement project?

I am neurodivergent myself and have a diagnosis of dyslexia. There is Autism and ADHD in my immediate and extended younger family members, so in recent years I have greater awareness of the challenges and benefits a diagnosis can bring. 

Why do you think this research is important? 

There is still a lot of outdated research about Autism and can contribute to negative public perceptions that include bias, prejudice and lack of understanding. I was motivated to apply for this project to find the positive and negative impact on the adults around Nottinghamshire getting a diagnosis later in life. To make change happen, you have to do the research, in order to scientifically and robustly support the need for that change. I want to be part of making something positive happen for the people of today and the future.

What do you hope to be doing in 5 years’ time? (personally and/or professionally) 

I would like to have completed or be completing a PhD in order to utilise my full potential.