Laboratory for Innovation in AutismKnowledge Exchange

Knowledge Exchange and Impact

We recognise the immense value that practitioners, parents, and individuals with autism bring to research, as they hold critical insights that can enhance our work. Likewise, we are committed to ensuring that the knowledge we generate translates into tangible benefits for professional practice, as well as for parents and individuals affected by autism. Our focus is on fostering a two-way exchange of knowledge that informs both research and real-world outcomes, creating lasting impact within the autism community.

We are making headway on the commercialisation of the Play.Care Smart Tablet Serious Game Autism Identification of autism and neurodivergence. This is part of the Strathclyde Inspire stage-gated process, which addresses challenges such as affordability, accessibility, and scalability. The technology was selected to advance the commercialisation of this work through the UKRI AI in Healthcare Accelerator (with Pioneer Group) to identify the optimal route to implementation in practice. There is an acute need for early identification of neurodivergent needs in education that otherwise can remain unseen for many years, leading to crises. AI solutions can fit into the current educational support system, not replacing but complementing human expertise. 

We formed a cross-disciplinary group of researchers and practitioners interested in researching and sharing knowledge about the role of movement in autism. We organised academic workshops, conferences, and practitioner seminars to further collaboration in the autism community. This included a successful set of events through the Scottish Government-funded Innovation in Autism series, Moving in Autism, which were held annually at the University of Strathclyde. Further information can be found on the Moving in Autism website.