Anna Melissa Romualdez

Dr. Anna Melissa Romualdez is an Assistant Professor of Psychology and Deputy Director of the Centre for Research in Autism and Education (CRAE) at University College London's IOE - Faculty of Education and Society. Her research focuses on improving employment outcomes and workplace inclusion for autistic individuals, addressing systemic barriers and advocating for organizational change. She holds a PhD from UCL (2021) and has taught courses such as Autism: Research and Practice and Special Topics in Autism Research and Practice.

Her work bridges academic research with practical initiatives, including evaluations of supported employment programs like the Deutsche Bank internship scheme. She emphasizes participatory approaches, collaborating closely with autistic communities to ensure research relevance. Key themes include neurodiversity in the workplace, retirement transitions for autistic adults, and employer training to foster inclusive hiring practices.

Dr. Romualdez’s teaching emphasizes advocacy, empowering educators to create inclusive environments. Her interdisciplinary background in special education and psychology informs her dual focus on policy and grassroots impact. She has contributed to projects analyzing autistic experiences in family justice systems and dental care, reflecting her commitment to addressing systemic inequities across sectors.