معرفی
Katherine Howells is a Research Fellow at Monash University's School of Psychological Sciences, where she has been working with the AllPlay team since early 2017. She contributes to various programs including AllPlay Footy and AllPlay Dance, focusing on improving wellbeing and community participation for young people with disabilities.
Dr. Howells' educational background includes a Doctor of Philosophy from Deakin University (awarded June 22, 2021) and a Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) from the same institution (awarded April 14, 2016).
Her research interests center around autism spectrum disorder, disability and community participation, physical activity for children with disabilities, mental health, and wellbeing outcomes. Her work often examines how organized physical activities can benefit children on the autism spectrum and those with other disabilities, with a particular focus on community inclusion and social outcomes. She has a keen interest in improving wellbeing-related outcomes and community participation in young people with disability.
Her research publications demonstrate a consistent focus on autism spectrum disorder and disability participation in community activities, particularly sports programs. The articles show progression in understanding how structured physical activities impact motor skills, social functioning, and community participation for children with disabilities. Her work often involves collaborations with clinicians, parents, and community organizations to develop practical interventions.
- Risk factors for mental health difficulties in parents of children with cerebral palsy
- Benefits of community football programs for children with autism
- Acceptability of pre-learn programs for children with disabilities
Dr. Howells has been actively involved in several significant research projects, including serving as Project Manager for 'Exploring the use of haptic music technology to support autistic young people with complex support needs at school' (2024-2025), and as Chief Investigator for the 'Evaluation of the AllPlay Pre-Learn Day Program' (2017-2021) and 'ALLPLAY: Correlates and outcomes of NAB-AFL Auskick participation for primary school-aged children with disabilities' (2016-2021).
Her work contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals related to quality education, good health and wellbeing, and reduced inequalities.
