Michelle O'Donoghue

Michelle O'Donoghue serves as Assistant Professor at the School of Allied Health, University of Limerick, where she is affiliated with the Health Research Institute and Centre for Implementation Research UL. She co-founded the Autism@UL Special Interest Group, networking university and community stakeholders to advance autism inclusion initiatives and neurodiversity-affirmative environments.

Her educational background includes a recently completed PhD focused on designing peer-based supports with autism communities for inclusive early childhood settings. Professionally, she is a qualified Speech and Language Therapist with prior experience across pediatric settings in New Zealand, including homes, preschools, schools, and clinics.

Research centers on autism, neurodiversity, and inclusion through participatory methods, emphasizing peer-based supports and interprofessional education. Her work bridges implementation science with practical applications in early childhood environments, prioritizing community collaboration and neurodiversity-affirming practices.

Recent publications (2024-2025) analyze peer-mediated interventions for minimally speaking autistic preschoolers, examining feasibility, stakeholder acceptability, and children's perspectives through qualitative frameworks. These studies aim to translate research into actionable inclusive practices.

Scientific Awards: No major awards listed in available sources.

Dr. O'Donoghue accepts PhD students and previously served as national facilitator for 'tips for autism'—a training program for professionals supporting autistic students aged 5-12. Her work integrates clinical practice with academic research through UL's institutes and professional networks.

She co-leads the Autism@UL SIG, fostering cross-sector collaboration to drive research, education, and policy initiatives that promote neurodiversity inclusion across institutional and community contexts.