Sonya Girdler

Sonya Girdler

Affiliated to Research
Visiting address: Gävlegatan 22B, plan 8, 11330 Stockholm
Postal address: K6 Kvinnors och barns hälsa, K6 Neuropsykiatri Bölte, 171 77 Stockholm
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About me

  • Sonya is a Professor of Occupational Therapy at Curtin University (Australia)
    and affiliated with the Center of Neurodevelopmental Disorders at Karolinska
    Institutet (KIND)
    Sonya is a Professor of Occupational Therapy at Curtin University, Australia,
    an Adjunct Professor at the University of Western Australia, and affiliated
    with the Center of Neurodevelopmental Disorders at the Karolinska Institutet
    (KIND). Sonya Director of the Curtin Autism Research Group (CARG) [1] and
    a partner in the 'Living with Autism' Cooperative Research Centre [2] in Australia.
    [1] https://carg.curtin.edu.au/
    [2] https://www.autismcrc.com.au/

Research

  • Sonya oversees all research activity and programs within CARG. Sonya has
    extensive experience in the field of autism research and neurodevelopmental
    disorders more broadly. Sonya is particularly interested in understanding
    functioning in autism using the International Classification of Functioning,
    Disability and Health (WHO), the development, evaluation and translation into
    practice of evidence-based interventions (particularly social
    skills, strengths-based programs and mental health), and research directed
    at improving the participation of autistic individuals in major life areas
    such as employment and education.
    The work of CARG is underpinned by a philosophy of "Nothing about you without
    you" with all projects either being co-lead or informed by autistic
    individuals themselves (Photovoice study looking at quality of life from the
    perspective of autistic adults) [1]. CARG is fundamentally committed to
    impact and translation, frequently holding community and virtual events,
    informing the community of the latest evidence-based practice.
    Sonya is the lead researcher on the 'Talk to Me' Mass Open Online Course
    [2] and the Managing Study, Stress and Mental Health at University [3]
    which teaches strategies to help improve the mental health of young people,
    recognize concerning behaviors, and feel better prepared to have
    conversations about mental health with others. To date these MOOC
    have reached over 40, 000 enrollments world wide.
    Sonya is active in advocating and supporting other women in research in STEMM
    related fields [4], recently completing a story telling project with the
    Centre for Stories sharing her journey to Professor (Sonya's Centre for
    Stories recording - Women in STEMM [5]) and recording a Podcast with SAGE
    (Science in Australia Gender Equity) “Gender equity is a whole of
    university issue, not just a women’s problem” [6]
    [1] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8H2Arlbe3B0
    [2] https://www.edx.org/course/talk-to-me-improving-mental-health
    [3] https://www.edx.org/course/managing-study-stress-and-mental-health-at-univers
    [4] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ncfEoMXK5Rw
    [5] https://centreforstories.com/story/prof-sonya-girdler/
    [6] https://www.sciencegenderequity.org.au/new-sage-podcast-gender-equity-is-a-whole-of-university-issue-not-just-a-womens-problem/

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