Before I started my PhD, I was teaching English in Taiwan. Prior to that, I was supporting children with special educational needs at a secondary school in the UK where I worked as a teaching assistant. My research project investigates the financial cost of raising an autistic child in the UK. I will be exploring the experiences of autistic children and their families and the ways that these experiences contribute to their living costs.
Loughborough University was recommended to me by one of my former lecturers. I was told the university has a warm atmosphere, and I think that’s accurate! I am funded by the ESRC and the Family Fund. I really benefit from all of the networking and training opportunities on campus. I am also based in the Centre for Research in Social Policy department where I am surrounded by a knowledgeable and encouraging team. I feel very lucky to have all of this in addition to two very supportive supervisors. I have so many places to turn, it feels almost impossible for a crisis to develop. If I do have a crisis, I won’t be alone!