About
Dr. Jennifer Kirton is a Post-Doctoral Research Associate in the Primary Care and Mental Health division at the Institute of Population Health. Her research focuses on the health and well-being of autistic individuals, addressing the barriers they face in accessing healthcare, with a goal of improving their overall health outcomes. Jennifer co-founded the University of Liverpool Autism Hub, a collaborative team of autistic and non-autistic people—including researchers, academics, charitable organizations, and clinicians—who share an interest in autism research. The Autism Hub hosts free events at the university that promote awareness, acceptance, and understanding of autism, fostering innovative research aligned with the priorities of the autistic community.
Dr. Kirton’s academic background includes a BSc in Psychology, an MSc in Social Research & Evaluation, and a Postgraduate Certificate of Education (PGCE). She completed her PhD at the University of Sheffield with a constructivist grounded theory study titled "Surviving or Thriving: A Constructivist Grounded Theory Study Exploring the Wellbeing of Older Autistic Adults." Her doctoral research provides insights into the lived experiences and personal well-being of older autistic adults.
With over 15 years of experience as a Research Associate in the Faculty of Health, Social Care & Medicine at Edge Hill University, Jennifer has contributed extensively to her field, publishing in 33 peer-reviewed journals and regional reports. Her work has gained significant attention, leading to invitations to present at conferences across the UK and Europe. Dr. Kirton is open to mentoring students with a keen interest in autism research and encourages inquiries about related projects.
For more on Dr. Kirton’s work, visit her ORCID profile here.