Dr. Laura Gormley

I am an Assistant Professor based in the School of Inclusive and Special Education (DCU), specialising in neurodiversity and inclusive education. With extensive experience spanning both classroom practice and academic research in Ireland and beyond, my work focuses on fostering equitable, educational experiences for learners. Through my role at DCU, I collaborate with postgraduate students, schools, advocacy groups, and policymakers to bridge the gap between theory and practice, with a particular focus on neuroaffirmative environments that empower learners. Dedicated to fostering inclusive school cultures that celebrate diverse minds, I regularly contribute to professional development and policy conversations within the Irish special education community.

Research Interests

Neurodiversity
Neuroinclusion
Inclusive Education
Early Childhood Education and Care
Autism Education
Co-produced research
Participatory research
Evidence-informed policy and practice

As a Principal Investigator and researcher, I am passionate about championing doctoral research and fostering the next generation of scholars. My research interests center on critical areas of autism and inclusive education, aiming to bridge the gap between theory and impactful practice. I currently supervise a diverse cohort of EdD and PhD candidates, guiding their research to drive meaningful change in educational equity and neurodivergent advocacy.

Teaching Interests

Inclusive Education
Neurodiversity
Autism
Behavioural Psychology/Behavioural Science
Ableism

I coordinate the Assessment and Indlividual Planning module on the Graduate Certificate in Autism Education, as well as the Inclusive and Special Education area of professional development on the Doctor of Education programme. I was also the programme chair of the Graduate Certificate in Autism Education from 2023-2026.

Funding Highlights

Autistic academic staff: A participatory autism research approach to exploring workplace experience and educational practice at third level in Ireland, DCU Co-PI, 08/03/2021 - 30/09/2021
Planning and Language Aims of the Autism Community and Educators, DCU PI, 01/09/2022 - 31/05/2024
Exploring the Barriers and Enablers to Inclusion Experienced by Neurodivergent People in the Workplace, DCU Co-PI, 09/09/2024 - 08/06/2025

Gallery

CV

External Positions

External Examiner, Maynooth University
01/09/2025 – Ongoing

Academic Qualifications

PhD, Trinity College Dublin
Field of study: Social sciences
01/10/2015 – 29/05/2018
Project: Dissemination of Evidence-Based Practice within the Field of Intellectual Disability
Award date: 09/11/2018
Master's Degree, Trinity College Dublin
Field of study: Social sciences
Project: MSc Psychology
Award date: 12/11/2010
Bachelor's Degree, Trinity College Dublin
Project: BA Psychology (Single Honours)
Award date: 09/11/2007

Professional Qualifications

Chartered Psychologist(C.Psychol)