Alexandra Newson PhD (she/her) is a neurodivergent and disabled researcher, advocate, and educator who received her doctorate in special education from the University of Oregon. Her current research interests include utilizing equitable neuroinclusive research methodologies to promote and empower disabled and neurodivergent educator and student lived experiences and perspectives. Her passion for this research stems from her experiences as a special educator to youth with co-occurring disabilities, mental health needs, and trauma histories. She has seen how the use of trauma-informed neurodiversity-affirming practices with neurodivergent and disabled individuals is more than just best practice, but a social justice issue. Her current projects focus on Autistic educator experiences of burnout and flourishing, supporting neurodivergent and disabled preservice educators, and training educators on ways to implement neurodiversity-affirming practices in K-12 settings. Before beginning her doctoral studies, Dr. Newson received a Master of Science at the University of Oregon in Special Education with K-12 licensure. Dr Newson has taught in private and public-school settings in the Pacific Northwest as a certified Special Educator and educational assistant. As an educator, advocate and researcher, Alex hopes to bridge the gap in current educational systems to better empower practitioners to disrupt their communities while holding systems accountable.
