University of Kent · PhD Researcher
I am a sociologist researching how autistic students experience belonging in UK secondary schools. My work draws on the Double Empathy Problem — the idea that communication difficulties between autistic and non-autistic people are mutual, not one-sided.
PhD researcher · SEND tutor · available for talks, INSET, and CPD.
"The breakdown isn't located inside the autistic person. It's located in the interaction — and it runs both ways." Daniel Green · PhD Researcher, University of Kent · #DoubleEmpathyProblem
Speaking & CPD
I deliver talks and CPD sessions for schools, conferences, and professional networks — translating current autism research into practical, grounded sessions for the people working with autistic young people every day. As both a PhD researcher and a SEND tutor, I sit between the literature and the classroom, and I aim to make sessions useful in both directions.
Formats
45–60 minutes · for professional and academic audiences
60–90 minutes · whole-staff or department
Half-day · interactive, smaller group
Remote or in person
Talk topics
An accessible introduction to Damian Milton's concept, what it means for the classroom, and why the standard model of social skills training so often misses the point.
An introduction to Monotropism theory and what it means practically for lesson design, transitions, and how we frame "engagement" — drawing on a recent INSET delivered to staff at Newingate School.
What the research says about belonging as a distinct construct, and what it looks like (and doesn't) for autistic young people in secondary settings.
A challenge to the idea that a quiet, regulated classroom is the same as an inclusive one — with practical reframings staff can try the next week.
How visual research methods can be adapted as practitioner tools — from student voice work to behaviour planning that centres the young person.
What masking is, why it shows up as "fine in school" reports, and how to spot the students who are working hardest to disappear.
Happy to design a session around your staff's specific context, age phase, or current development priority — get in touch and we'll talk it through.
Recent and upcoming
PhD supervised by Dr Damian Milton — originator of the Double Empathy Problem — and Dr Triona Fitton, at the University of Kent.
Book a session →Or email directly: daniellouisgreen7@gmail.com
PhD Research
My doctoral research sits at the intersection of sociology, disability studies, and education. I am examining how autistic young people experience belonging in UK secondary schools — using visual methods to centre their voices and perspectives.
The Double Empathy Problem, developed by Dr Damian Milton, challenges the traditional view that social difficulties in autism reside within the autistic individual. I use this as a theoretical lens to reframe what we see in schools — and to ask different questions about how schools are structured.
A sociological study exploring how autistic students in specialist secondary settings understand and experience belonging. The research uses visual methods to gather participant-led accounts, situating findings within a sociology of education framework.
About
I am an autistic PhD researcher, SEND tutor, and trainee teacher based in Canterbury, England. I work in a specialist secondary school for autistic students, which both informs and shapes my research.
My approach to research is shaped by the principle that autistic people should be at the centre of work that concerns them. I am committed to participatory, non-deficit research — and to translating academic findings into something useful for educators and families.
Alongside my doctorate, I support autistic students directly as a SEND tutor, and I am completing a Level 5 Diploma in Teaching. From September 2026, I will be delivering ICT and GCSE Computer Science at the school where I work.
Availability: open to speaking engagements UK-wide — in person across Kent, London, and the South East, and online anywhere.
Contact
I welcome approaches from researchers, educators, journalists, and anyone working in the autism and SEND space. If you would like to collaborate, invite me to speak, or just have a conversation about the research — reach out.
Or copy my email directly: daniellouisgreen7@gmail.com
For speaking enquiries, please include the date, audience, format (talk / INSET / workshop / podcast), and the topic you'd like to cover.