Staff profile

I am a PhD student in the Centre for Neurodiversity and Development at Durham University. My research adopts a mixed-methods approach, incorporating participatory, qualitative, and quantitative methods. I am particularly interested in the inclusion of pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), with a specific focus on autistic pupils in mainstream secondary schools in the UK.I work collaboratively with autistic young people to design research that is both meaningful and accessible. By centring their perspectives throughout the research process, my project explores how inclusion can be defined and operationalised in mainstream secondary schools, ensuring that autistic young people's voices are at the heart of shaping more inclusive educational practice.My PhD is supervised by Prof Debbie Riby and Prof Mary Hanley and is funded by a NINE DTP 1+3 studentship.Alongside my doctoral research, I have worked as a Research Assistant for Dr Keren MacLennan on the LIVEND (Live Music Inclusion at Events for Neurodivergent People) project. This project explored the lived experiences of neurodivergent people attending live music events and translated these findings into practical recommendations for improving accessibility, from booking tickets to leaving the venue. The project's findings were showcased at the Royal Albert Hall to an audience that included professionals from across the live music industry.As part of the project, I analysed focus group data, contributed to the preparation of research outputs, and supported the planning and delivery of the showcase event. This included producing accessible event information, welcoming attendees, and engaging with industry professionals to discuss the project's findings and their implications for improving accessibility.

• Neurodiversity
• Education
• Inclusive Education
• Autism
• Mental Health
• Participatory Research
• Inclusion/SEND policy

Journal Article

• Understanding, affirmation, and belonging: Autistic pupils conceptualisations of inclusion in mainstream secondary schools
  
  Herbert, G., Hanley, M., & Riby, D. (2026). Understanding, affirmation, and belonging: Autistic pupils conceptualisations of inclusion in mainstream secondary schools. Research in Neurodiversity, 2, Article 100037. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rin.2026.100037
• “It’s Like All of My Senses and My Body Become More Awakened”: Autistic Adults’ Experiences of Attending Live Music
  
  Herbert, G., Smith, A., & MacLennan, K. (2025). “It’s Like All of My Senses and My Body Become More Awakened”: Autistic Adults’ Experiences of Attending Live Music. Autism in Adulthood. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1177/25739581251375879