Recently two PhD researchers in the PRaES group presented posters about their research. Here, Sam Szade shares her experience of presenting at the School of Psychology & Clinical Languages Sciences PhD and ECR Conference on 27th March 2026 at the University of Reading:
As a part time, by distance PhD student who only started the programme in September 2025, one of my biggest fears was my first conference. With the encouragement of my supervisors Prof Alana James and Dr Paul Jenkins, I prepared and presented a poster at the School’s PhD & ECR conference. Imposter syndrome well and truly kicked in on the day. Should I be here? Have I done enough to be presenting? As I sat through the morning of oral presentations and blitzes, I started to relax. There were some insightful and inspirational talks presented, and this helped me see where the process would lead me to over the next few years and what was expected of me in terms of presenting my research. When it was time for the poster presentation, I grew worried. Would anyone be interested in me and my protocol… I mean I haven’t done any actual research yet. But I couldn’t have been more wrong. I had lots of conversations, questions, encouragement and advice. People saying they were looking forward to seeing my updates next year on what the scoping review had identified. And where it was going to lead me in my research journey.
My protocol is planning out my scoping review that shall investigate “The extent and nature of support mechanisms and outcomes of autistic students in the UK”. It will look for existing literature of UK based higher education students who have autism and map out what support is available to them. Also, it will map out what happens to this cohort of students if they finish their education. Are they moving seamlessly into the world of work or post graduate studies or are they struggling to transition from university to the wider world? Although preliminary findings are suggesting not all feel supported enough to finish their qualifications and are dropping out of university midway. The results from the scoping review shall then shape the next steps in my PhD journey looking into the mental health of higher education autistic students.