Scope has awarded this year’s Dr Jennifer Fitzgerald Research Grant to a research team at Macquarie University (MQ) to better understand Autistic adults who experience ‘sensory masking’.
Sensory masking refers to conscious or unconscious suppression, inhibition, or override of sensory responses to meet Autistic people’s environmental or social expectations.
The project, Exploring Sensory Masking in Autistic Adults, aims to better understand how Autistic adults experience sensory masking, what drives it, and what supports are needed to reduce the pressure to mask. It will also explore how different environments – such as schools, workplaces, or social settings – shape these experiences.
The research project will be led by Dr Bec Poulsen, an Autistic auditory neuroscientist at MQ, in collaboration with other researchers with lived and/or academic experience of autism including Dr Diana Tan, Macquarie University Research Fellow and Chair of MQ’s inaugural Neurodiversity Community of Practice; Tim Chan, a nonspeaking Autistic advocate and PhD candidate from Australian Catholic University; Dr Melanie Heyworth, Macquarie University Higher Degree Research Student and Founder of Reframing Autism.
Associate Professor Stella Koritsas, Scope’s Head of Research, said the proposal encapsulated the purpose of the grant.
“Building sector leadership through advocacy and research is a strategic theme that underpins all of our work at Scope, including this grant program.
“The project’s focus on ensuring people with disability lead research builds on Scope’s history of supporting the meaningful inclusion of people with disability in all aspects of life”.
Dr Poulsen said, “Sensory environments can feel overwhelming or unsafe, and adapting to them often requires masking natural responses that are rarely acknowledged or supported for Autistic people.”
“Background sounds, variable lighting, strong smells and specific textures are all around us. While most people can subconsciously filter out these sensory inputs, they can be overwhelming and distressing for many Autistic people.”
“While sensory masking may sometimes serve a useful function to ‘fit in’ short-term, its chronic and persistent use may contribute to burnout and long-term mental health issues, particularly in unsupportive or unsafe environments.”
Dr Bec Poulsen
Macquarie University’s research will take place in two phases – phase one will involve interviews with 20 Autistic adults from a range of backgrounds, including those who are non-speaking and use Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC).
In phase two, researchers will co-host focus groups with another 20 Autistic adults to reflect on the findings and co-develop educational tools and guidelines to support more inclusive, sensory-safe environments.
Drawing on the neurodiversity and social models of disability coupled with participatory approaches, the project will be completed over 12 months – ensuring accessibility, relevance and impact on the everyday lives of Autistic people.
The Dr Jennifer Fitzgerald Research Grant was established to recognise the significant contribution of Dr Jennifer Fitzgerald AM to Scope and the disability sector, and her ongoing commitment to research and evidence-based practice.
In 2025, the $30,000 grant was open to early career researchers with disability. The grant is awarded to research aligned to Scope’s purpose and research priorities.
Dr Jennifer Fitzgerald AM was Chief Executive Officer of Scope from 2012 until early 2022. She is a champion for people with disability and their families and successfully transformed Scope to adapt to a customer-driven and commercial environment during the transition to the National Disability Insurance Scheme.
At a glance, Scope and Yooralla’s colour walk in Benalla in regional Victoria looked like any other colour run: a sea of people wearing white t-shirts splashed with brightly coloured powder.
Supporting research conducted by people with disability for people with disability is an important part of our work at Scope.
Scope has proudly reopened its newly renovated Social Connections site at Henry Street, Pakenham, unveiling a modern, inclusive space designed to support people with disability in building skills, friendships, and community connections.
