Ashley is a PhD student at the University of Exeter, funded by the ESRC SWDTP. She is working under the supervision of Helen Dodd and Abigail Russell. Her mixed-methods research aims to explore how children with ADHD experience and are impacted by playtimes at school. Ashley’s path into academia brings together two previous careers. Most recently as a Licensed Professional Counselor- Associate, working with young adults and parents with depression, anxiety and ADHD. She also spent 10 years at an outdoor play-based private school, where she held a range of roles, including teaching and leadership positions.  She is passionate about understanding neurodiversity through research that places children’s lived experience at its centre, with a particular interest in how play can support children’s wellbeing in schools.