Biography

Donna was awarded a BA in Sociology by the University of Sussex in 2009. After receiving a 1+3 studentship from the Economic and Social Research Council, she successfully completed an MSc in Comparative Cross-Cultural Research Methods (also at Sussex) before commencing her DPhil studies in 2011. Donna's doctoral research focuses on the motivations and experiences of adults who seek a diagnosis of Asperger's syndrome or high functioning autism in post-Welfare State Britain.

Role

Qualifications

All Sussex:

BA(Hons) Sociology - 1st

MSc Comparative Cross-Cultural Research Methods - Distinction

Activities

Informal research assistant on SCiFE/ University of Sussex project: Improving Access to Social Care for Adults with Autism, 2009-2011

Conference Papers:

Dove-Wallington, D. (2012) Diagnosis-seeking: An exercise of the right to self-understanding or a response to ‘disciplinary power’? LPS postgraduate Conference: Rights and Responsibilities. 14th June. Brighton: University of Sussex

My research interests include:

• Autism/ Asperger’s syndrome
• Social aspects of mental health
• The Sociology of diagnosis
• Medicalised identities
• Foucauldian theory
• Qualitative research methods (especially narrative)