Dr Marion Rutherford (BSc (Hons), PGcert, PGDip, MRCSLT) is a Senior Research Fellow, co-lead of the National Autism Implementation Team Research Programme in the Speech and Hearing Sciences Division and a full member of the Clinical Audiology, Speech and Language Research Centre.
- Overview
- Research Interests
- Research Publications
- Funded Projects
- Activities & Awards
Dr Marion Rutherford is a Speech and Language Therapist and Researcher with over 30 years of experience in clinical practice with autistic and neurodivergent people, their families and teams providing support. Her research and work with the National Autism Implementation Team is focussed on understanding and implementing changes in health, education and employment to support neurodivergent people to participate and have positive experiences in a range of settings.
Affiliations/Memberships to Other Organisations:
- Member of the Royal College of Speech & Language Therapists (MRCSLT) (1992-present)
- Registered with the Healthcare Professions Council (HCPC) (2003-present)
Professional Social Media:
- Researchgate:
- Google Scholar:
- NAIT website:
- Twitter: @NAITScotland
Research/Knowledge Exchange Centre Membership:
- Full member of the Clinical Audiology, Speech and Language Research Centre
Dr Rutherford has used qualitative and quantitative methods to support development of new knowledge and evidence based change in clinical practice. As a researcher she has engaged in productive partnerships with practitioners in health and education, and a range of medical and non-medical health researchers nationally and internationally.
Active Research Interests:
- Current research is focused on the development and translation of evidence for multi-disciplinary practice which has an impact on neurodivergent adults and children and approaches to support children and young people with additional support needs within home, education settings. This includes work on:
- Neurodevelopmental pathways and approaches for assessment, diagnosis and support
- Neuro-affirming practice and supports
- Professional learning and workforce development
- Experiences of neurodivergent professionals in Health and Education
Research Methods:
- Meta-Analysis, Systematic Review, Development of interventions/assessments, Realist Synthesis, Participatory research.
Research Grants & Contracts Funding:
Scottish Government grant for the National Autism Implementation Team 2019-2025
Activities
- Member of SIGN Autism guideline development group for SIGN 145 2014-2016
- Member of Scottish ADOS Consortium (2007 to present)
- Clinical Lead for development and implementation of the Lothian children’s pathway for diagnosis and assessment of autism (2014 to present)
- Edinburgh Autism Plan Strategy Group member (2014-2016)
