Dr Chris Papadopoulos | Autism Consultancy, Training & Research

A Leading Voice in Autism Research & Practice

I'm Dr Chris Papadopoulos - a neurodivergent public health researcher, CEO of the London Autism Group Charity, and one of the UK's foremost experts on autism and neurodiversity. I bring together rigorous academic research, extensive lived experience, and practical, real-world application.

Until August 2025, I was Principal Lecturer in Public Health and Director of Health Research at the University of Bedfordshire, where I built an international reputation for pioneering work on autism stigma, social robotics, and the intersection of AI with neurodivergent communities.

My research has shaped policy and practice globally. I led the UK arm of the EU-Japan CARESSES trial on culturally competent social robotics, advised the European Commission on technology-enabled care, and authored the groundbreaking encyclopaedia "Voices of Neurodiversity." I'm a regular media contributor with over 500 appearances across TV, radio, newspapers, and podcasts.

PhD Public Health, former Principal Lecturer (University of Bedfordshire, 2011–2025)
Founder & CEO, London Autism Group Charity (registration 1176341)
2023 PROSE Award winner (Nursing & Allied Health)
2019 University Research Impact Award winner
EU-Japan CARESSES Robotics Project lead author
Certified Tier 1 Oliver McGowan Trainer
Westminster Commission on Autism member
Higher Education Academy Fellow (since 2014)
Over 2,800 academic citations; h-index 27
Regular contributor to The Spectator, Daily Express, LBC, BBC
Host, "The Autism Podcast" (35+ episodes)
Producer & host, "All About Autism" on London Greek Radio

Research & Publications

My peer-reviewed publications are shaping the global conversation on autism, neurodiversity, and how emerging technologies can support - or inadvertently harm - neurodivergent communities.

Latest 2025

The Use of AI Chatbots for Autistic People: A Double-Edged Sword of Digital Support and Companionship

Published in Neurodiversity (Sage) · 2025

A comprehensive analysis examining how AI chatbots offer both unprecedented opportunities for social connection and significant risks around dependency, misinformation, and the erosion of human relationships. Essential reading for any professional considering chatbot integration.

Foundational 2024

Large Language Models for Autistic and Neurodivergent Individuals: Concerns, Benefits and the Path Forward

Published in Neurodiversity (Sage) · 2024

The first major academic framework for understanding how LLMs like ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini impact autistic people. Covers communication assistance, executive function support, masking risks, and the critical importance of neurodivergent-centred AI development.

Voices of Neurodiversity: An Inclusive Encyclopaedia

Routledge · 2025

A groundbreaking A-Z reference covering 370+ terms across neurodivergent identities, mental health, education, therapy, and advocacy. Features over 60 first-hand contributions from neurodivergent individuals worldwide, offering intersectional, cross-cultural perspectives. This encyclopaedia bridges lived experience and expert insight, making it an essential resource for professionals, families, policymakers, and anyone seeking to understand neurodiversity.

370+ Terms covered

60+ Lived experiences

288 Pages

View on Routledge

Consultancy & Training Services

Evidence-based guidance for organisations, professionals, and services seeking to improve their autism and neurodiversity practice - from mandatory training to AI implementation.

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Oliver McGowan Tier 1 Webinar Training

Certified delivery of the government's mandatory training on learning disability and autism. Required for all health, social care, and wider public sector staff who may come into contact with autistic people or people with learning disabilities.

Delivered in partnership with London Autism Group Charity as a trio: Dr Chris Papadopoulos (facilitator), Alan Morrison (autistic expert and national lead on Oliver McGowan training), and Sam Qureshi (autistic trainer with learning disability, expert voice on SEND councils).

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Organisational Training

Half-day or full-day workshops for NHS trusts, local authorities, charities, education settings, and private providers. Covers autism acceptance, reasonable adjustments, sensory needs, communication strategies, and creating neurodivergent-affirming environments. Ad-hoc tailored services also available.

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AI & Technology Consultancy

Strategic support for organisations developing or procuring AI-powered autism services. Includes policy development, ethical frameworks, staff training programmes, and safeguarding protocols. Based on cutting-edge peer-reviewed research on LLMs and autism. Ad-hoc tailored services also available.

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Individual Professional Coaching

One-to-one guidance for practitioners wanting to enhance their professional practice in a neuro-affirming, evidence-based way. Ideal for therapists, educators, support workers, clinicians, and HR professionals seeking world-class support and guidance.

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Family Support & Guidance

Helping families better understand and support their autistic family members in ways that promote mental health, psychological wellbeing, and flourishing relationships. Grounded in the social model of disability and neurodiversity-affirming frameworks, drawing on years of research and lived experience in supporting families to thrive.

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Keynote Speaking

Engaging, evidence-rich presentations for conferences, AGMs, and professional development days. Recent engagements include the National Autistic Society Professionals Conference, UCL Psychiatry Department, The King's Fund, and UK Care Week.

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Research Consultancy

I am available to support the development, production, implementation, evaluation and dissemination stages of any research project around autism and neurodiversity. Also available for comprehensive analysis of emerging autism-related policies and technologies for your organisation.

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Non-Executive Director & Board Advisor

Available to serve as a non-executive director on charity boards and senior leadership boards, providing strategic guidance and governance expertise. I have chaired boards since 2017 and bring extensive experience in charity sector leadership, strategic planning, and organisational development.

Expert Autism-Related Support for Organisations, Professionals, Services, and Families

25+

100+

500+

h-index 27