Sue Fletcher‐Watson

University of Edinburgh, MRC Centre for Regenerative Medicine

Papers

Total Citations

H-Index

About

Sue Fletcher-Watson is a leading researcher in autism and neurodevelopmental science, with a focus on how technology can support autistic children’s learning and social engagement. Her work bridges developmental psychology, human-computer interaction, and inclusive education, exploring how digital tools—such as robotic toys and educational software—can be designed to foster joint attention, play, and communication in autistic children. In her highly cited 2021 study on robotic toys, she demonstrated how these technologies can shape interactive play and joint engagement, offering critical insights for future inclusive design. Her 2018 brief report on educational technology highlights a key challenge: the rapid commercial development of such tools often outpaces rigorous research validation, urging the field to prioritize evidence-based practice. With over 24 citations across her most influential papers, Fletcher-Watson’s work has shaped both academic discourse and practical guidelines for technology use in autism education. She is also known for her advocacy of participatory research methods, ensuring autistic voices are central to the design and evaluation of the technologies meant to support them.