Fergus Murray

Fergus has been a transformative figure in the realm of neurodiversity, dedicating over a decade to advocacy and research. Originally from London but a long-time resident of Edinburgh, Fergus co-founded the Autistic Mutual Aid Society Edinburgh (AMASE) in 2017, an influential community organisation boasting over 800 members.

 

Through AMASE, Fergus has significantly influenced neurodiversity research across the university by ensuring that projects include authentic autistic perspectives, aligning with the motto "Nothing About Us Without Us." This involvement led to the renaming of the landmark Diversity in Social Intelligence project and their advisory role has been a key element in bridging community priorities and academic research.

 

A notable highlight in Fergus’s collaboration with Edinburgh Medical School is their contribution to the LEANS project—Learning About Neurodiversity at School. As a co-applicant, Fergus helped shape the educational framework that has reached thousands of schools. The LEANS project, under their guidance, has made a profound impact on how neurodiversity is understood and integrated into educational settings. 

 

Fergus has expanded academic theories, notably the Monotropism Theory of autism, enriching the discourse around neurocognitive diversity. Fergus's journey reflects a powerful blend of personal experience and professional endeavour, marking them as a cornerstone in Edinburgh's academic and community spheres.