Staff profile

Eleonora Apolo de Azevedo is a PhD researcher in the Centre for Neurodiversity and Development at Durham University. She is a clinical psychologist with a Master’s degree from the University of Porto. Her research examines autistic masking through an intersectional lens, with focus on the experiences of bisexual autistic adults.

Her doctoral research, Beyond the Spectrum: Bisexual Autistic Experiences of Masking and Stigma, investigates how autistic masking interacts with sexual orientation, stigma, and mental health. Using a mixed-methods approach, her work explores the psychological and social consequences of masking and aims to address the limited representation of bisexual people within autism research. By integrating quantitative and qualitative methodologies, she seeks to advance understanding of how intersecting identities shape autistic experiences and wellbeing.

Eleonora’s broader research interests include autistic masking, neurodiversity, LGBTQ+ mental health, minority stress, intersectionality, and stigma. She is particularly interested in producing research that informs more inclusive clinical practice, mental health support, and public policy for neurodivergent and LGBTQ+ communities.

Eleonora has been working as a clinical psychologist in Brazil since 2020, with focus on neurodivergent and queer populations. Her clinical experience continues to inform her research, strengthening the connection between empirical evidence and real-world practice.

Alongside her research, Eleonora is committed to public engagement and science communication, with the goal of making autism research accessible to wider audiences and ensuring that autistic and LGBTQ+ voices are represented in both academic and public discussions.