Autism and Neurodivergence Psychologist
Featured in
Spectrum, the Scientist, Quest (Dutch), BBC, Autistica Changemaker Series,
Nine Minds & Des pierres, ils ont fait des étoiles by Daniel Tammet, "Beyond 6 Seconds" podcast
My narrative in Daniel Tammet’s book, “Nine Minds” was featured in the article by Wellcome Collection as a book extract
Des pierres, ils ont fait des étoiles (“From stones, they made stars”) by Daniel Tammet, the French translation of “Nine Minds”
Featured in the article by Spectrum as an autistic scientist redefining autism research. The article was also shared on the Scientist.
My narrative in Daniel Tammet’s book, “Nine Minds” was featured in the article by Wellcome Collection as a book extract
Passionate about Human, Animal, and Planetary Health
Hi, I’m Kana! I work as a practitioner, educator, and researcher, specializing in neurodivergence (I work with autism and autism with co-occurring conditions) as well as health and well-being. This isn’t all of who I am, but it’s a big part of what I do — and you’ll find more personal bits about me further down this page.
My work is deeply rooted in my own experiences of living with multiple neurodivergences — autism, ADHD, dyslexia, dyspraxia, and Tourette (I know, that’s a lot!) — along with chronic pain related to hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome and associated conditions.
Because of these lived experiences, I now support neurodivergent people both with and without chronic pain and chronic illnesses. I’m currently undertaking advanced education in rheumatology and am board-certified in lifestyle medicine. Where relevant, I share insights into how lifestyle factors — such as nutrition and physical activity — can support overall health and well-being. I bring together academic knowledge, professional experience, and personal understanding to support each and every individual I work with.
I completed my PhD in Psychology at the Centre for Research in Autism and Education (CRAE) at University College London. My doctoral research explored loneliness in autistic adults, focusing on how loneliness is measured and — most importantly — our first-hand experiences. Since completing my PhD, I’ve had the pleasure of working with the research team at Autism Spectrum Australia, who invited me to extend this research.
I’m passionate about co-producing research with people who have lived experience and have also taught on co-production in UCL’s Master’s in Public Health program. My PhD research received 1st place at Academist, a leading research community in Japan, for its impact. Due to difficult experiences within the broader Japanese research community, I’m currently focusing on international collaborations. Academically, I also peer review for major journals in the field, including Autism and Autism in Adulthood.
I’ve experienced my share of challenges living in a world that isn’t always kind to those with invisible differences such as neurodivergence and chronic illnesses. These experiences have brought pain, sorrow, loneliness, and a deep sense of “internal conflict” — the gap between what I wish I could do and what I can actually do. In my PhD research, I described this as autistic people’s desire for social connection and the barriers that prevent it, which can create a “paradoxical loneliness loop”, a mechanism of loneliness I proposed through my work.
Still, I’m grateful for these challenges because they’ve allowed me to empathize deeply with others who face similar struggles.
My interest in health has long been personal, shaped by my own and my family’s experiences of illness and many hours spent in hospitals. During my undergraduate years in Boston, I volunteered as an assistant social worker in the pediatric chemotherapy and oncology unit at Tufts Medical Center, supporting children during their hospital stays.
I’m currently based in Okinawa, Japan, and work independently through Valtameri, where I provide one-to-one support for neurodivergent individuals and their families. I also offer a course called Neurodivergence and Whole-Person Health, where I explore these topics more deeply — grounded in scientific evidence and enriched by my personal experiences.
I don’t share much about myself online due to past personal experiences (trauma is, unfortunately, very common among neurodivergent people). If you’d like to learn more about my story and perspective, I encourage you to check out my course.
All of my support and courses are offered online, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to work with people from all over the world. I also occasionally give public lectures here in Okinawa and present at conferences and events internationally.
You can learn more about Valtameri, my one-to-one support, courses, and talks here:
Education
October 2018 - February 2023
Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology
Centre for Research in Autism and Education (CRAE), Institute of Education (IOE),
University College London (UCL), UK
November 2017 - May 2018
Postgraduate Certification in Autism (distinction)
Sheffield Hallam University, UK
September 2016 -August 2017
Master of Arts in Counselling Theory
Lynch School of Education and Human Development,
Boston College, USA
- August 2016
Bachelor of Science (honour)
Certification
Issued in December 2024
Board Certified Lifestyle Medicine Professional
Issued in June 2024
Certification in Nutritional Medicine
University of Winchester, UK
Issued in 2016
200-hour Yoga Teacher Training Certification
Yoga Alliance US
Membership
Health Professional Member of Plant-Based Professionals UK and the American College of Lifestyle Medicine (ACLM)
Additional training
October 2025 - present
Advanced Training in Rheumatology - International Rheumatology Organization
Developing advanced knowledge in the study and management of:
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Autoimmune and inflammatory conditions
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Connective tissue and musculoskeletal disorders
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Chronic pain and neuropathic mechanisms
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Clinical approaches to diagnosis and patient care
Regular participation in international conferences on Ehlers-Danlos syndromes, Lifestyle Medicine, and plant-based nutrition. Recipient of multiple scholarships supporting ongoing professional development.
Academic Appointments
October 2024 - present
Guest Lecturer
Sheffield Hallam University/National Autistic Society, UK
March 2023 - present
Research Partner
Autism Spectrum Australia (Aspect), Australia
March 2023 - present
Honorary Postdoctoral Research Fellow
IOE UCL’s Faculty of Education and Society, University College London (UCL), UK
September 2016 - December 2016
Research Assistant
Autistic Communication Engagement & Relationships (ACER) lab led by Dr Kristen Bottema-Beutel at Boston College, USA
Ballet
I have danced classical ballet since I was three years old. Growing up, I danced in many studio performances, art festivals, and competitions. I was trained in Vaganova style.
I LOVE dancing ballet. It makes me feel who I am. Over the years, I have danced in many studios, small and large, including Boston Ballet School and the Place (London). I absolutely enjoyed having live pianists in the aforementioned places. With the teachers' "пожалуйста " (please in Russian), pianists play gorgeous notes for us and that is something very special.
Ballet has helped me in many ways in my life including mental and physical health and well-being.
Languages
English & Japanese - Bilingual
French - Intermediate (B2)
Russian - Elementary (A2)
American Sign Language -Elementary (A1) (learned through my interaction with the Deaf community)
Latin - basic devotional use
Plant-based lifestyle
I am passionate about advocating for animal rights. From my youth, I have liked animals and have had many pets, small and large. I grew up with my dog, Sky (now in heaven), and am now living with his sisters, Levi, and Léa. In 2016, I became fascinated by horses and started to spend a lot of time with them at the ranches. I felt odd about loving them and eating animals like them and decided not to eat meat any longer. Watching a documentary, "Earthlings", opened my eyes to the realities of how the world treats animals and I have started to learn more about it through many different sources. I am passionate about advocating for animal rights and sharing the health benefits of a plant-based lifestyle, while respecting people's freedom to choose their own path.
Shelly
Léa & Levi(Leh-vee)
Sky
"Sadness is looking at ourselves, happiness is looking towards God."
St Carlo Acutis
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Valtameri is my personal practice, where I support neurodivergent individuals and their families, and provide learning opportunities around neurodivergence and health.