Sara Van der Paelt is a clinical psychologist and postdoctoral researcher. She obtained her PhD at Ghent University in 2014, focusing on promoting social-communication skills in young children with autism. Since then, her research has centered on the practical applicability of support programmes in clinical settings. Within the Academic Collaborative Centre for Autism, a partnership between Ghent University and KU Leuven, she conducts practice-oriented and participatory research on support for individuals with autism. Her expertise lies primarily in working with young children and their immediate context, such as parents and teachers. She developed the Wegwijzer Ontwikkelingszorgen bij kinderen, an online tool that supports professionals in recognizing and discussing concerns about a young child's development. In addition, she contributes to the implementation of evidence-based programs in clinical practice. As a certified trainer, she provides training to professionals in the ImPACT and JASPER programmes—both designed to foster social-communication skills in young children with autism.
