Lisa works as a postdoctoral researcher and as a psychologist at the Leo Kannerhuis. In both roles she focuses on autism and wellbeing. Her research covers several themes, including psychometrics and methodology, empathy, social identity, and mental health.

More information about Lisa Krijnen

Research

Lisa's research asks whether the instruments we use to measure psychological constructs actually measure what they are intended to measure, for the people they are used on. Questionnaires and interviews are usually based on non-autistic norms of language and communication, which means that answers given by autistic people can be misinterpreted. This can lead to incorrect conclusions and to stigma.

She combines quantitative research with qualitative research and actively involves autistic people in the design of her studies. Her expertise lies in developing, adapting and validating measurement instruments, including diagnostic interviews, screening questionnaires, and instruments for empathy and social identity.

Short CV

Lisa studied Psychology at Utrecht University (UU), completing both her bachelor's and master's degree. She then graduated cum laude from the Research Master's programme 'Clinical and Developmental Psychopathology' at Vrije Universiteit (VU) Amsterdam. After working for a year as a junior researcher and lecturer at the VU, she began a PhD at Utrecht University, in the department of Education and Child Studies. There she examined to what extent screening and developmental tests for young children (0–6 years) can be used reliably to measure development. She was also involved in developing Ontwikkeling Voorop!, an online system for monitoring young children's development (see www⁠.ontwikkelingvoorop.nl). In addition, she studied risk and protective factors for psychosocial problems in young children. She obtained her PhD in 2025 and stayed at the UU as a postdoctoral researcher.

Lisa currently works as a postdoctoral researcher at Leiden University and the VU. She also works as a psychologist at the Leo Kannerhuis, a specialist mental health institution for autistic people.

Grants and Scholarships

- Catharine van Tussenbroek  (2023) - Funding for research stay at the University of Queensland
- KNAW Ter Meulen beurs (2023) - Funding for research stay at the University of Queensland
- Jo Kolk beurs (2023) - Funding for research stay at University of Queensland
- Leids Universiteits Fonds and Stichting Elise Mathilde Fonds (2025) - Research funding 'Beyond Stigma: Empathy from an Autistic Perspective'
- Dynamic of Youth Utrecht University (2025) - Research funding 'Early Development in Children with Elevated Likelihood of Autism'

Working days

Tuesdays