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Paula C. Fletcher

Associate Dean: Faculty of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies; Professor, Kinesiology and Physical Education
pfletcher@wlu.ca
548-889-4955
Waterloo, Ontario
Faculty of Science
Paula C. Fletcher is an expert in aging, autism spectrum disorder and autistic children, caregiving, caring for special needs individuals, chronic disease, illness and disability, examination of aging issues (falling and health behaviours), lived experience and qualitative research, Movin' and Groovin' (program for children with disabilities), senior and old age health and care, social support and physical activity and special needs.

Areas of Expertise

  • Autism
  • Disability Studies and Accessibility
  • Gerontology and Aging

Biography

I received my PhD (Health Studies and Gerontology) and my MA (Gerontology) from the University of Waterloo. I graduated from Laurentian University with a Bachelor of Physical and Health Education.

Prior to joining Laurier, I was a postdoctoral research fellow in the research department at Providence Healthcare.

My research is broadly focused in health, chronic illness, disability and caregiving. Specifically, I have 2 main areas of research.

I explore the “lived experiences” of individuals with chronic conditions (e.g., pediatric cancer, irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease) and/or disabilities (e.g., autism). These experiences are examined from the views of the diagnosed individual, their family members and health care professionals.

I also examine older adults and seniors at risk with respect to falling and various health behaviours (e.g., health screening, medication safety).

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