Dr Faizanah Abdul Alim Sidique is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Educational Psychology and Counselling, Faculty of Education, Universiti Malaya. Her journey into academia was shaped by her experience as a special needs teacher across early childhood, primary and secondary education. Working closely with learners with diverse developmental and learning needs developed her interest in understanding not only how children learn, but also how emotional, environmental and educational factors influence their participation and development.

She later pursued doctoral studies in Educational Psychology at the International Islamic University Malaysia, where her research focused on enhancing emotional regulation among children with Autism Spectrum Disorder through an emotion-based intervention. This work strengthened her interest in autism, emotional development and the translation of educational psychology into practical support.

Her current scholarly interests extend to neurodiversity, inclusive education and neuroinclusive practices in higher education, particularly in strengthening educators’ understanding and support of neurodivergent learners. More recently, she has begun exploring neuroinclusion beyond formal educational settings, including how public spaces can be designed and supported to reduce sensory, cognitive, communication and environmental barriers experienced by neurodivergent individuals.