Dr. Liliya T. Bakiyeva Wheatcraft is a distinguished medical professional whose career uniquely integrates clinical practice, research, education, and advocacy—especially in the fields of neurodiversity and cultural autism studies.

As a psychiatrist, keynote speaker and corporate consultant, Dr. Wheatcraft specializes in the intersectionality of neurodivergence with chronic illness, ethnicity, and culture. She is widely recognized for pioneering a novel, evidence-based psychological therapy for neurodivergent adults, underpinned by her innovative framework, AUTISTIC From First Principles.

Dr. Wheatcraft’s academic credentials are as impressive as her professional accomplishments. She graduated with distinction from Shymkent Medical Institute in Kazakhstan at the age of 20 and later earned her Master of Science at the University of Cambridge as an inaugural Gates Cambridge Scholar. Her further qualifications include a diploma in Child Health from the RCPCH, a certificate in Evidence-Based Medicine from the University of Oxford, and membership in the Royal College of Psychiatrists. This robust foundation is complemented by international certifications and accolades that underscore her expertise in psychiatry and evidence-based clinical practice.

Her teaching portfolio also includes specialized courses in clinical skills, psychiatry interview techniques, and training programs for neurodivergent doctors, reflecting her dedication to enhancing both clinical competence and empathetic patient care.

In addition to her clinical and educational contributions, Dr. Wheatcraft has an extensive record of research and scholarly activity. She has presented peer-reviewed research at international congresses, winning awards such as the Marcela Uribe Zamudio Award and the Best Trainee Project Prize from the Royal College of Psychiatrists. Her publications, which range from studies on perinatal risk factors for personality disorders to discussions on epistemic injustice in healthcare, have been featured in high-impact journals ranging from the Touro Law Review to the British Journal of Psychiatry, serving as influential contributions to the fields of neurodiversity and psychiatry.

Dr. Wheatcraft also demonstrates strong leadership and management skills. Her experience includes serving as a shadow clinical director at Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust and holding elected positions within medical committees and research societies. These roles have allowed her to influence clinical policy, mentor junior doctors, and spearhead initiatives that promote equitable and innovative healthcare. Her numerous awards and honours, including her nomination for the Gates 2025 Impact Prize and her election as a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, further attest to her far-reaching impact in both medicine and public health advocacy.

Outside of her professional life, Liliya embraces the joys and challenges of family life as a devoted mother to two audhd children. Together with her audhd husband, she lives in the vibrant and historic City of Dreaming Spires, where the blend of academic energy and cultural heritage provides the perfect backdrop for nurturing creativity and resilience. Her personal experiences as a parent and partner not only enrich her daily life but also deeply inform her professional work, underscoring her commitment to understanding and advocating for neurodivergent communities.

Overall, Dr. Liliya Wheatcraft’s career reflects a profound commitment to advancing our understanding of neurodiversity, improving clinical practices, and fostering an inclusive healthcare environment that values cultural and individual differences. Her work continues to inspire professionals and communities alike, marking her as a leading figure in modern psychiatry and neurodivergent advocacy.