James Cusack in

James Cusack

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Chief Executive Officer at PSPA
📍 Milton Keynes, England, United Kingdom

Dr. James Cusack is the Chief Executive of PSPA, a charity supporting people with rare neurodegenerative conditions. He previously served as CEO of Autistica, the UKs national autism research charity, leveraging his PhD from the University of Aberdeen to translate complex science into meaningful community impact and shape national policy.

James is a prominent advocate for neurodiversity and disability rights, earning a spot on the Disability Power 100 List for three consecutive years. He is passionate about participatory science, ensuring that research is co-designed with individuals who have lived experience to address their most pressing needs and improve quality of life.

Unique fact: In 2020, he became the UKs first openly autistic charity chief executive, sending a powerful message about leadership and neurodiversity.

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Experience
16 Years
Current Role
Chief Executive Officer
Job Level
Leadership
Location
Milton Keynes, England, United Kingdom
Personality Overview

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Decision Approach
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Priorities

Topics James cares about

Neurodegenerative Disease
As CEO of PSPA, he is driving the research strategy for Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP) and Corticobasal Degeneration (CBD) to improve diagnosis, treatment, and care.
Autism Research
With over a decade of experience in the field, including as CEO of Autistica, he has focused on shaping research priorities to improve health and wellbeing for autistic people.
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Career

Work history

12-2025
Chief Executive Officer
PSPA
8-2020 - 11-2025
Chief Executive Officer
Autistica
9-2015 - 8-2020
Director of Science
Autistica
10-2012 - 9-2015
Research Fellow
University of Aberdeen
2-2011 - 8-2011
Co-investigator: Assessing educational outcomes for autism in England
University of Aberdeen
In the press

Media appearances

James Cusack, CEO, PSPA - MKFM Podcasts - MKFM 106.3FM - Radio Made in Milton Keynes. Featured in MKFM Podcasts (MKFM 106.3FM)
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PSPA Announce New CEO. Featured in PSPA (official website)
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Education
2008 - 2012
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
University of Aberdeen
2004 - 2008
MA (hons)
University of Aberdeen
Social presence
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Behavioral profile

DISC profile (public)

DISC behavioral profile

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