Dr. Henri Pesonen is a researcher (special education) at the Faculty of Educational Sciences, University of Helsinki, Finland. Dr. Pesonen's research focuses on examining necessary support for inclusive education and sense of belonging for learners with special needs in different educational stages, and in educational and employment transitions. Henri's research addresses particularly the individual support needs of students with Autism Spectrum Disorder, and also those with significant support needs using various qualitative and participatory research methods.

Currently, Dr. Pesonen is conducting research in a European project about inclusive practices and employability prospects of higher education students with autism. Furthermore, Henri is currently contributing in national projects that focus on significant support needs in Finnish basic education and early chilldhood education.

Pesonen runs a master's level course EDUM236 "Significant support needs" and also teaches various special education contents, as well as supervises doctoral students.

Dr. Pesonen earned his Ph.D. in Special Education from the University of Helsinki,  M.Sc. in Childhood Education from Pace University (USA), and B.A. in Primary Education from the University of Sunderland (UK). Before completing his doctoral studies, Pesonen worked as a classroom and special education teacher in Finland, and language teacher and academic coach in the United States.