Research Experience and Interests

Research Interests

Historically, my main research interests have been within  Autism Spectrum Disorders. Specifically, since the day I first heard the term, I have been grappling with the question “What is Autism?”. In trying to answer this, my research has taken me to explore gender differences in Autism, and the overlap between autism and co-occoring conditions.

More recently, my research reading and clinical practice has broadened my focus to child development, Neurodevelopmental Disorders and Paediatric Neuropsychology, including Learning Disability, ADHD, and Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders. I’ve been influenced by the ESSENCE model proposed by Chris Gillberg, and so my projects and reading focus on the issues of identification, assessment, overlap and intervention for these conditions.

Research Experience

My undergraduate research training focused on the scientific method, research study design, the use of univariate and multivariate statistical models. My Masters furthered my undergraduate training and allowed me to develop a greater understanding of qualitative methods, in particular Template Analysis and Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis. It also provided experience of conducting research in clinical settings, including NHS ethical and R+D approval, and accessing and handling confidential patient information for research purposes. My Doctoral training provided training on more advanced techniques, such as Structural Equation Modeling and Meta-Regression, and has focused on project management. In total, I have completed 70 B level credits, 60 M level credits, and 80 D level credits of research training, in addition to an extended dissertation/thesis for each course.

Full details of my publications can be seen here