Developmental Psychology & Psychiatry

Work in this theme aims to understand neurodevelopmental diversity, and develop new tools to support young people.

This research theme examines neurodevelopmental diversity - the range of ways in which children grow and learn - with a particular focus on intellectual disability, and autism. Researchers work closely with children and young people, and their families. We aim to understand more about their lived experiences, as well as testing cognitive, neurological and genetic explanations for variability in that experience. The work aims to develop new insights to support understanding and acceptance, as well as tools for use by young people and their doctors, teachers, therapists and parents.  

Much of the work is undertaken under the banner of two philanthropically funded University of Edinburgh centres of excellence with membership beyond the Division of Psychiatry:

• Salvesen Mindroom Research Centre
• Patrick Wild Centre for Research into Autism, Fragile X Syndome and Intellectual Disability

Example projects