Neurodivergent and Learning Disabilities Research Group (NALD)

Exploring Wellbeing and Mental Health in Neurodivergent groups and those who have Learning Disabilities.

The Neurodivergent and Learning Disabilities Research Group (NALD) explore core processes and factors that lead to wellbeing and positive mental health outcomes in neurodivergent groups (e.g. Autistic groups, ADHD groups) and those who have Learning Disabilities. Our research uses a wide range of methods including interviews, surveys, experiments, eye-tracking, large data, and longitudinal designs. This work is guided by a neurodiversity affirming framework and our team includes neurodivergent researchers and peers.

Some of the main topics we explore are: 

Neurodivergent Friendships and Relationships

Friendships and relationships are important because having stable social support protects against poor mental health outcomes. Research on friendships and relationships to date has focused on neurotypical experiences, however more is needed to understand neurodivergent experiences. Our research looks at the experience of relationships and friendships and relationships (peer, romantic, parent-child, teacher-student) in neurodivergent groups (e.g. Autistic groups, ADHD groups). This includes how friendships and relationships begin, function and end. It is crucial to know what type of relationships may contribute to wellbeing and poor mental health in these groups to inform interventions and support strategies.

Minorities within Neurominorities 

Even though neurodivergent groups are a minority group there are further minorities within these groups which may increase the likelihood of poor mental health, and complex trauma. This includes race, gender, sexuality. We explore experiences of minority groups to further understand the role of minority stress, social support, risk and resilience factors on mental health outcomes and PTSD.

Learning Disabilities 

Research that centres on children and young people who have Learning Disabilities is often based on caregiver and parent reports. There is often little research carried out with the child or young person themselves and they remain an under-represented group in mental health and wellbeing research. Our group explores the experiences of poor mental health in children and young people who have Learning Disabilities with a range of accessible and inclusive methods including photovoice, ema methods, and interviews with prompts. This is complemented by parent and caregiver perspectives (i.e. surveys, interviews and focus groups) which enables us to form a more holistic understanding of the young person’s experiences with their own voices at the centre.

Funded by UKRI, ESRC, and Wellcome.