About Us
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The Neurodevelopmental Research lab is based at the School of Psychology, University of Surrey and is led by Dr Jo Moss.
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Our aim is to better understand social, emotional and cognitive diversity in individuals with a range of neurodevelopmental conditions. Our research is focused on understanding the complex pattern of autism and autistic traits observed in these populations as well as their impact on every-day social skills (e.g. peer relationships) and emotional well-being. We work with lots of different populations including: individuals with genetic syndromes, individuals with intellectual disability, autistic individuals and individuals with autistic traits.
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We use a range of different methods in our research including behaviour observation, cognitive assessments, neuropsychological tests, eye-tracking, questionnaire surveys and interviews. We work collaboratively with researchers and clinicians in the fields of neurodevelopmental disorders, autism, intellectual disability and genetics. Our research is funded by the Baily Thomas Charitable Fund, Experimental Psychology Society and Cerebra.
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The Cerebra Network for Neurodevelopmental Disorders
The Neurodevelopmental Research lab is one of four research centres that comprises the Cerebra Network for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, funded by Cerebra. The Cerebra Network is jointly directed by Dr Jo Moss (University of Surrey), Dr Caroline Richards (University of Birmingham), Dr Jane Waite (University of Aston) and Dr Hayley Crawford (University of Warwick).
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Network research hubs located at each university will focus on key themes that are central to improving the lives of individuals with severe and complex needs due to intellectual disability associated with rare genetic syndromes and/or autism including research into sleep, atypical autism and mental health, while continuing our work on self-injurious behaviour and pain in this population. The Network aims to improve the evidence that underpins better assessment and interventions for clinicians, and leads to improved outcomes for these individuals and their families.
Our Cerebra Network for Neurodevelopmental Disorders Online Launch Event took place virtually on 3rd June 2021. It was an exciting day of talks, which included a Family Focus session and Research Focus session. Our Network leads introduced our research goals, the teams carrying out the research and what we will be doing. Our Network Co-ordinator, Dr Kelly Wade, also covered family experiences of research, parents' viewpoints of participation and why it's needed. During the afternoon, our team, collaborators and guest speakers discussed the research behind our main themes: 1) autism, 2) sleep & behaviour, and 3) mental health. Recordings from the event can be accessed online.
The 2021 Cerebra Network for Neurodevelopmental Disorders annual report details the work that has go on in the last year.
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There is also more information about our work as part of the Cerebra Network via the FIND website, where you can also find a number of guides, parent resources and videos along with our manual of assessment and measures, all of which were were co-developed by members of our team.