About Us
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. If you would like to find out more, please visit the Cerebra Network website.
The 2022 Cerebra Network for Neurodevelopmental Disorders annual report details the work that has go on in the last year. Recordings from the Cerebra Network for Neurodevelopmental Disorders Online Launch Event can be accessed here.
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.
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Our free TEACHER TRAINING RESOURCE has been developed to raise awareness and understanding of the complex needs of children with genetic syndromes, and to support educational practitioners and teachers. It can be found at www.findteacherresources.co.uk