Our research

Our group investigates a range of developmental social impairments in childhood and their clinical consequences.  These include:

• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
  We are undertaking basic research into early parent/child communication in infants at high risk of autism and pre-schoolers with autism.  We undertake the development and testing through randomised controlled trials of new early interventions for ASD.
• Attachment and Social Development
  We are investigating social impairment including Disinhibited Attachment Disorder, Autistic Spectrum Disorder and social cognitive functioning in children who have experienced maltreatment and disrupted care in early childhood.
• Mental Health Clinical Trials
  We are undertaking research into the treatment of self-harm in adolescents comparing Family Therapy (FT) with Treatment as Usual (TAU).
• Instruments and Training Courses
  We have developed a variety of instruments to assist our research and we run training courses for these instruments.