Research clusters

Neurodevelopmental Disorders

The Department’s Neurodevelopmental Disorders cluster carries out cutting edge studies on conditions such as autism, visual impairment and dyspraxia, focusing on changes in executive functions, musical ability and the preservation of special abilities.

Dr. Debbie Custance: Developmental-comparative psychology with special emphasis on cultural learning and parent-offspring relationships in human and non-human primates.

Dr. Lorna Goddard: The use of autobiographical memory in social problem-solving - particularly in relation to depression, gender and Asperger syndrome. Autobiographical memory in visual impairment.

Dr. Pam Heaton: Musical cognition in individuals with developmental disorders. Absolute pitch ability. Autism and the savant syndrome.

Dr Alice Jones: Antisocial behaviour in children and adolescents. Empathy and emotion processing in children with emotional and behavioural problems. Social inclusion of children and adolescents with developmental disorders in mainstream education.

Dr. Elisabeth Hill: Cognitive aspects of neurodevelopmental disorders including executive function, social cognition and motor coordination across the lifespan. Disorders of interest include autistic spectrum disorder, developmental coordination disorder and specific language impairment.

Prof. Linda Pring: Cognitive psychology, including cognitive neuropsychology, with an emphasis on reading and memory; psychology of visual handicap idiot-savant performance.