Embedded Files
The scope of our research is broad and includes applied studies aimed at improving understanding of the lived experience of Autism and genetic syndromes and cognitive studies aimed at gaining insight into cognitive styles. Our work takes a neurodiversity-affirming perspective and applies the principles of the social model of disability.
Our applied studies aim to elevate the voices and perspectives of Autistic people and to improve the public and professionals' understanding of neurodiversity, through research that raises awareness and breaks down barriers experienced by autistic individuals and those with genetic syndromes.
By using techniques including cognitive testing, eye-tracking and EEG we aim to further the understanding of the neural underpinnings of behaviour and cognition.
ShARL benefits greatly from the input of the local community; in particular those who generously give their time to work with us as co-researchers, to be on steering groups and also to participate in research studies.
We've learnt a great deal from the speakers at the Distinguished Speakers in Autism Series, and from chatting to attendees after the events. We’re lucky in Sheffield to have great collaborations with local teachers and clinicians who provide very useful insight into our research program, and also to have enthusiastic and hard-working students who want to work with us.
To everybody who has been involved and help us achieve what we’ve achieved so far: thank you.
For many people who are Autistic the world can be an overwhelming place. This is caused in-part by differences in perception and attention which result in hyper-sensitivity to certain types of stimuli, eg noise or visual patterns. This being combined with a reduction in the ability to filter-out irrelevant aspects of the environment can lead to sensory overload.
The lab has grown considerably over the last five years, and we are now tackling a range of research topics including
Autism and employment
post-diagnostic support in adulthood
public understanding of Autism
Autism and higher education
variability and heterogeneity in Autism
Since 2014 we have also started to investigate the cognitive and behavioural profile of other neurodevelopmental conditions including Sotos syndrome, Russell-Silver syndrome, Tatton-Brown Rahman syndrome, 16p11.2 deletion and duplication, SOX11 and MYT1L.
Page updated
Report abuse