Richards Lab was formed in 2018 and is based within the School of Psychology at the University of Birmingham. The Lab is led by Professor Caroline Richards; Clinical Psychologist, Professor of Neurodevelopmental Conditions. Research at Richards Lab focuses on clinical outcomes in children with neurodevelopmental conditions, with a particular emphasis on sleep and behaviour. This includes children with rare genetic syndromes, intellectual disability and autistic children. 

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Our current research utilises direct measures of sleep (e.g. actigraphy) and behaviour (e.g. eye-tracking), informant-report measures, behavioural observations and developmental/cognitive assessments. Through national and international collaborations with researchers within the fields of sleep, epilepsy, child development, autism and intellectual disability, as well as NHS partners, specialists, clinicians and practitioners, the overall aim of the Richards Lab is to develop, pilot and implement interventions that will improve clinical outcomes in children with neurodevelopmental conditions.

 

Cerebra Network

The Richards Lab is one of four research centres that comprises the Cerebra Network. The Cerebra Network is directed by Dr Jo Moss (University of Surrey), Professor Caroline Richards (University of Birmingham), Dr Jane Waite (Aston University) and Dr Hayley Crawford (University of Warwick). Network research hubs located at each University focus on key themes that are central to improving the lives of individuals with rare genetic syndromes, and providing resources to support caregivers and families. There is more information about our work as part of the Cerebra Network via both the Cerebra Network website and FIND website, where you can also find a number of guides, parent resources and videos that were co-developed by members of our team.