Centre for Applied Health Research

Mental Health and Neurodiversity

Mental health disorders are among the top ten leading causes of disease burden worldwide, with no evidence of global reduction and some evidence to suggest an increase in prevalence. Whilst neurodiversity and neurodevelopmental conditions such as autism are not mental illnesses, the challenges faced by neurodiverse people having to navigate system designed for neurotypical populations can greatly increase the risk of them experiencing associated mental distress and disorders. This interdisciplinary research focuses on improving services and outcomes for children, young people and adults vulnerable to or experiencing mental health problems or those with neurodevelopmental differences. Our research around mental health comprises a programme of research committed to preventing mental illness, improving the mental health of those experiencing problems and their families and promoting mental wellbeing.  This includes developing understanding and approaches to enable effective mental health nurse interventions and using creative and psychological therapies to treat depression.  Our research around neurodevelopmental conditions focuses on autism and Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD).  In particular providing world leading research to understand the cause and impact of FASD and developing ways of supporting families and carers of people with FASD, and those within the criminal justice system.

Research in this area has been funded by MRC, NIHR, Burdett Trust, The Wellcome Trust and the AHRC. 

To see our current PhD students and our proposed PhD opportunities, click here

Leads

Professor Clare Allely

Dr Celeste Foster

Dr Gemma Trainor

workshop hosted by Arts For the Blues
Arts for the Blues
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Experiences of people with Casadastraphobia
This Image shows a piece of neuroimaging equipment, used to measure brain activity, being set up on someone's head
#EEGManyLabs
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Impact of Co-Produced Parent Training for Autistic Children
The NAPICU and Salford research teams at a symposium event
Improving the Evidence-Base for Intensive CAMHS Provision
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Investigating if compassion focused therapy reduces psychological distress in women/birthing people
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Mood on the Move: Smart Watch App Young People Who Self-harm
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Parent Education for FASD
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Prevalence of FASD
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Scaling up Human Henge
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SPECIFiC: A Parenting Programme for Caregivers of Children with FASD
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The Salford Nature Environments Database
visual minutes describing the 'Value of Play' research project
The Value of Play
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Completed Projects
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Organisations With Whom We Work, Partner