The PhD student will work with children with Neurodevelopmental Disorders and their teachers, facilitated by the external partner organisation that provides services to these children, their parents and teachers. Involving children in the research, particularly in the development of an intervention, will ensure that practices are acceptable, feasible, motivating, and appropriate for those with Neurodevelopmental Disorders. Depression and anxiety are very common in children with Neurodevelopmental Disorders such as autism and ADHD, with as many as 1 in 2 showing these conditions. Alarmingly, research shows they present with mental health conditions from middle childhood, which is very different to their peers who have reduced risk and a much later presentation. The development of strategies to prevent these mental conditions is vital.Research has shown that children who are autistic or have ADHD show emotion regulation difficulties that start during the primary school years. These difficulties contribute to the development of mental health problems. Surprisingly few interventions have been developed to support emotion regulation in these children. Existing interventions have not included lived experience in their development. The current research will focus on developing an intervention, likely psychoeducation, to support these children using a co-production approach. Funded PhD This project is one of 21 four year PhD Studentships funded by Medical Research Scotland (MRS) (https://www.medicalresearchscotland.org.uk) to be delivered jointly by the named University and External Partner Organisation (EPO). The Studentship will provide first-class academic, and additional training provided by the EPO, needed to equip the successful candidate for a science career in an increasingly competitive market. Employer University of Edinburgh Deadline for applications 06 Mar, 2026 Additional detail link Further information and application
