Neurodiversity in parent-child relationships in the early years: Researching the diversity of the parent-infant system, and developing guidance

The Centre for National Training and Research Excellence in Understanding Behaviour (Centre-UB) is inviting applications for a Doctoral Studentship in association with our collaborative partner the National Children’s Bureau to start in October 2025. https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/research/centre-ub/centre-ub

The early years (0-5 years) represent a critical period of change and difficulty for parents and infants, during which parent-child relationships are established and developed. However, little is known about how the early years are shaped by the personal differences of parents, of children, and of their dyadic relationship systems. Neurodiversity reflects differences in cognition and behaviour across the population and the lifespan. Neurodivergent people have much increased risk of mental health conditions, and are thought to receive inequitable service access and support. Not recognising the impact of neurodiversity on parents and infants risks substantial inequity in parent-child support service delivery. Understanding the parent-infant relationship system relies on a careful mapping of individual differences, but also understanding the relationships of such characteristics between parents and infants.

This project will investigate the role of neurodiversity in the parent-child relationship on cognitive and socioemotional development during the early years, and mental health outcomes for parents. We will examine the development of personal differences in sensory processing in children and parents in early life, and how this varies according to the nature of sensory processing differences with the parent-child relationship.

The PhD student will benefit from an innovative collaboration between Prof. Andy Bremner, Dr Andy Surtees (University of Birmingham) and Prof. Alice Jones Bartoli at the National Children’s Bureau. Research will be supported by Prof. Bremner’s expertise in the developmental origins of sensory processing differences and Dr Surtees’s expertise in neurodiversity in parents and infants/children.

The PhD student will work directly with the NCB throughout their PhD to shape their research to benefit from and inform policy and practice in the early years. Their research questions will be refined in collaboration with the NCB, drawing directly on the expertise there, and findings from the research will be used to inform a more neurodiverse-inclusive approach to early years parenting guidance.

We are looking for a highly talented and dedicated PhD student with a 1st class or 2:1 degree in the field of psychology. An MSc degree in a relevant area is desirable though not necessary. Previous experience working with infants, children and their parents, and quantitative statistical methods is desirable.

To be considered for this PhD, please follow the instructions here. https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/research/centre-ub/centre-ub-phd-studentships

Application deadline: 5 March 2025

Informal enquiries about the project prior to application can be directed to Prof. Andrew J. Bremner ([email protected]).

Funding notes:

Centre-UB studentships cover tuition fees, a maintenance stipend, support for research training, as well as research activity support grants. Due to funding stipulations set by UKRI, we are able to recruit up to 30% of international applicants to the cohort each year. You can find further details https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/research/centre-ub/centre-ub-phd-studentships