Transdiagnostic Neurodiversity and Wellbeing: Understanding Differences at Diagnosis and Outcomes Post-diagnosis

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 ProblemShared to start in October 2025. https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/research/centre-ub/centre-ub

Understanding threats to mental health and wellbeing is an increasingly key challenge. How best to characterize and understand such difficulties in a changing world has been the topic of both rigorous research and highly-charged social and political discourse. Concurrent to this challenge has been a vast increase in the diagnostic rates of neurodivergence; most obviously in Autism and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Surprisingly despite these crucial parallel priorities, such experiences are rarely approached within a consistent framework. Neurodivergent people experience vastly increased difficulties with their wellbeing, but how these fit with broader understandings of their differences and difficulties is not well understood. Where attempts have been made at synthesis, people’s lived experience of such co-occurrence is rarely considered, but is vital for good outcomes.

The School of Psychology and ProblemShared have partnered to try and address this need. The successful applicant will work under the supervision of Dr Andrew Surtees, Prof. Ian Apperly and Dr Rory Devine at the University of Birmingham, and Dr Mark Winwood and Tika Nabarro with ProblemShared. They will use quantitative methods to look at how best to characterise neurodiversity in people referred for neurodevelopmental assessment. They will use both quantitative and qualitative methods to make sense of people’s trajectories after a neurodevelopmental diagnosis. They will work with a highly innovative service to understand the impact of different diagnoses and conceptualisations. They will work with an experts by experience group to shape research questions that are meaningful for service users. They will work towards a programme of research and impact to support meaningful outcomes.

We are looking for a highly talented and dedicated PhD student with a 1st class or 2:1 degree in psychology or a related field. An MSc degree in a relevant area is desirable though not necessary. Previous experience with research or practice with neurodivergent people or people with mental health problems is desirable. The successful applicant will have strong analytical skills, good knowledge of research and theory in psychological science, and a strong work ethic.

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 Dr Andrew Surtees, A.Surtees@bham.ac.uk.

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