Katherine’s research focuses on understanding the diversity of strengths and challenges in social, emotional, and wellbeing outcomes for children with and without neurodevelopmental conditions, including autism, genetic syndromes, and intellectual disabilities. Her work examines how neurobiological, cognitive, and environmental risk and resilience factors interact to shape these outcomes. A central strand of Katherine’s research is the development of inclusive and accessible assessment tools, methodologies, and research designs that enable the meaningful participation of children with additional needs.

Katherine specialises in social development in people with intellectual disabilities, autism, and other neurodevelopmental conditions. After completing a first-class undergraduate degree and PhD at the University of Birmingham, Katherine’s work has focused on understanding how genetic, brain, and behavioural factors shape patterns of sociability and social cognition in these communities.

Katherine developed the UK’s largest dataset on social cognition in children with genetic syndromes and explored inclusive methods, including eye-tracking, wearable technologies, and online approaches, to study social and sensory experiences while reducing barriers to participation for children with additional needs.

Since 2023, Katherine has contributed to the development of the FIND teacher training resource (https://www.findteacherresources.co.uk/), designed to support education practitioners working with children with intellectual disabilities linked to genetic syndromes. Katherine’s current work explores how a neurodiversity approach can inform research and practice in supporting people with intellectual and neurodevelopmental conditions. Alongside research, Katherine has taught on the MSc Psychological Sciences (Conversion) since 2020 and became Course Director in 2025.