PhD Studentship: Understanding cognition, behaviour and learning in rare genetic syndromes

Rare genetic syndromes are often associated with a profile of strengths and difficulties that are different to those who are neurotypical. However, knowledge of the profile associated with different conditions is often patchy leaving parents, clinicians and educators unsure what to expect following a clinical diagnosis. This project will be developed in collaboration with our partners at the Child Growth Foundation who support families of those with conditions such as Sotos syndrome, Weaver syndrome, Tatton-Brown Rahman syndrome, Russell-Silver syndrome. the aim of the project will be to improve knowledge in strategic areas of interest and potentially to develop educational interventions to support learning.

Funding Notes

This is one of many projects in competition for the current funding opportunities available within the Department of Psychology. Please see here for full details: http://www.sheffield.ac.uk/psychology/prospectivepg/funding
Overseas students are welcome to apply for funding but must be able to demonstrate that they can fund the difference in the tuition fees. Requirements: We ask for a minimum of a first class or high upper second-class undergraduate honours degree and a distinction or high merit at Masters level in psychology or a related discipline.

References

Lane, C., Milne, E., & Freeth, M. (2016). Cognition and behaviour in Sotos Syndrome: A systematic review. Plos One, 11(2), e0149189

Lane, C., Milne, E., & Freeth, M. (2017). Characteristics of Autism Spectrum Disorder in Sotos Syndrome. Journal of autism and developmental disorders, 47(1), 135-143